Handwriting may be a bit of a lost art these days. But handwritten records remain hugely important when conducting historical research. The vast majority of extant original houses in New … Continued
On January 21, 1955, the literary world was introduced to one of its most unforgettable characters: Auntie Mame. Patrick Dennis’s rollicking novel, Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade, became an instant … Continued
The release of the biopic A Complete Unknown a few weeks ago has sparked renewed interest in the life, local history, and work of music icon Bob Dylan. And while … Continued
In November, 2024, Village Preservation released a report detailing the extensive artistic history of the area South of Union Square. Part of our ongoing campaign to designate this area as … Continued
Greenwich Village has long been celebrated as a cultural and artistic hub, attracting writers, poets, and thinkers from around the world. Among the luminaries who found inspiration in the Village’s … Continued
Will technology destroy the world or save it? This recurring conundrum has provided fertile ground for speculation; and it was precisely this sort of speculation that once gave rise to … Continued
With the passing of former President Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024, we look back on the important role he played for more affordable housing in the 1980s East Village … Continued
On August 8, 1848, an Act of Congress played a significant role in shaping the landscape of New York City’s commerce and infrastructure: it granted part of the land to help establishment of the Gansevoort Farmers’ Market and the West Washington Market. This helped lay the groundwork for what would become one of the most vibrant and essential markets in all of New York City.
Village Preservation has declared December to be South Village Month! Why, you ask? Well, we kicked off our campaign to seek landmark designation for the entire South Village and its … Continued
On September 20, 1955, the world of theater witnessed the opening of a stunning revival of The Threepenny Opera, a work by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill that had already … Continued
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 … Continued
This is one of a series of blog posts which highlights the Village Independent Democrats collection in our Preservation History Archive. Two parts of this collection have been published. Part I, documents the club’s … Continued
The Adams Administration’s proposed City of Yes of Housing Opportunity is the latest attempt by the City to tackle the affordable housing crisis by relaxing zoning controls. The hope is … Continued
Join us via Zoom Webinar on December 4th for a special evening with landscape architect and historic preservationist John T. Krawchuk, in conversation with Village Preservation’s Andrew Berman and Dena … Continued
In 1918, a small but revolutionary event took place in the heart of Greenwich Village, forever changing the landscape of American theater. The Provincetown Playhouse, a humble venue at 133 … Continued
New York City has been experiencing a housing emergency since Tony Manero was strutting down the sidewalks of Bay Ridge in 1977’s “Saturday Night Fever.” This emergency consists of a … Continued
Miloš Forman, the celebrated director known for masterpieces like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Amadeus, made his mark with a debut that was deeply rooted in the counterculture … Continued
We’ve all seen them: signs installed under the actual names of local streets, recognizing a neighborhood notable with a “way,” “place,” or “corner.” While we sometimes know the honorees, more … Continued
Delia Ephron, the celebrated writer and longtime Greenwich Village resident known for her poignant and humorous storytelling, is now bringing her unique voice to the Broadway stage with Left on … Continued
“Becoming Fifth Avenue” is a series of posts in celebration of the bicentennial of the avenue, which was first laid out in 1824. The first segment, in Greenwich Village between … Continued
“Becoming Fifth Avenue” is a series of posts in celebration of the bicentennial of the avenue, which was first laid out in 1824. The first segment, in Greenwich Village between … Continued
This is the third in a multi-part series. Women photographers have played a pivotal role in shaping the visual narrative of our neighborhoods, as evident in Village Preservation’s historic image archive. … Continued
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 … Continued
Arshile Gorky, an influential figure in the earliest inception of the Abstract Expressionist movement, is celebrated for a unique style that merges surrealism with a profound emotional depth. One of … Continued
“O hushed October morning mild,Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild,Should waste them all.” — Excerpt from the poem “A Boy’s Will” by Robert Frost, who … Continued
This is the second in a multi-part series Photography has long been a powerful medium for documenting history, shaping narratives, and preserving memory. Women photographers have played a crucial role … Continued
One of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century spent his formative years in our neighborhood. He was the second child of Russian Jews who immigrated to the city … Continued
In 2018, Village Preservation launched its campaign to designate South of Union Square a historic district, and protect an architecturally rich neighborhood alive with New York and national history that … Continued
This is the fourth installment in our Q & A series on what should be called City of Yes for Developer Opportunities, a massive rezoning that ostensibly addresses the city’s … Continued
This is the first in a three-part series Photography has long been a powerful medium for documenting history, shaping narratives, and preserving the fabric of our communities. Women photographers have … Continued
Village Preservation previously conducted extensive research on the history of one particularly peculiar East Village Building, 143-145 Avenue D. This research culminated in a five-part blog series which was eventually … Continued
William Alciphron Boring was a prominent architect whose work played a significant role in shaping the architectural landscape of New York City, especially in areas tied to the immigrant experience … Continued
