The Long Road To Our Landmarks Law
On April 19, 1965, New York City passed its landmarks law. While credit for passage of this law is often attributed to the demolition of Penn Station, the tragic loss … Continued
Preserving the Past is Female!
Historic Preservation is a field where we seek to preserve communities and history through the built environment. The field requires knowledge of architecture, planning, law, and culture, among other areas. … Continued
Sylvia Rivera: A Controversial But Powerful and Enduring Activist for LGBTQ+ Rights
Sylvia Rivera (July 2, 1951 – February 19, 2002, She/Her) was a trailblazing advocate for the rights of transgender individuals and LGBTQ+ communities. A vocal opponent of racism and transphobia … Continued
Woman Crush Wednesday: Jane Jacobs
Who says you can’t fight City Hall? During these particularly troubling and divided political times, it is rewarding and inspiring to look to Jane Jacobs for encouragement. Jane redefined urban … Continued
9/11: The Days After — Marjorie Zien Collection
In honor of the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, Village Preservation has assembled nearly 1,000 donated images documenting the World Trade Center, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and the days and … Continued
Romare Bearden and the Formation of An African American Artistic Identity Downtown
Groundbreaking artist, intellectual, and activist Romare Bearden (September 2, 1911 – March 12, 1988) was born in Mecklenberg County, North Carolina. When Bearden was about 3 years old, his parents Bessye … Continued
Draper’s Observatories: Moongazing Up and Down the Hudson
In the village of Hastings-on-Hudson, a short train ride away from Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal, lies a nationally landmarked building known as Observatory Cottage. The charming two-floor cottage was once … Continued
127, 129, and 131 MacDougal Street: Architecture, Artists, African Americans, and “Alternative Lifestyles”
On June 8th, 2004, 127, 129, and 131 MacDougal Street, three 1829 Federal Style houses, were landmarked — the first three of thirteen Village Preservation and the NY Landmarks Conservancy jointly proposed and campaigned for landmark … Continued
Beyond the Village and Back: Federal Hall, 26 Wall Street
Federal Hall at 26 Wall Street is one of New York City’s — and the nation’s — most historic locations. Known as the “Birthplace of American Government,” it’s the site where George Washington took the oath of office as our first President. It was also the site of the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices.
Asian-American History in Greenwich Village and the East Village
The Asian-American and Pacific Islander community has a more than 150-year-long history in the United States, dating back to the first wave of Chinese and Japanese immigrants settling on the … Continued
Celebrating the Preservationists of the Greenwich Village Historic District
The Greenwich Village Historic District is one of New York City’s oldest historic districts.
Samuel F.B. Morse: A Brilliant Artist and Inventor With A Complicated, Troubling Legacy
Samuel Finley Breese Morse was an artist, inventor, and would-be-politician. While there was much to admire about his legacy and accomplishments, there was also much to condemn and deplore. Reading … Continued
Bernard Malamud: Evocative Novelist, and Villager
Novelist Bernard Malamud is considered by many critics to be one of the finest American novelists of the 20th century. Born on April 26, 1914, in Brooklyn to a poor Russian … Continued
(Even More) Artists, Theaters, and Advocates for Civil Rights and Social Justice in Our Neighborhoods
Few places in America have made more significant contributions to civil rights and social justice struggles.
A Move To Allow New York City To Save Its Landmarks
On April 6, 1965, the New York City Council approved the bill granting the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission the power to designate and preserve New York City’s landmarks. … Continued
“Amended,” a Podcast Going Deeper on Women’s History
There are many important takeaways from Village Preservation’s 19th Amendment Centennial StoryMap; there are a remarkable number of people and places in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo who … Continued
More Historic Images: The Pryor Dodge Collection
It just never stops growing…Village Preservation’s Historic Image Archive, that is. The latest addition is the Pryor Dodge Collection, a collection taken between 1966 and 1967. They provide a wonderful … Continued
Business of the Month: NoHo Juice Bar, 208 Mercer 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, … Continued
“Artists in Revolt, Form New Society:” The 1913 Armory Show
On December 14, 1911, four artists assembled to discuss the world of new possibilities open to their field. They resolved to “[organize] a society for the purpose of exhibiting the … Continued
David Bowie, A Fellow Villager
Born David Robert Jones on January 8th, 1947, the cultural and rock icon David Bowie navigated his way through music, theater, and film like a chameleon. Known for his outlandish … Continued
2020 Village Preservation Public Programs Roundup
Despite all the challenges of the year, Village Preservation proudly hosted 76 programs (most of which were virtual), reaching over 9,000 people in 2020. How does one choose favorites? It’s … Continued
When Four “Els” Ran Overhead On Our Streets
From the late nineteenth century until the mid-twentieth century, four elevated rail lines crossed over the streets of our neighborhoods.
