Unearthing Social Justice in Stone and Speech

Voices and Landmarks of Social Change in the Village There are moments when a building becomes more than brick and stone — when it holds not just architectural value, but the emotional weight of the people who passed through it. And sometimes, it is through the voices of those people that we learn to see […]

Business of the Month: Cowgirl, 519 Hudson Street

Your input is needed! Today we feature our latest Business of the Month — help us to select the next. Tell us which independent store you love in Greenwich Village, the East Village, or NoHo: click here to nominate your favorite. Want to help support small businesses? Share this post with friends. They say even cowgirls get the blues. But […]

French Flats: A New Way to Live

Explore the History Behind the WallsStep into the story of the French Flats—19th-century apartment buildings that transformed how New Yorkers lived. With Village Preservation’s interactive map, you can explore each site, view historic images, and uncover the lives of artists, activists, and everyday people who called these flats home.Experience the map In the 1870s, something […]

    Holden Caulfield’s Lost Weekend in Greenwich Village

    On July 16, 1951, the best-selling novel, The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger, was released. It’s a coming-of-age story that follows the depressed and increasingly dejected sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield in his aimless escapades around Manhattan.  An aspiring lost soul, Holden spends an unchaperoned weekend wandering the streets of the city he grew up […]

      Visualizing The Federal Rowhouse Preservation Project

      In the mid-1980s, staff members of the Landmarks Preservation Commission embarked on the Federal Rowhouse Project, an ambitious effort to document Manhattan’s remaining federal era rowhouses. These houses, dating from about 1790 to 1835, represent the oldest remnants of English settlement in Manhattan. Many were located below 14th Street, with the highest concentration in Greenwich […]

        Martin Wong’s Visual Poetry of Urban Life

        Martin Wong (July 11, 1946 – August 12, 1999) was one of the most affecting and visionary artists to emerge from New York City’s East Village and Lower East Side art scene in the late 20th century. A painter, archivist, and chronicler of the marginalized, Wong transformed crumbling walls on the Lower East Side into […]

        Co-Named Streets Commemorate Local Heroes, Part IV

        We’ve all seen them: signs tucked under the official names of local streets, honoring a neighborhood notable with a “Way,” “Place,” or “Corner.” Unfortunately, more often than not, the people on these “co-named” street signs are often unknown to most passers-by. We look at three of thosehonorees: Bella Abzug, Sara Curry, and Frieda Zames.

          How One Developer/Architect Partnership Changed West 14th Street

          New York City was changing rapidly in the early 1900s. Industrialization and exponential population growth led to a shifting architectural landscape: single-family homes gave way to grand high-rise apartment buildings, and several neighborhoods increasingly became host to commercial and manufacturing uses. One such area was the Meatpacking District where, in 1887, the City widened Gansevoort […]

          Honoring the Legacy of Nathan Silver: Architect, Educator, Preservationist

          Born March 11, 1936, author and architect Nathan Silver was best known for his 1967 book, Lost New York, which documented great New York City landmarks and architecture that had disappeared. Silver passed away on May 19, 2025, but remains a towering figure in the preservation of New York City’s architectural memory. Lost New York was not just […]

            Unwrapping Francis Hines’ Fabric Village Legacy

            The 1975 Daily News Headline, “Ford to City: Drop Dead,” has become symbolic of the state of New York City during the 1970s. Bankruptcy was looming, and as many middle-class and wealthier residents left for the suburbs, the City was unable to fund key public services. While President Gerald Ford never actually used the words “Drop […]

              From LGBTQ+ History to Art Deco: Village Preservation’s Upcoming Programs

              Hosting over 80 programs annually, nearly all of which are free and open to the public, Village Preservation programming brings the architectural and cultural history of our neighborhoods to life through tours, lectures, conversations, webinars, and much more.  You can revisit many of these programs on Village Preservation’s YouTube channel. Today we take a look […]

              Welcome Aboard, Gaël Evers

              Today we welcome aboard Gaël (pronounced Ga—el) Evers as our new Director of Communication and Design, joining current and continuing Communications and Design Director David Herman. Gaël is a graphic designer and creative strategist who’s passionate about crafting clear, compelling communication that connects deeply with audiences. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, raised […]