It’s no surprise that one of New York City’s beloved cultural platforms, the Minetta Lane Theatre, is situated in the heart of the South Village, an area which Village Preservation … Continued
Storefronts, and the businesses that occupy them, are some of the most iconic fixtures in New York City’s streetscape. Our neighborhoods are no different, as local businesses have long been … Continued
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 … Continued
East Village resident Hettie Jones — beloved writer and poet, committed activist for social justice and preservation, and recipient of Village Preservation’s Village Award in 2019 — passed away on … Continued
James Lenox was born in New York City on August 19, 1800 to Robert and Rachel Lenox. Robert had immigrated to the United States from Scotland during the Revolutionary War, … Continued
The public bath house was a fixture of late 19th and early 20th century New York City life. These grand municipal buildings served several important purposes for New Yorkers, especially … Continued
On August 8, 1848, an Act of Congress played a significant role in shaping the landscape of New York City’s commerce and infrastructure: it granted part of the land to … Continued
On August 7, 1994, drag queens took the stage at Boy Bar (15 St. Marks Place) to partake in a show titled “It’s a Mod Mod World”. Through the Jillian … Continued
The Tony Dapolito Recreation Center has a long history of serving the surrounding community, visitors from other parts of New York City, and in some cases, the world. The rec … Continued
Many of the questions we keep encountering about the ambitious city-wide upzoning proposal called City of Yes for Housing Opportunity stem from a basic misunderstanding. Most people take “City of … Continued
The churches of Harlem have long served as essential institutions in the neighborhood, shaping not only the spiritual lives of residents, but also the bonds that strengthen community. Many great … Continued
The area which makes up present day NoHo began to urbanize between the 1820s and 1840s, as Greek Revival and Federal style houses built for many of Manhattan’s most successful … Continued
Three of the earliest sites connected to our nation’s long disability rights movement are situated within a few short blocks of each other in the East Village. Beginning in 1863, … Continued
The growth of the Italian-American community in the South Village in the late 19th and early 20th centuries can often be traced through the rise of Italian restaurants in the … Continued
It’s sometimes almost incredible to think about the sheer volume of artistic talent that has been located in our neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. It’s perhaps … Continued
Greenwich Village, known for its rich artistic heritage, has long been a haven for writers, musicians, and creative innovators of all stripes. Among the notable figures who have forged a … Continued
In late June, 2024, we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the NoHo Historic District, which was designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission on June 29th, 1999. The … Continued
The NoHo Historic District was designated by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission on June 29th, 1999. Within its bounds are buildings significant for their innovation in architecture, like some of … Continued
The 13th Street Repertory Theatre at 50 West 13th Street once stood as a monument to New York City’s rich theatrical history and a testament to the enduring power of … Continued
When the forecast is hot and sunny, what could be better than to head to one of the incredible green spaces in our neighborhoods to enjoy the simple pleasures in … Continued
Village Preservation has been diligently documenting the rich history of visual artists who lived and worked within our proposed South of Union Square Historic District. Many of the globally significant … Continued
The East Village has long been a breeding ground for artistic innovation; its streets echoing with the sounds of avant-garde musicians and visionary artists. Among the myriad talents to emerge … Continued
Village Preservation is very proud to honor Trash & Vaudeville as a 2024 Village Awardee! Join us in recognizing T&V and five other remarkable awardees at Village Preservation’s Annual Meeting and Village Awards … Continued
The Washington Square Park Conservancy was founded 10 years ago, a mere drop in the bucket of time compared to almost two centuries for the park at the heart of … Continued
When Village Preservation submitted its proposal requesting landmark protections for the Far West Village in 2004, we recognized the many building typologies that are prevalent in this historically industrial waterfront … Continued
Wystan Hugh Auden, one of the most significant poets of the 20th century, was born in York, England, in 1907. His early career and works were deeply rooted in the … Continued
I moved to the West Village, all the way west, tucked between the Meatpacking District and the Hudson River, in 1991 at the age of four. My family first lived … Continued
Village Preservation has been actively campaigning to designate 50 West 13th Street as an individual landmark since 2020, when it was still home to the 13th Street Repertory Company. Unfortunately, … Continued
May is coming just around the proverbial corner on our calendars. Those 31 days bring us Preservation Month, when we celebrate historic sites across the country as well as highlight … Continued
Greenwich Village, specifically the historic district at its core, has been described as many things, but “literary” may be among the most common. That’s not only because the neighborhood has an … Continued
April is both the time of year when immigrant heritage week is celebrated in New York (commemorating the day in 1907 when more immigrants passed through Ellis Island than any … Continued
Greenwich Village has long been a font of creativity, especially among those who use the written word as their medium of expression. Since the 19th century, the neighborhood has been … Continued
The Greenwich Village Historic District (GVHD) is a haven of history, culture, and artistic expression many have called the beating heart of New York City. The GVHD stands as a … Continued
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 … Continued
On March 27, 2012, the Landmarks Preservation Commission designated as landmarks three of Manhattan’s oldest homes, all of which are gathered in a row on Dominick Street. Nos. 32, 34, … Continued
