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 (4+)
See all- The East Harlem ExperienceConservatory Garden, New York, NY
RSVP's open up immediately!
Note that space is set aside for new members and other members who have yet to attend an in-person tour with our group and 2nd timers if space permits. If you are in one of these categories and land on the waiting list, feel free to email me at hankorenstein@gmail.com to request a spot.
To bring: sun protection, water to drink. Make sure to check your travel route in advance given weekend changes.
Total walking distance: approximately 3 miles. Please be fit enough to walk at a decent pace at times. This tour is free with an optional contribution to your leader/guide.
Itinerary and Description
We'll meet at Central Park's Conservatory Gardens - entrance is 5th Avenue between East 104th & 105th Streets. Note the garden is currently undergoing needed restoration and renovation so we won't experience it in its full glory.
Conservatory Garden | Central Park Conservancy (centralparknyc.org)Directions by Public Transit: Closest subway station is the 103rd St. stop of the #6. Buses: The M1/2/3/4 goes downtown along 5th Ave. and up Madison if coming from downtown. M96 crosstown gets you fairly close.
Meet at the rear of the garden by to the left of the fountain near the restrooms. After a brief exploration of Central Park's only formal gardens, enjoying some Spring blooms, we'll explore East Harlem (also known as El Barrio and Spanish Harlem), taking in some of the murals while indulging in the neighborhood history, architecture and current street life.
East Harlem by the 1920's had become the largest Italian immigrant community in the United States. While the demographics have changed there still exists some reminders of that earlier era.
At the end of the tour consider visiting these East Harlem Museums:
El Museo Del Barrio and/or the Museum of the City of New York. We'll be ending the tour nearby.Thank you for your cooperation!
Your organizer and guide,
Hank
hankorenstein@gmail.com
646-596-3005