              Where Radicalism Found a Home: Emma Goldman in the Village

              At her prime, she was called “the most dangerous woman in America.” At her core, she was a Jewish Russian immigrant who relentlessly advocated for women’s equality, workers’ rights, free speech, and political reform.  Emma Goldman (1869–1940) was an anarchist and activist at heart, a pivotal leader in the American progressive movement. And it was […]

                From Bob Dylan Posters to Underground Art: Milton Glaser in the Village

                Few graphic designers get to achieve national recognition for their work in a variety of media, and have their designs continue to influence and delight the public after their careers end. Milton Glaser, who received a National Medal of Arts in 2009, was one such outstanding designer, and he got his start here in the […]

                  Celebrating #Landmarks60, Part V

                  The New York City Landmarks Law was signed on April 19, 1965 by Mayor Robert Wagner. Since then, about 38,000 NYC properties have been protected under the law. To mark that occasion, we created a StoryMap showing a timeline of all landmark designations in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo, from 1965 to 2025. […]

                    Saving Tony Dapolito: A Landmark of Culture, Community, and Cinema in Jeopardy

                    Tony Dapolito Recreation Center stands in the heart of Greenwich Village and has served these many years as much more than just a city rec center. It’s a place where generations of New Yorkers learned to swim, shoot hoops, and connect with their neighbors. It’s also a cultural touchstone — immortalized in films like Raging […]

                    Lillian Hellman vs. HUAC: Conscience, Courage, and the Cost of Speaking Out

                    Lillian Hellman, Greenwich Village, and Her Stand Against HUAC Greenwich Village has always been more than just a charming New York neighborhood — it has been a crucible for radical ideas, artistic experimentation, and political defiance. Among the many bold voices shaped by the Village’s spirit was Lillian Hellman, a trailblazing playwright and screenwriter who […]

                    Martha Graham on Fifth Avenue

                    On June 18, 2015, Village Preservation unveiled a plaque in collaboration with The New School, honoring the legacy of Modern dance pioneer Martha Graham. The plaque was placed at 66 Fifth Avenue, where Graham’s company rehearsed and forged new performances in the 1930s and 40s. See images of the unveiling here and a video here. Graham […]

                      Gruss Aus Kleindeutschland (Greetings from Little Germany): Exploring the Legacy of this Immigrant Neighborhood

                      In the 19th century, the Lower East Side including what we now call the East Village was home to one of the largest German-speaking communities in the world outside of Europe. Known as Kleindeutschland, or “Little Germany,” it was a thriving cultural enclave that shaped much of New York City’s early immigrant history. Today, though […]

                      The Fight to Protect LGBTQ+ History South of Union Square

                      Pride Month is an important time to honor the struggles and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in New York City and beyond. While some key sites across the city have been landmarked to recognize that history — including those we’ve campaigned for in our neighborhoods —  numerous sites essential to the progress made remain unprotected […]

                      Two Great Halls Hosted the 2025 Village Awards

                      Last night marked another wonderful, successful Annual Meeting and Village Awards, one of our favorite nights of the year at Village Preservation! This year, we had the privilege of hosting the meeting and reception in not one, but two spectacular historic spaces in our neighborhoods: Cooper Union Great Hall As has been the tradition for […]

                      Shadowed Sanctuaries: The Mafia’s Complicated Role in Queer Nightlife

                      Across the country, June is recognized as Pride Month, celebrating LGBTQ+ communities in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment in the fight for gay rights and liberation. Our neighborhoods have held a longstanding, deep connection with the queer community, having served as hubs for bars, restaurants, clubs, theaters, and community centers that […]

                        2015 Village Awardees – Where Are They Now?

                        On June 17, 2015 Village Preservation held its 35th Annual Meeting and 25th Annual Village Awards in the landmarked Auditorium of The New School. That event, emceed by Calvin Trillin, honored some amazing awardees, including Barbara Shaum, Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks, David Rothenberg, The Renee & Chaim Gross Foundation, 201 East 12th Street Renovation, and our Regina […]

                          Exploring Local LGBTQ+ History Through Historic Images

                          An exciting feature of Village Preservation’s sizable Historic Image Archive is the ability to filter images by category, or “tag.” We have added tags to the more than 5,000 historic photographs in our archive, so that users can easily view images organized by their interests.  To celebrate pride, we will explore images using the “LGBTQ+” tag, which […]

                          Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act: Win-Win Solution or Reckless Deregulation?

