Experiences and Tours
Go back in time and experience what it would have been to stand in the Old Penn Station before it was demolished.
There are two things most commuters don’t realize about Penn station history: First, there used to be a gorgeous Beaux Arts station that was demolished in the mid-60’s. Second: Parts of that old station can still be found today. They’ve just been buried under the arena that landed on top of them. Although Amtrak only acknowledges one remnant remaining, there are so many more. Learn about station history and discover over a dozen remnants of the McKim, Mead & White building hiding in plain sight.
The Remnants of Dutch New Amsterdam
Discover the many hidden Dutch relics south of Wall Street, as you trace the streets of Manhattan in 1660.
Explore where New York began and see what is left of Dutch New Amsterdam in today's lower Manhattan! Hear about New York’s founding myths and facts while standing in the very spots where they all happened. With New York City's first map in hand, trace the streets of Manhattan in 1667 while discovering the many hidden Dutch relics south of Wall Street. Physically touch history while finding out how Bowling Green got its name and why it’s been so important in our city’s history!
Take a ride through the surprising history of the world’s largest subway system!
Explore the world's largest subway system, the beating heart of the city that never sleeps. Discover the fascinating beginnings of the New York City subway and explore spaces even the most seasoned commuter might not know about. Listen to the story of the very first subway which was built illegally under the cover of night and many other surprising stories. Using the 6 train as a ten-car time machine, ride through and see abandoned stations that riders unknowingly pass by every day, including the famed City Hall Station.
Underground Art in the NYC Subway
Explore one of the world's largest underground public art galleries!
New York City subway system is the largest in the world and with hundreds of art installations scattered throughout its 430 stations, it’s also one of the world’s largest public art galleries. Experience an in-depth look at the NYC subway art tapestry, weaved together to tell the complete history of the NYC commuter from Fulton’s first steamboat to the newly minted Second Avenue subway riders. Discover stunning artwork from Roy Lichtenstein, Tom Otterness, Jacob Lawrence and many more artists!
Unearth old secrets of the many long-gone amusement parks!
Trace the steps of the two main characters from the graphic novel, The Wonder City: The Great Whale of Coney Island on their visit one hot summer in 1942. Through their eyes experience what Coney Island was like at the height of its mid-century popularity.
The Secrets of the Brooklyn Bridge
Discover the history behind the Brooklyn Bridge and explore its many hidden secrets!
Beyond the Brooklyn Bridge’s stately exterior lies an epic origin story. Now over 130 years old, the granite and limestone structure has dazzled both tourists and residents alike. Gain a whole new appreciation for one of New York’s most iconic landmarks.
The Remnants of the World’s Fairs Flushing Meadows
Didn’t make it to the 1939/40 or 1963/64 World’s Fairs? Well here’s your chance!
Their are many remnants of the World’s Fairs in today's Flushing Meadows-Corona Park including time capsules, Andy Warhol mosaics, and more! Flushing Meadows-Corona Park has lived many lives from marshy tidal wetlands to an early 20th Century ash dump, to the site of not one, but two World’s Fairs. This Flushing Meadows tour explores the past, present, and future of this 900-acre park which was an obsession of the late “Master Builder,” Robert Moses.
From Grit to Hip: A Williamsburg Walking Tour
Uncover Williamsburg’s from a gritty industrial area, to a counterculture haven, and finally to the hip Mecca it became today!
Examine the layers of Williamsburg, some noticed, some unnoticed, that come together to form an unlikely synthesis of industry, art, grit, and hip. Explore the Williamsburg of today, a high-end real estate with surprising remnants of the its industrial and immigrant enclave roots still alive and well.
Secrets of the Financial District
Dig through layers of history buried under strata of infrastructure or hidden-in-plain sight throughout the Financial District!
Acre for acre there is more history in the Financial District than anywhere else in the country and most of is buried under strata of infrastructure. From the spot where American government and capitalism once lived across the street from each other, to some of the buried secrets of NYC’s past and present, see why the history of the Financial District helped to define not only New York City, but the entire country.
Remnants of the Port of New York
Journey back through lower Manhattan to experience New York as the world’s greatest port of call!
New York is New York because of its situation on one of the world’s best harbors. For the first three and half centuries of its life, this city was defined and sustained by its maritime operations. However, in the past few decades most of the 8 million people who call New York City home or the 60 million people who visit annually barely even give a second thought to the harbor, bays, rivers, or boats that used to define and supply this popular set of islands. New York’s maritime roots are often overlooked and ignored.
Greenwich Village Coffee Tour & Tasting
Drink your way through the surprising history of coffee in NYC!
Discover the surprising history of coffee in New York City while exploring Greenwich Village, its iconic birthplace. Learn how New York and coffee go hand-in-hand both in cultural and economic development. Hear the story of one of the most successful coffee entrepreneurs of the early 20th century, who's first shop was in Grand Central and who was a woman! In between sampling coffee at some of the retailers that popularized America's favorite beverage and get a crash course in coffee history from its ancient discovery in Africa to its sustainable farming movements of the past few years!
Discover the work and life of Catalan architect Rafael Guastavino in Manhattan!
Discover the stunning and often hidden architecture of New York City's most under-appreciated engineers. The Guastavino father and son team incorporated their tile arch system into dozens of buildings across the five boroughs including NYC’s most iconic landmarks like Grand Central Terminal, City Hall Station, and the Queensboro Bridge. Travel up the east side of Manhattan to uncover these often hidden-in-plain-sight gems and learn what made Guastavino’s work so visually and structurally breathtaking while appreciating them firsthand.