Tour leader: Nalleli Guillen, Brooklyn Historical Society

Founded in 1863, Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS) has been a leader in spearheading public history initiatives that engage diverse audiences with cutting edge and relevant historical narratives about life in the borough and beyond. BHS’s long-term exhibitions challenge audiences to think about how complex historical concepts such as race and slavery, labor and class, deindustrialization and gentrification have shaped their lives and the Brooklyn they see today.

This tour will provide a behind the scenes look into how public history is created at BHS by discussing one of the institution’s most recent projects. Waterfront, an exhibition and multimedia experience located at BHS’s second gallery in the neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), brings to life the vibrant history of Brooklyn’s coastline through interwoven stories of workers, industries, activists, innovators, families, neighborhoods, and ecosystems. The exhibition engages with important debates about the shoreline’s future by taking on the waterfront’s most pressing contemporary topics, including sea level rise and gentrification.

Please note: The group will travel by subway (fare card provided); the museum is a short walk from the High Street station. The High Street station is accessible only by stairs; alternate transportation is available on request. The museum is ADA compliant.

Limit 20 people. $20 members, $30 nonmembers