                          The “Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act” (FBAHA) has been reintroduced in the current New York State legislative session, and Village Preservation Executive Director Andrew Berman participated in a recent panel hosted by the City Club of New York to discuss this proposed legislation and share his concerns. Joining him were urban planning consultant George Janes, Sisters […]

                          The Talking Heads and CBGB: A Story of Collaboration

                          On June 5th, 1975, the Talking Heads performed their first gig, as an opening act for the Ramones at legendary venue CBGB. The show started the band’s career, and kickstarted their relationship with CBGB. CBGB was opened at 315 Bowery in 1973 by Hilly Krystal, its name standing for “Country Bluegrass Blues.” Krystal eventually changed […]

                          The Lesbian Bars and Gathering Spots of the Village

                          Throughout the history of LGBTQIA+ life in our neighborhoods, there is a rich lineage of spaces specifically intended for queer women and lesbians. Today, as we start Pride Month, let’s take a look at just a few of the many historic lesbian bars, clubs, and hangouts that called our neighborhoods home — from a century […]

                            2025 Village Award Winner: La Lanterna di Vittorio

                            Village Preservation is proud to honor the La Lanterna di Vittorio as a 2025 Village Awardee! Join us in recognizing La Lanterna and the five other remarkable awardees at Village Preservation’s Annual Meeting and Village Awards on Wednesday, June 11th, at the historic Great Hall at Cooper Union. Registration is free and open to all. Click here to […]

                              2025 Village Award Winner: Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center

                              Village Preservation is proud to honor the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center as a 2025 Village Awardee! Join us in recognizing SNMVC and the five other remarkable awardees at Village Preservation’s Annual Meeting and Village Awards on Wednesday, June 11th, at the historic Great Hall at Cooper Union. Registration is free and open to all. […]

                              Some Housing? No Housing? The Impact of SoHo/NoHo Rezoning More than Three Years In

                              In December 2021, the City Council passed the de Blasio administration’s contentious proposal to rezone SoHo, NoHo, and Chinatown. The goal of the plan was to address the lack of new affordable housing in these communities by allowing for larger developments and more “as-of-right” developments that would include new residential components. The City’s 10-year study […]

                              When the City Heats Up: Scenes from a New York Summer

                              A New York winter can be brutal. There’s slush in the streets, wind tunnels down every avenue, and it feels as though the city is enveloped in a bleak, monochromatic grayscale. But, hope is not lost, because when that first warm breeze arrives and replaces the puffy coat can finally be put away, we’re all […]

                                The Jazz Age in Brick and Steel: Art Deco, the Chrysler Building, and Its Enduring Legacy in Greenwich Village

                                The Chrysler Building is one of the most iconic and beloved skyscrapers ever built. With its soaring spire, chrome-plated gargoyles modeled after 1929 Chrysler hood ornaments, and gleaming, terraced crown, it was the epitome of Art Deco design: elegant, futuristic, and unapologetically modern. Its dazzling lobby welcomed its first visitors when the Chrysler Building opened […]

                                The Life and Times of Jonas Mekas

                                Imagine a time before independent film. Just about no one makes them. If more did, no one would show them. And if someone showed them, few would watch them and certainly no one would write about them, because they just aren’t something worthy of serious discussion. If all that changed, it was, to no small […]

                                Celebrating Lower East Side History Month and Honoring Charles and Kathy Fitzgerald at the Village Awards

                                May is Lower East Side History Month, a time to reflect on the rich tapestry of cultures, stories, and activism that have shaped this iconic New York neighborhood. This year, our Annual Meeting/Village Awards celebration will be especially poignant as we honor Charles Fitzgerald and his wife, Kathy Cerick Fitzgerald, who will be recipients of […]