Thank You To Our Members — Making 40 Years of Village Preservation Possible
It’s Village Preservation’s 40th birthday this year. In honor of this auspicious occasion, we recently released a story map that details our efforts documenting, celebrating, and advocating for the preservation … Continued
Horror Takes The Village! The Movies and Monsters That Roam The Streets of Our Neighborhoods
Some of the most iconic films in history have used New York City as its backdrop. Sweeping dramas, gut-busting comedies, and action/adventure movies have swung through the streets dozens of … Continued
Throwback Thursday, For Fans of Old Photos
Do you love old photos like we do? It’s fascinating to see the changing and remaining face of our neighborhoods over the years and decades. Village Preservation is fortunate to … Continued
New Addition to Our Historic Image Archive Gives Intimate View of Greenwich Village and NYC in the 1940s and 50s
We recently added a new collection, the Jean Polacheck Collection, to our historic image archive. This collection dates largely from the 1940s through the mid-1950s, and includes scenes of Washington … Continued
As Fifth Avenue Nears 200, A Look Back at How & Where It All Began, and Celebrated 100
Fifth Avenue, one of New York’s defining thoroughfares, stretches from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, kicked off (or terminated, depending upon your perspective) by Washington Square Arch. It stretches … Continued
Oral History with the Queen of Cuisine, Mimi Sheraton
GVSHP shares our oral history collection with the public, highlighting some of the people and stories that make Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo such unique and vibrant neighborhoods. … Continued
From Greenwich Village To The Moon, and Back
These days, with cameras on our phones always at the ready, we give little consideration to a time when picture-taking technology was in its infancy. In the late 1830s, methods … Continued
Echoes of Silence: New American Cinema’s Take On Life in Greenwich Village
In 1965, Village Voice writer Jonas Mekas — founder of the Anthology Film Archive, Village Awardee, and subject of a Village Preservation oral history — wrote: “It is not very … Continued
Paulo d’Angola: the Former Slave Who Became One of Greenwich Village’s First Landowners
In 1626, Paulo d’Angola arrived to New Amsterdam on the first ship bringing enslaved people to this region.
The First Library for Women, in Greenwich Village
New York City has a rich history of developing a library system, starting with a variety of private charitable ones, several of which became the basis for the New York … Continued
Distance Learning for Children: History and Historic Preservation Part II
Village Preservation has developed online resources for students from our acclaimed children’s education program, History and Historic Preservation. These videos and activities are designed for children ages 5-7. During this time … Continued
2020 Village Awardee: Chess Forum, 219 Thompson Street
Each year, Village Preservation honors the invaluable people, businesses, and organizations that make a special contribution to our neighborhoods at our Annual Meeting and Village Awards. On June 17th, 2020 … Continued
The Greenwich Village Historic District’s Historic Birthday!
Who doesn’t like an opportunity to celebrate? The Greenwich Village Historic District, which was designated (landmarked) on April 29, 1969, holds some of the loveliest bits of Greenwich Village within … Continued
Things We’re Looking Forward To Doing Again, Part 2
We’re continuing to spend a lot of time thinking about things we used to do before the coronavirus outbreak, that we’re looking forward to hopefully doing again once things return … Continued
Things We’re Looking Forward To Doing Again
We’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about things we used to do before the coronavirus outbreak, that we’re looking forward to hopefully doing again once things return to ‘normal.’ We’ve … Continued
Things We’re Looking Forward To Doing Again
We’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about things we used to do before the coronavirus outbreak, that we’re looking forward to hopefully doing again once things return to … Continued
Beyond the Village and Back: Sailors’ Snug Harbor
Located on the north shore of Staten Island not far from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal lies an oasis like none other in New York, recognized by local, state, and federal government for its extraordinary architectural and cultural significance.
