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DOWNTOWN
POST NYC
News and Events
in Lower Manhattan
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Volume 3, No. 15 March 28, 2016
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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Fair winds, Peter. We have the watch."
- Capt. Jonathan Boulware, executive director of the South Street Seaport Museum, reflecting on the death of Peter Stanford
WEATHER INFORMATION: For current weather information, click here.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS IN BATTERY PARK CITY:
To reach AlliedBarton "safety ambassadors," call (212) 945-SAFE (7233). The Battery Park City Command Center is now located at the Verdesian at 211 North End Ave. In case of emergencies, call 911.
IF YOU LIKE DOWNTOWN POST NYC - Downtown Post NYC is emailed free to subscribers, but if you like DPNYC and want to support it, you can do that in three ways. 1) Support Downtown Post's advertisers by clicking on their ads, and if you use their services, tell them that you read about them in DPNYC. 2) Consider advertising in DPNYC if you have a business, service or event that you want to promote. 3) Tell people about DPNYC and suggest that they subscribe. They can sign up at www.DowntownPostNYC.com.
All ads in Downtown Post NYC have clickable links. Click on an ad for more information. MASTHEAD PHOTO: Hudson River sunset. March 25, 2016. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
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 JONATHAN BOULWARE REMEMBERS PETER STANFORD
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| Peter Stanford, founder of the South Street Seaport Museum and its first president, addressing a rally on May 22, 2011 organized by Save Our Seaport, a grassroots organization formed to conserve the maritime history of the South Street Seaport and to support the museum and its historic ships. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
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In the wake of Peter Stanford's death on March 24, Capt. Jonathan Boulware, executive director of the South Street Seaport Museum, wrote to museum members and supporters. This is what he said.
Dear Friends,
Peter Stanford, founding president of the South Street Seaport Museum passed away
on Thursday morning, 24th March 2016. We have lost our founder. We have lost a
passionate advocate for our work. We have lost a friend.
I first met Peter Stanford when I joined the Seaport Museum as Waterfront Director. He was visiting to advocate for an exhibition on the ship Wavertree. He spoke enthusiastically about a particular model in the Museum's collection, asserting that it must be a part of the project. As the visit wrapped up, he eagerly queried me on my background. He was enthusiastic that I had sailed in square-rigged ships and very generously referred to me as "a square-rigger man."
Peter was a persistent man, endlessly insisting that the apparently impossible could be achieved. And in that - and as long as he and Norma were involved - he was quite right.
Peter's life and work have been written about extensively and the tale is a good one. For us, he will forever be the founder. It was Peter's vision in the 1960s that led to the preservation of the counting houses of the Seaport, including Schermerhorn Row, one of New York City's treasures. It was Peter's work that led to the acquisition and preservation of Ambrose, Wavertree, Peking, Pioneer, and Lettie. And it was Peter's clear articulation of the import of these things that led the fledgling South Street Seaport Museum to a membership of more than 20,000 within five years.
Today we celebrate his life and his achievements. We mourn the loss, but at the same time we carry on the work. Indeed, were it not for Peter and Norma Stanford - and for the legion of volunteers, staff, and supporters who signed on to the voyage - we would have nothing left to preserve. And in that spirit we endeavor to carry out our duties as the caretakers of a fleet of historic ships and a cluster of historic structures. Behind the brick, under the slate roofs, upon the decks and entwined in the rigging of these buildings and ships is the very fabric of old New York.
Peter was confident that we will succeed in carrying on what he began. On many occasions he confided that he thought we - the staff, volunteers, and board of the Seaport Museum - were the right crew to carry the place forward. Not just to keep the ships afloat and the buildings intact, but to once again place South Street in the vanguard of historical, cultural, and educational organizations in the City. To use ships, streets, and collections to engage visitors, community, and students in the original port of New York.
