What we’re about
OVERVIEW
This is a group for people either new to New York City, or have called the city home for awhile and are interested in discovering new neighborhoods and learning more about the city's fascinating history, architecture and culture. Most of our activities are professionally-guided walks of 3 - 5 miles within a NYC neighborhood that has distinct and unique qualities. They usually last from 2 to 4 hours. We sometimes have an optional social hour afterwards for a meal and/or a beverage at a local restaurant.
During the summer months we usually combine a walk with a free outdoor concert, often in the evenings. During the winter we'll have shorter outdoor walks coupled with a museum visit.
I also organize theme tours to add some spice and variety to honor holidays or famous New Yorkers. Our events are usually free with a voluntary donation which I do appreciate as I do spend time preparing and making sure that we have a high quality and memorable experience. When we have museum visits there may be an admission charge.
I started this group because I am a native New Yorker and have a successful dual career as a professional tour guide and real estate agent and I am affiliated with the prestigious Corcoran Group, which was started by pioneering entrepreneur Barbara Corcoran. I had a 25-year career as a social worker, including work in the South Bronx and throughout Brooklyn, and served on the teaching faculty of Columbia University, Fordham University, New School University, Hunter College and NYC Technical College.
I have a B.A, in English and a Master's Degree in Social Work, and have also been an exhibited visual artist with a focus on experimental and landscape photography. I love to introduce people to new neighborhoods and explore their past, present and future and also welcome the opportunity to learn from others. With the fast-pace of life here it is easy to overlook the hidden treasures and iconic buildings that we pass by every day. While I have a repertoire of touring a good 80 neighborhoods, I especially love Harlem (where I spent my formative years) due its many different areas, amazing history and beautiful architecture. Other favorites include the West Village, Lower Manhattan (where the City's history began), Flatiron/Gramercy, Upper West Side, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene/Clinton Hill, Long Island City, the East Village and Washington Heights.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY
Your participation in the activities of Exploring NYC History and Neighborhoods acknowledges that you are solely responsible for your own assessment of your abilities and your physical fitness and health to participate in that activity.
As I have resumed in-person tours, proof of full vaccination is required to participate. You should also be physically fit and be able to walk several miles at a moderate pace.
There are always inherent risks that can cause or lead to injury, property damage, illness *including the coronavirus*, emotional trauma, disability or death to participants or others when participating in an activity. Some, but not all of these risks include: hazardous and unpredictable ground, water or weather conditions, traffic conditions, misjudgments made by the leader or a participant, the potential that a participant or others may act carelessly or recklessly, etc. etc.
Hank Orenstein and Exploring NYC History and Neighborhoods cannot assure a participant’s safety or eliminate any of these risks. The participant is voluntarily participating in our activities with knowledge of these risks, and therefore the participant must accept full responsibility for the inherent and other risks (both known and unknown) of these activities, and for any injury, damage, death or other loss suffered by the participant.
By joining any event conducted by Hank Orenstein/Exploring NYC History and Neighborhoods, the participant agrees to release and indemnify Exploring NYC History and Neighborhoods and/or Hank Orenstein with regard to any and all claims, liabilities, suits, or expenses (including reasonable costs and attorney’s fees) for any injury, property damage, illness including the coronavirus, emotional trauma, disability or death to participants or others in any way connected with the participation in an activity.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Dumbo Art and History StrollJane's Carousel, Brooklyn, NY
RSVPs begin 3 weeks prior to the event on Thursday, May 16th at 8:00pm.
Space is set aside for new members and first and 2nd timers. You may email me at hankorenstein@gmail.com to request a spot should you land on the waiting list. This tour is free with an optional donation to your guide/organization.
6:00pm - 8:00pm: We'll enjoy a scenic and historic tour of the DUMBO neighborhood and visit several art galleries.
Before the tour: There are restrooms on the first floor of the Empire Stores and food and beverage options up at the Time Out Market:
Empire Stores | Visit us (empirestoresdumbo.com)
Home - Time Out Market New York8:00pm - Optional "afterparty" for dinner (if space permits).
OVERVIEW:
The first Thursday of every month, DUMBO's art galleries are open from 6pm to 8pm. We'll enjoy an historic walking tour while taking in some of the art. This is also a nice opportunity to enjoy the views of the Brooklyn Bridge looking back toward Manhattan, and with any luck some nice light and sunset sky.ABOUT DUMBO
DUMBO, which stands for Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass, started out as a bustling manufacturing district in the 19th century and many of the original buildings can be found within the historic district. The area was home to the production of carboard boxes, the Brillo Pad factory and the Arbuckle Coffee Company, among other businesses.In the 1970’s, industry’s hold on the waterfront ebbed and the neighborhood became home to an artist enclave and later tech startups. Now the converted warehouses are home to entrepreneurial businesses and many of Brooklyn’s most important artist residency programs and arts organizations, located alongside artists’ studios and workshops. Over the last decade DUMBO has also become a destination for shopping, dining and luxurious living. And those scenic views looking over at Manhattan!
Cheers from Hank
646-596-3005
hankorenstein@gmail.com - Crossing the High Bridge: From the Bronx to Washington Heights!The Bronx Museum of the Arts, Bronx, NY
RSVP's begin 3 weeks prior to the tour on Saturday, May 18th at 10am.
Space is set aside for new members, first and 2nd timer who land on the waiting list. Email me at hankorenstein@gmail.com to request a spot.
Closest subway stop is 167th Street on the D train which gets you within 2 blocks of the The Bronx Museum of the Arts. You can also take the #6 or D train to 161st Street Yankee Stadium (longer walk).
Note the walking tour starts at 2:00pm outside the museum. Arrive early to see the exhibit and use the restroom: Suggested time to arrive is 1:30pm, earlier if you fancy looking at art in depth.
Tour and museum admission are free. The total walking distance on this walk is between 4.5 and 5 miles. There is some uphill walking especially on one particularly steep street in the Bronx. You should be reasonably fit for this walk!
The Museum always has interesting exhibits along with free admission. The exhibit on view is Part 2 of the Bienniel.
Bronx Calling: The Sixth AIM Biennial (Part Two) - The Bronx MuseumDirections and information via this link:
Visitor Guide - The Bronx MuseumTOUR OVERVIEW:
En route to the city's oldest bridge (pictured above), we'll explore the Bronx neighborhoods of Concourse and Highbridge, areas that include art deco and art nouveau apartment buildings, community gardens, architectural curiosities and of course Yankee Stadium. The Grand Concourse was inspired by Champs-Élysées in Paris and we'll learn about the history of the area's development as we stroll along.Highbridge Heights was settled in the 19th century first as a suburban haven with large homes. To the north hip-hop was born at an apartment building located at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the 1970's. The story goes that on August 11, 1973 DJ Kool Herc, a building resident, was entertaining at his sister’s back-to-school party, and tried something new on the turntable: He extended an instrumental beat (breaking or scratching) to let people dance longer (break dancing) and began MC’ing (rapping) during the extended breakdancing.
The Highbridge was built in 1848 to carry water via a Roman-style aqueduct to Manhattan which was NYC's first major water supply system and critically important in being able to sustain the city's growing population. It was recently refurbished as a pedestrian walkway. Once back in Manhattan, we'll stroll through the southeast corner of Washington Heights for some surprising locations including a stroll through the woodsy Highbridge Park.
We'll end on Broadway at 168th Street convenient to the A train, #1 subway and buses.
Optional group meal at the Fort Tryon Public House:
https://fwpublichouse.com/menuCheers from Hank
646-596-3005