Twelve Essential Reads About Greenwich Village and the East Village
Looking for a great read about Greenwich Village or the East Village? Check out this list of always essential classics, and scroll to the bottom for a list of websites … Continued
Our Epic Greenwich Village and East Village Watch-List
It’s time to dive into our beloved neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo as they’re seen through the movie camera lens. Presented in no apparent order, this … Continued
The Birth of The Committee to Save the West Village, Led By Jane Jacobs
The battle between Village preservation icon Jane Jacobs and Robert “put a highway through every park” Moses is quite storied and well-documented. But for us, understanding it and preserving its … Continued
The South Village Historic District Makes the National Register of Historic Places
The South Village is an area rich in architectural, cultural, and historic resources, distinct from (though connected to) those of its surrounding historic communities, such as Greenwich Village, Soho, and … Continued
The Origins of Greenwich Village Street Names, Part V
The streets, parks, and squares of Greenwich Village are named for a unique collection of historical figures. Last year in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Greenwich Village Historic … Continued
Don’t Miss Anything When You Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
It is impossible to attend every single one of our free public programs or rallies or the city hearings that are vital to providing input on policy decisions that impact … Continued
Why Isn’t This Landmarked: 49 East 10th, Home of Jackson Pollock
Part of our blog series Why Isn’t This Landmarked?, where we look at buildings in our area we’re fighting to protect that are worthy of landmark designation, but somehow aren’t … Continued
Changing Fashion of New York
Artists and photographer Carole Teller donated hundreds of photographs to Village Preservation that she took from the 1960s through the 1990s. An East Village resident for over fifty years, Carole … Continued
Beyond the Village and Back: The United Palace Theatre
Tucked into the Meredith Jacobson Marciano New York in the 1970s to 9-11 collection of our Historic Image Archive is an image of the United Palace Theatre at 4140 Broadway at 175th Street in Washington Heights. With its close-up and upward-facing viewpoint, the image captures the intricacy and nobility of the building’s design.
The Most Picturesque Sites in The Village
Every year millions of tourists make their way to New York City. While many of them may bypass the Village to flock to Times Square or the Statue of Liberty … Continued
Beyond the Village and Back: NY Foundling Hospital
The New York Foundling is one of New York City’s oldest and largest child welfare agencies. Founded in 1869 to save the lives of babies being abandoned on the streets of New York, the Foundling currently serves over 30,000 people each year in New York City, Rockland County, and Puerto Rico.
New Historic McDarrah Photos Added to Historic Image Archive
The McDarrah family loves the Village. The late Fred W. McDarrah was a leading photojournalist and documentarian of late-20th century Greenwich Village. He was the primary (and often only) photographer … Continued
Haunted Village: Part BOO!
Ghosts Are lurking about the Village, that’s for sure! It’s up to you to decide if you want to explore the haunted places… OR NOT! You choose… We have previously … Continued
Village Halloween: No Tricks, Just Treats
The Village has a long history of putting on the best Halloween festivities. From the world-renowned NYC Village Halloween Parade to local specials at our many small business establishments, there … Continued
Lady Gaga’s Greenwich Village
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is a born and raised New Yorker. While she spent most of her early years growing up on … Continued
‘Friends’: Greenwich Village Fantasy vs. Reality
On September 22, 1994, the TV show ‘Friends’ premiered on NBC. Airing ten seasons, it was consistently one of the most popular shows on television, and after decades of syndication, … Continued
Remembering the World Trade Center and the Aftermath of Its Destruction
For almost 30 years, the original World Trade Center dominated the New York City skyline. Its twin towers were the subject of countless photographs; visible throughout the five boroughs, they … Continued
A Poet, A Bookseller, and the Father of Social of Social Security: New Additions to the Greenwich Village Historic District 1969-2019 Photos and Tours Map
This is one in a series of posts marking the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District. Click here to check out our year-long activities and … Continued
Woodstock: Three Days of Peace, Music, and Greenwich Villagers
On a farm far from the city on August 15, 1969, the Woodstock music festival entered into history and helped define a generation. The “Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace … Continued
The Pepper Pot Inn, “The Realest Thing in Bohemian Atmosphere”
When searching through the chronicles of Greenwich Village history, some things almost seem too Village-y to be true, with all their quirky details and theatrical anecdotes. A prime example: The … Continued
Village Rallies for NAACP, with Lorraine Hansberry
Politics and rallies have always been an integral part of the DNA of Greenwich Village. One particularly significant rally of note took place on June 13, 1959. Dubbed “Village Rallies … Continued