                                Celebrating #Landmarks60, Part IV

                                The New York City Landmarks Law was signed on April 19, 1965 by Mayor Robert Wagner. Since then, about 38,000 NYC properties have been protected under the law. To mark that occasion, we created a StoryMap showing a timeline of all landmark designations in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo, from 1965 to 2025. […]

                                  Forbidden Planet: 2025 Village Awardee and a Living Archive of Imagined Futures

                                  Village Preservation is proud to honor Forbidden Planet as a 2025 Village Awardee! Join us in recognizing Forbidden Planet and the five other remarkable awardees at Village Preservation’s Annual Meeting and Village Awards on Wednesday, June 11th, at the historic Great Hall at Cooper Union. Registration is free and open to all. Click here to register. At […]

                                  Business of the Month: 3rd & B’zaar, 191 East 3rd Street

                                  Your input is needed! Today we feature our latest Business of the Month — help us to select the next. Tell us which independent store you love in Greenwich Village, the East Village, or NoHo: click here to nominate your favorite. Want to help support small businesses? Share this post with friends. We are not qualified to tell whether our […]

                                  2025 Village Award Winner: LUNGS

                                  Village Preservation is proud to honor Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens, or LUNGS, as a 2025 Village Awardee! Join us in recognizing LUNGS and the five other remarkable awardees at Village Preservation’s Annual Meeting and Village Awards on Wednesday, June 11th, at the historic Great Hall at Cooper Union. Registration is free and open to all. […]

                                    Continuing Ed Rocks in the East Village

                                    Each Fall and Spring semester, Village Preservation offers a Continuing Education Course for Real Estate Professionals. Designed to fulfill all legal requirements for the compulsory 22.5 hours of continuing ed credits for real estate licensees, the course is also open for the general public to audit at a discounted rate. Our home base for the […]

                                    Tracing Elizabeth Blackwell’s Village Career

                                    No. 58 Bleecker Street is a more than 200-year-old house with a particularly storied past. While it was built in 1822-1823 for James Roosevelt, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s great grandfather, he is far from the building’s most significant occupant. On May 12th, 1857, Elizabeth Blackwell, opened the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in […]

                                      Faith, Foundations, and Fresh Beginnings: Celebrating the Legacy of St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery

                                      On May 9, 1799, St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery was consecrated, marking a pivotal moment in New York City’s religious and architectural history. This consecration followed four years after the laying of the cornerstone in 1795, and the church was completed under the guidance of architect John McComb Jr., renowned for his work on New York […]

                                      Ferriss, Hood, and a Century of Art Deco

                                      Village Preservation’s recently released A Century of Art Deco Storymap features some 40 outstanding examples of the beloved design style. Among those historic structures — most of which still stand in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo — are two structures that are decidedly not Art Deco. Rather, we honor two of their past […]

                                      2025 Village Award Winner: Danspace Project

                                      Village Preservation is proud to honor Danspace Project as a 2025 Village Awardee! Join us in recognizing Danspace and the five other remarkable awardees at Village Preservation’s Annual Meeting and Village Awards on Wednesday, June 11th, at the historic Great Hall at Cooper Union. Registration is free and open to all. Click here to register. In the […]

                                        Celebrating #Landmarks60 Part III

                                        The New York City Landmarks Law was signed into law on April 19, 1965 by Mayor Robert Wagner. Since then, about 38,000 NYC properties have been protected under the law. To mark that occasion, we created a StoryMap showing a timeline of all landmark designations in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo, from 1965 […]

                                          The Deco-Packed Meatpacking District

                                          The market buildings of the Meatpacking District were developed from the 1840s-1950s, designed in a range of architectural styles, and help make it one of New York City’s most unique neighborhoods. Typical market building features, such as metal canopies and 1-to-3 story heights bring sense of cohesion to the district. Most of the neighborhood was […]

                                            Celebrating the Rich Tapestry of May in Our Neighborhoods

                                            The month of May bursts with meaning in New York City, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the historic and diverse neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. May is Haitian Heritage Month, Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Lower East Side History Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and National […]

