Exploring the History and Culture of Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

RSVPs begin on Wednesday, April 1st at 9:00pm. Space is set aside for new members, first and 2nd timers who land on the waiting list. Email me at hankorenstein@gmail.com to request a spot.

This tour is free with an optional donation to your guide/organizer at the end via cash, venmo or zelle.

Travel advisory: G train partially suspended so it is not stopping at Nassau Street near our meeting point. There are various options including a free shuttle bus and walking from the Bedford Station of the L train in Williamsburg (about 20 minutes).
Plan your travel route: https://www.mta.info/tripplanner/results

To Bring: Water to drink, sun protection, snacks or easy-to-eat lunch if you like. We will also stop at a local bakery early in our walk should you wish to try some local treats and bread. We will have a sit down break with restrooms.

Our tour begins outside the Greenpoint Public Library, one of the city's newest. Arrive early if you anticipate using the restrooms which are on both the ground and 2nd floors.

Note that this is a 3.5 hour tour, and our total walking distance will be 3.5-4 miles.

OVERVIEW

Greenpoint is an often overlooked gem of a neighborhood that hugs the East River in the northwest corner of Brooklyn. Once a busy industrial area with shipyards and a home to for oil refining, glassmaking, printing, ceramics and ironworks, the area has distinctively quaint streets, varied housing, unique residential, industrial and church architecture, numerous restaurants and a nightlife scene in venues such as the Polish National Home (pictured above). There are also new luxury condos on the waterfront, along with the gritty and atmospheric Newtown Creek.

The neighborhood has also become known as a popular place for the the film and television industry's production facilities. In addition there are interesting and varied places for casual eating and dining and you'll come away with plenty of ideas for returning to the neighborhood.

We'll learn about the area's immigrant history which began with the Irish in the 1830's -- and Polish immigrants later in the 19th century. Even as the neighborhood has seen an influx of diverse communities, the area is an important hub for Polish immigrants still today.

We'll visit the waterfront and enjoy the views of Manhattan, the strange landscape around Newtown Creek, and visit a Polish bakery early in the tour for noshing. Optional after the walk: Enjoy authentic Polish food.

Your organizer and guide,

Hank Orenstein
hankorenstein@gmail.com
646-596-3005