The Hallowed Music Halls of the Greenwich Village Historic District
This is one in a series of posts marking the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District. Check out our year-long activities and celebrations at gvshp.org/GVHD50. Music is an integral … Continued
A New Archive for GVHD50: Retaking the 1969 Designation Photos
This is one in a series of posts marking the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District. Click here to check out our year-long activities and … Continued
A Truly Historic House Tour! Village Preservation’s 21st Spring House Tour in the Greenwich Village Historic District
We recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Greenwich Village Historic District (GVHD50) with a bash in Washington Square Park. But thankfully, there’s even more GVHD fun right around the … Continued
Artists Homes of the Greenwich Village Historic District
This is one in a series of posts marking the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District. Click here to check out our year-long activities and … Continued
GVHD50 Partner Roundup: Restaurant Edition
This is one in a series of posts marking the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District. Click here to check out our year-long activities and … Continued
Great Writers and the Greenwich Village Historic District
This is one in a series of posts marking the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District. Check out our year-long activities and celebrations at gvshp.org/GVHD50. The Greenwich … Continued
Celebrating the Greenwich Village Historic District’s 50th Anniversary
This is one in a series of posts marking the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District. Click here to check out our year-long activities and … Continued
They Dwelt on West 9th Street: William J. Glackens
They Dwelt on West 9th Street: William J. Glackens is the 6th in a series. “Art, like humanity, every time has an ancestry.” — William Glackens William Glackens (1870-1938) was … Continued
Strange Bedfellows: Stanford White and Diane Arbus
Today we begin a new blog series, Strange Bedfellows, where we take a look at unlikely pairs or assortments of noteworthy people who lived or spent time in surprisingly close … Continued
If Beale Street Could Talk’s West Village Scenes
If Beale Street Could Talk is the newest release from award-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins. The film is Jenkins’s adaptation of a novella by James Baldwin of the same name. The … Continued
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a Visual Ode to the Village
My favorite series in the past MANY years is The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel written by the amazing Amy Sherman-Palladino. Not only is her rapid-fire dialogue and direction a joy to … Continued
World War I Centennial and the Village
November 11, 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the Armistice which ended World War I, a war that engulfed most of Europe since 1914. United States troops tipped the balance … Continued
Street Grid Changes Revealed in New Tool
The Department of City Planning (DCP) recently launched an online tool that has compiled more than 8,000 historic maps of New York City and laid it on the current street grid. … Continued
Buddy Holly’s Greenwich Village
Buddy Holly (Charles Hardin Holley) was born on September 7, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas. He was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and producer who was one of the pioneers of … Continued
Remembering Romana Raffetto, South Village Pasta and Sauce Maven, Neighbor
We at GVSHP were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Romana Raffetto of Raffetto’s Fresh Pasta, located at 144 West Houston Street. She was a great friend to GVSHP … Continued
Jane Jacobs’ NYC: The sites that inspired her work and preservation legacy
Jane Jacobs’ birthday on May 4 is marked throughout the world as an occasion to celebrate one’s own city — its history, diversity, and continued vitality. “Jane’s Walks” are conducted … Continued
Watching GVSHP, and Village Preservation Efforts, Grow
We recently added copies of GVSHP’s newsletter The Anthemion dating back to the organization’s founding in the early 1980s to our website, which you can view here. There is so … Continued
History Lost to NYU
We all know that New York University has an enormous presence in Greenwich Village and the East Village — one that has grown tremendously in recent decades, and is continuing … Continued
Snow and the City
Only three months into the year and we have already experienced four Nor’easters here in NYC! Though a definite inconvenience, snow is nothing new to New Yorkers, and many have … Continued
(Re-)Remembering Diane Arbus
Diane Arbus was born on March 14, 1923, and died by her own hand a mere forty-eight years later on July 26, 1971. The acclaimed and celebrated photographer’s body of … Continued
My Favorite Things: Women’s History Month Edition
When March finally rolls around, I feel the need for celebration! Not only does it mean that we have weathered the January/February doldrums, but also because March is Women’s History … Continued
Help us Solve Some Historic Photo Mysteries
Over 80 new historic photos taken by Carole Teller were recently added to the GVSHP Image Archive. Every time we add photos to our collection, we uncover some great stories, like … Continued
President’s Day Roundup!