                                            Welcome to the Neighborhood: Art Gotham, 4 St. Mark’s Place

                                            Today we welcome a new small business to our neighborhoods — help us welcome the next. Tell us which new independent store in Greenwich Village, the East Village, or NoHo you’re excited about by emailing us at info@villagepreservation.org. As advocates for local small business, we find great satisfaction in hearing of new independent establishments opening […]

                                            Awards Season—Greenwich Village Style

                                            Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes one of our favorite annual traditions: Village Awards season! This year, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Village Preservation invites you to the 45th Annual Meeting and 35th Village Awards. This free, public celebration honors the extraordinary people, places, and organizations that make our neighborhoods some […]

                                              Art Deco’s Anniversary

                                              On April 28, 1925, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, or “International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Art,” opened in Paris, France. This was the official launch of an architectural and artistic style that had already been percolating, defined by molded masses and geometric forms, bold colors, sharp kinetic lines and […]

                                              Landmarks60: The Historic Churches of Our Neighborhood

                                              The New York City Landmarks Law was signed into law on April 19, 1965, by Mayor Robert Wagner. Since then, about 38,000 properties in all five boroughs have been protected under the law.  Many of the landmarks designated in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo were highlighted as part of our celebration of Landmarks50, […]

                                                Celebrating #Landmarks60 Part II

                                                The New York City Landmarks Law was signed into law on April 19, 1965 by Mayor Robert Wagner. Since then, about 38,000 NYC properties have been protected under the law. Many of the landmarks designated in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo were highlighted as part of our celebration of Landmarks50, the 50th anniversary […]

                                                  Earth Day in the Village: The Greenest Building is the One That’s Already Built

                                                  As Earth Day blooms across New York City, there’s a special kind of quiet beauty on every tree-lined street of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo — neighborhoods where history is embedded in the dust of every brick. While global sustainability efforts often spotlight solar panels and LEED certifications, this Earth Day, let’s celebrate […]

                                                  A Walk Through Time: Village Preservation’s Spring House Tour Benefit

                                                  Every first Sunday in May, something quietly magical unfolds in the winding streets of Greenwich Village. As cherry blossoms bloom and stoops warm in the afternoon sun, a few special doors open—not just to private homes, but to entirely different eras. Our Spring House Tour Benefit isn’t just a peek into exquisite interiors—it’s a kind […]

                                                  Beyond the Village and Back: Green-Wood Cemetery

                                                  In our series Beyond the Village and Back, we take a look at some great landmarks throughout New York City outside of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo, celebrate their special histories, and reveal their (sometimes hidden) connections to the Village. You can also explore via our Beyond the Village and Back: Manhattan South […]

                                                    Paper, Politics, and Pixels: The VID Collection and the Power to Bring Digitized Archives to Life

                                                    In an age where access to information is just a click away, digitized archives are becoming essential tools for researchers, students, journalists, and curious minds alike. When organizations make historical materials publicly accessible online, they’re not just preserving the past—they’re actively connecting it to the present and future. Village Preservation’s digitized archive of the Village […]

                                                    The Nation Mourns: Lincoln’s Final Journey Through New York

                                                    It was the bullet felt around the world. On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot by stage actor, Confederate sympathizer, and white supremacist John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC. Lincoln succumbed to his wounds in the early hours of the following day, April 15, at the Peterson Boarding House just […]

                                                      Where the Beats Sang: Washington Square’s Forgotten Protest

                                                      At the start of Fifth Avenue sits the grand Washington Square Arch, welcoming New Yorkers and visitors alike into the heart of Greenwich Village. Today, on a stroll through the park, one might find street artists performing in the empty fountain, college students sharing a quick lunch between classes, and strangers deep in conversation about […]

                                                        Getting to Know Our Landmarks60 Timeline Map

                                                        On April 19th, 1965 the New York City Landmarks Law was passed. This law was created to protect the City’s invaluable stock of historic sites, allowing for buildings, neighborhoods and other historic locations to be preserved through Landmark Designation. Since the law’s passage, more than 38,000 sites around the city have been landmarked, including a […]