This is one of a series of blog posts which highlights the fascinating contents in our Village Independent Democrats collection, added to our Preservation History Archive in early 2024. The Women’s House of Detention opened … Continued
March is Women’s History Month. While we celebrate women’s history all year, we do so especially in March, when we highlight the countless women of our neighborhoods who have fought … Continued
“For two weeks or more the trees hesitated;the little leaves waited,carefully indicating their characteristics.” — Excerpt from the poem “A Cold Spring” by Elizabeth Bishop, who lived at 16 Charles … Continued
There’s no better time than Women’s History Month to explore the lives and accomplishments of the many influential women who lived and worked South of Union Square. One of our … Continued
For many, celebrating Irish American heritage in March brings one to Fifth Avenue for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, or perhaps a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. But for … Continued
When March comes around, we often find ourselves thinking about one of the oldest types of buildings in our neighborhoods, and indeed, in all of New York City: the Federal … Continued
March is Women’s History Month, and while we celebrate women’s history all year, we do so especially during this particular month when we highlight the countless women of our neighborhoods … Continued
This is the latest installation of “South of Union Square, the Birthplace of American Modernism,” a series that explores how the area south of Union Square shaped some of the … Continued
The Harlem Renaissance brought together a generation of Black artists, writers, musicians, and thinkers who transformed American culture. In the early 20th century, many Black Americans from the South sought … Continued
The west side of Manhattan from Christopher Street to 23rd Street was once known as”Little Spain.” For a time, more than 15,000 Spaniards and their American-born children and grandchildren lived … Continued
Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo are rich with sites that have played invaluable roles in New York City’s and the nation’s Black history. Too many of these buildings have yet to be protected.
The 2024 Grammy Awards set a new record for female artists: women won all nine of the top telecast categories. This incredible milestone in music could never have been reached … Continued
Our neighborhoods are renowned for their rich cultural history and storied past. While often associated with artistic bohemia and progressive movements, our streets hold a lesser-known narrative that significantly shaped … Continued
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 … Continued
Edith Wharton (January 24, 1862- August 11, 1937) was born into a family who was, at the time, considered to be the epitome of “Old New York,” — the New … Continued
Even we here at Village Preservation learn new things about neighborhood history every day. In response to an inquiry we received from someone researching family history, we were asked to … Continued
John Jacob Astor was the wealthiest American by the time he passed in 1848, earning his fortune of $20 million (about $800 million in today’s dollars) first in the fur … Continued
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 … Continued
In the summer of 1935, the Federal Writers Project and Federal Art Project were founded as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Like other New Deal Programs, these programs … Continued
You decide to write a blog post about Bright Lights, Big City, the 1987 film based on a novel published three years earlier about the excesses and pitfalls of life … Continued
On February 27, 1994, STOMP, the “international sensation and iconic New York theatrical landmark” opened at the 347-seat Orpheum Theatre at 126 2nd Avenue between 7th Street and St. Marks. … Continued
April is National Poetry Month! Launched by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, the month of April marks a marvelous opportunity to celebrate the expressiveness, delight, and pure charm … Continued
Going to the movies: One of America’s favorite pastimes. Before the advent of at-home technologies such as VHS, DVDs, and certainly streaming services, often the only way to see a … Continued
Former president Jimmy Carter and his late wife Rosalynn Carter were long at the forefront of Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit that helps communities build new homes and improve existing … Continued
December is South Village Month – join us in celebrating this vibrant neighborhood all month long! The South Village in the 50s and 60s was a hotbed of creativity and activism. Where … Continued
The 1970s was a dangerous and difficult time for New York City. Arson and neglect left many poor and working-class neighborhoods with abandoned lots, filled with hazardous debris. Residents of … Continued
December is South Village Month, when we celebrate the incredible neighborhood south of Washington Square and West 4th Street. Village Preservation kicked off the effort to preserve this endangered historic neighborhood in December … Continued
Nestled in the vibrant streets of New York City’s East Village at 135 Second Avenue, the Ottendorfer Library stands as a testament to the multicultural and linguistic tapestry that has … Continued
December is South Village Month – join us in celebrating this vibrant neighborhood all month long! Postwar America in the 1950s through the early 1960s experienced the birth of a movement and … Continued
December is South Village Month – join us in celebrating this vibrant neighborhood all month long! In December 2016, following a multi-year advocacy campaign spearheaded by Village Preservation, the Sullivan … Continued
Christopher Street is one of New York City’s oldest streets: known as Skinner Road in the 18th century, it was rechristened in 1799 by local landowner Charles Christopher Amos with … Continued
You decide to write a blog post about Bright Lights, Big City, the 1987 film based on a novel published three years earlier about the excesses and pitfalls of life … Continued
The East Village and Greenwich Village have long been bastions of progressive thought and hotbeds of radical social movements. The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), or “Wobblies” as they … Continued