Happy President’s Day! Though the Village is only one neighborhood in our great, big country (though ask any resident and they will say the Village should be its own country!), … Continued
North America’s First Freed Black Settlement Right in our Neighborhood
In continuing our celebration of black history, we have a new and exciting entry to our Civil Rights and Social Justice Map: North America’s First Freed Black Settlement. According to … Continued
Beyond The Village and Back: Gould Library and Begrisch Hall, Bronx Community College
For our first post in this series, we would like to highlight a pair of important and often overlooked landmarks. The Gould Memorial Library and Begrisch Hall are both located in a dramatic hilltop setting on the campus of Bronx Community College in the University Heights section of the Bronx.
The Melodious Sounds Which Emanated from 108 Waverly Place
I manage GVSHP’s historic plaque program, through which we place two markers on buildings in our neighborhoods each year, highlighting their cultural or social significance. So I am always interested … Continued
New York City from the 1970s to 9/11: Through the Lens of Meredith Marciano
A film industry location scout with a keen eye for settings, Meredith Jacobson Marciano has been an East Village resident since 1986. An avid photographer with an eye for pop … Continued
The Birth of the Provincetown Playhouse
On November 3, 1916, the Provincetown Players performed their first production in their new home in Greenwich Village. The theater company performed King Arthur’s Socks by Floyd Dell, The Game by Louise Bryant, … Continued
The South Village’s Italian Heritage
Many think of Little Italy’s Mulberry Street or the Bronx’s Arthur Avenue as the centers of Italian-American life and culture in New York. But some of the most historically significant … Continued
A 15-year-old Greenwich Village student inspired the hit song ‘Summer in the City’
Everyone knows the folk-rock classic “Summer in the City” by the Lovin’ Spoonful, which topped the charts 51 years ago this August in 1966. But fewer know the song’s roots … Continued
More is More: Greenwich Village Historic District Extension II
In this series, ‘More is More,’ we look at historic district extensions in our area. The Greenwich Village Historic District Extension II was designated June 22, 2010 after a multi-year campaign led … Continued
Women’s History Month Celebration of Jane Jacobs
The celebration of Women’s History Month cannot go without being reminded of the venerable Jane Jacobs. Much has been written about her here on Off the Grid, but let’s pause a … Continued
When the South Village Was One of New York’s ‘Seven to Save’
Five years ago today, the South Village was named one of the Preservation League of New York’s ‘Seven to Save’ — the seven most important, endangered historic sites in New York … Continued
Irish Churches of the Village
The following was originally written by Sheryl Woodruff and posted two years ago. It has been updated with new content. Read the original post here. It seems that on St. Patrick’s … Continued
“Where Are the Women?” A Mother-Daughter Greenwich Village Pair Tell Us
March is Women’s History Month. With the recent “Day Without Women” activities and our upcoming walking tour on Radical, Notorious Women of Washington Square, we thought we would take this … Continued
The People, United, Will Never Be Defeated
Have you heard that chant, or others like it, echoing off Greenwich Village buildings recently? I know I have, because the recent political goings-on have turned our city and country … Continued
Ten Years Ago Today — Fighting for the Federals!
Ten years ago today, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) held hearings on three Federal-era (1790-1835) houses GVSHP had proposed for landmark designation — 94, 94 1/2, and 96 Greenwich Street, … Continued
Celebrating the Birthday and Legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat, born December 22, 1960, may have lived just 27 short years. But in that time he created a language of art which may resonate more than ever today, … Continued
Holiday Cheer, and Gifts, in Greenwich Village
This past Saturday and Monday, many dedicated souls braved the winter weather to celebrate the local businesses of Greenwich Village. With tour guide Joyce Gold, GVSHP and our partners at … Continued
GVSHP 2016 Book List & Holiday Gift Ideas
In 2016, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation held approximately 15 book-related programs. Each author related their insights, perspectives, and tales of Village history and beyond, showing the multifaceted depth … Continued