                                                          You’re Invited to the Spring House Tour Benefit

                                                          The Spring House Tour Benefit is one of my favorite Village Preservation events, and it’s something I look forward to all year. It was the very first event I got to be part of when I joined the team almost two years ago, and it epitomizes a lot of the beautiful things about our neighborhood […]

                                                            Library Week, the Landmarks Law, and Our Local Branches

                                                            “The only thing that you absolutely have to know,” Albert Einstein once said, “is the location of the library.” So it’s a good thing that four outstanding, historic branches are located in our neighborhoods. This month, we have even more reason to celebrate these institutions during National Library Week, which highlights the ever-growing importance libraries […]

                                                              The Iconic Women of One Greenwich Village Block

                                                              Our neighborhood is packed with rich histories of trailblazing women who worked, lived, and organized within its streets.  Within just one small block in Greenwich Village, consisting of West Washington Place and Sheridan Square between 6th and 7th Avenues, there are multiple sites that have deep connections to Women’s History. On Village Preservation’s Greenwich Village […]

                                                                The Coffee House Club: Connecting and Caffeinating Minds for Over a Century

                                                                New York City is home to what is arguably the most diverse and vibrant cultural scene anywhere in the world. Within that vast intellectual, artistic, and expressive mosaic there lies a hidden gem—a group where creativity, conversation, and camaraderie come together over an hot cup of America’s favorite caffeinated beverage. That gem is the Coffee […]

                                                                Celebrating #Landmarks60

                                                                The New York City Landmarks Law was signed into law on April 19, 1965 by Mayor Robert Wagner. Since then, about 38,000 NYC properties have been protected under the law. Many of the landmarks designated in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo were highlighted as part of our celebration of Landmarks50, the 50th anniversary […]

                                                                  Beyond the Village and Back, Severance Edition: Bell Labs Holmdel Complex

                                                                  In our series Beyond the Village and Back, we take a look at some great landmarks outside of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo, celebrate their special histories, and reveal their (sometimes hidden) connections to our neighborhoods. The headquarters of the fictional Lumon Industries, featured in the hit Apple TV show Severance, perfectly captures […]

                                                                  Essential Local Oral Histories for Women’s History Month

                                                                  Women have been constant change makers throughout history and around the world, and that of course includes right here in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. Village Preservation has sought to capture their legacies and tell their stories through our long-standing series of oral histories. In honor of Women’s History Month, we take a […]

                                                                    Tragedy Led to Critical Reforms in Greenwich Village and the East Village

                                                                    On February 20, 1883, a fire broke out at the school affiliated with the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer. Located on East 4th Street between Avenues A and B, the Romanesque Revival-style Catholic school building was erected directly behind the main sanctuary in 1851-52. By the early 1880s, more than 900 children had enrolled, […]

                                                                    A Timeless Tradition: Get Ready for Our Annual House Tour Benefit!

                                                                    Whether you’re a local, live nearby, or are just passing through, Village Preservation’s annual House Tour Benefit is not one to miss. For 24 years and counting, some of our community’s most beautiful and unique homes have opened their doors and allowed us (and you!) inside for a look at exquisite interiors, meticulous restorations, unparalleled […]

                                                                      Preserving and Honoring Women’s History

                                                                      For decades, Village Preservation has been advocating for the landmark designation of buildings in our neighborhoods significant not only for their architectural merit, but for the many important layers of cultural heritage present at these sites. We’ve had some great successes, and achieved landmark status for places including: Yet landmarking buildings for their cultural significance […]

                                                                      Celebrating the Power of Storytellers: The Importance of Oral Histories in Preserving a Neighborhood’s Spirit

                                                                      Every neighborhood has its own unique story, a tapestry woven from the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of its residents. These stories are often passed down from one generation to the next, shaping the very identity of the place. In a world where rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and cultural shifts often leave little room for reflection, […]

                                                                      A Look at the History of Female Nightlife Activists in the Village

                                                                      Our neighborhoods have long thrived on an electric, eclectic energy that fuels creativity, rebellion, and cultural ferment. Amid the many powerful forces shaping the area’s nightlife history, women are among the pivotal yet often overlooked figures — transforming not only the local scene but the wider social and political landscape. These women were not just […]

                                                                      Behind the Historic Image Archive: Women Who’ve Captured History, Part III

                                                                      Countless women have made important contributions to the arts in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. Many have made direct contributions of their art to Village Preservation’s Historic Image Archive, documenting decades of architectural and cultural history. These women were not just artists or photographers, but often advocates or architects, and served in many […]

                                                                        Threads of History: The Legacy of Fred Leighton and Greenwich Village Fashion

                                                                        Like architecture, literature, and art, fashion is yet another entryway into the past. To understand what we once wore is to embody what we once believed, cared for, and prioritized. For example, the loose fitting smock-styled tunics and silhouettes of the 1920s signify a direct rebellion from more restrictive Victorian era clothing like corsets and […]

                                                                          When Paris was Burning, Queer Communities were Forming

                                                                          “If everyone went to balls and did less drugs, the world would be fun, wouldn’t it?” -Dorian Corey “Some of them say that we’re sick, we’re crazy. And some of them think that we are the most gorgeous, special things on Earth.” -Venus Xtravaganza A seminal work in the history of NYC’s queer and trans […]

                                                                            Business of the Month: 11th Street Bar, 510 East 11th Street

                                                                            Your input is needed! Today we feature our latest Business of the Month — help us to select the next. Tell us which independent store you love in Greenwich Village, the East Village, or NoHo: click here to nominate your favorite. Want to help support small businesses? Share this post with friends. Great bars come in two varieties: the specialized […]

                                                                            Behind the Historic Image Archive: Women Who’ve Captured History, Part II

                                                                            Countless women have made important contributions to the arts in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. Many have made direct contributions of their art to Village Preservation’s Historic Image Archive, documenting decades of architectural and cultural history. These women were not just artists or photographers, but often advocates or architects, and served in many […]

                                                                              Artists, Advocates, and Architects of Community: Honoring Women in Preservation at the Village Awards

                                                                              Each year, Village Preservation celebrates the individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made a significant positive impact on Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo with our Village Awards. Since 1980, Village Preservation has worked tirelessly to protect and promote the architectural and cultural heritage of our historic communities. The Village Awards, an annual tradition, […]

                                                                              Behind the Historic Image Archive: Women Who’ve Captured History

                                                                              Countless women have made important contributions to the arts in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. Many have made direct contributions of their art to Village Preservation’s Historic Image Archive, documenting decades of architectural and cultural history. Today we explore some of the earliest contributions to our archive. These women were not just artists […]

                                                                                Woman Crush Wednesday: Emily Post in Greenwich Village

                                                                                Emily Post, one of America’s most influential figures in the field of etiquette, lived a life that combined a deep understanding of social protocol with the pulse of New York City’s energetic, ever-changing culture. Though most famous for her book Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home (1922), her personal life and […]

                                                                                (Temporarily) Hidden in Plain Sight: What is Revealed When a Building is Lost?

                                                                                Our blog series “Hidden in Plain Sight” highlights the many architectural curiosities and unique features found on buildings throughout our neighborhoods — details you might not notice on first pass, but if you’re paying attention, they tell easily overlooked and often forgotten stories. In late 2024, a loss that we knew was imminent arrived: the […]

                                                                                Seventh Avenue South’s Shifting Streetscape

                                                                                Our Historic Images from Landmarks Applications collection is one of the most extensive in our historic image archive. It is regularly updated with additional historic images that are included in local Certificate of Appropriateness applications to the Landmarks Preservation Commission. These provide invaluable documentation of our neighborhoods, and the newest batch includes a number of images of buildings […]

                                                                                Charles Fitzgerald: The Accidental Force Behind St. Mark’s Place

                                                                                In the beginning, Manhattan real estate was cheap. Dirt cheap. And this gave anyone the opportunity to shape its future. Charles Fitzgerald seized that opportunity and helped turn St Mark’s Place into the corridor we know today. The following account is based on Charles’ recollections of his life and work on this block.  He came to […]