We have much to do to be equal to Peter's expectations. But I share the confidence that he placed in us. The legacy of the South Street Seaport Museum lies in Peter's oft-repeated assertion that "this Museum is people." There, we are faithfully carrying on and offering the very best tribute to Peter's life's work.
Fair winds, Peter. We have the watch.
Captain Jonathan Boulware and the Staff and Board of the South Street Seaport Museum
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IN MEMORY OF PETER STANFORD FROM TALL SHIPS AMERICA
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| The Pride of Baltimore during OpSail on May 23, 2012. Peter Stanford co-founded and organized Operation Sail 76, a national tall ship event for the nation's bicentennial.(Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
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We are sad to learn of Peter Stanford's passing. His life's passion was dedicated to the preservation and promotion of our maritime heritage. Much of the richness we enjoy today, evidenced in the expansion of the operational tall ships fleet and a myriad of maritime museums and preservation projects, can be traced to public appreciation that Peter Stanford cultivated through his work at South Street Seaport Museum and National Maritime Historical Society. It is safe to say that had he not made such heroic efforts at such a critical time in our national evolution, much of this maritime heritage activity would have been marginalized, or perhaps never even undertaken.
Leaders such as Peter are few. Peter saw beyond the horizon, and charted a course for us to follow. Tall Ships America, and the ships and sailors of sail training who carry on the seafaring traditions in their daily lives, are proud to sail in his wake.
Thank you Peter, and fear not, the voyage continues.
Capt. Bert Rogers
Executive Director,
Tall Ships America
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Letters to the editor
PETER STANFORD: A TOWERING FIGURE, A DEAR FRIEND
On March 24, Downtown Post NYC published the news that Peter Stanford had died that
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Peter and Norma Stanford
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morning. That issue of Downtown Post NYC elicited many emails expressing sadness and appreciation for all that Peter Stanford was and had done. Among them were these.
To the editor:
A wonderful tribute to a towering figure. We will miss him. We will miss his respect and passion for what is real, what is the truth, and beyond everything else his passion to preserve the unique heritage of the waterfront below the Brooklyn Bridge.
Barbara Mensch
author "South Street" (Columbia University Press 2009) and
author upcoming "In the Shadow Of Genius" (Dot Editions 2016)
To the editor:
Thank you for this lovely and loving tribute to Peter. He was a dear friend. We have lost one of the giants.
Beth Childs
To the editor:
I read your article this morning with interest and sadness. While I didn't know Mr. Sanford personally, I would like to pay my respects. Do you know if he is having a public funeral?
Jack Pickering
From the editor:
There will be a public memorial service for Peter Stanford. The arrangements are still being finalized. We will announce them here when we know more.
The Stanford family has asked that instead of flowers, donations in Peter's memory be sent to the National Maritime Historical Society and/or the South Street Seaport Museum. For information about how to donate to the National Maritime Historical Society, click here.
For information about how to donate to the South Street Seaport Museum, click here.
To the tributes above, I append the conclusion of an email that Peter wrote to me on June 11, 2015. Most of the email was about a festival taking place at the Noble Maritime museum on Staten Island. He ended by saying:
Thanks always for what you do for the heritage we serve. I can't wait until we do something together again.
Yrs ever, with love and respect,
Peter
Reading this now brings tears to my eyes. - Terese Loeb Kreuzer
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Bits & Bytes
TRIBECA FILM FEST PULLS ANTI-VACCINATION FILM; CHAMPION SWIMMER AT STUYVESANT HIGH SCHOOL; CHANG COMING TO PIER 17
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| | The Harrison Room, a bar on the second floor of Pier A, is being transformed into a new bar called "Blacktail" that will serve Cuban-themed cocktails. It is scheduled to open in June. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) |
(Note from the editor: The Tribeca Film Festival was going to show a documentary film connecting vaccination with autism, but facing vehement criticism, has pulled the film from the festival. Here are links to two articles about what happened.)
"Robert De Niro Defends Screening of Anti-Vaccine Film at Tribeca Festival," New York Times, 3/25/16. "In a decision that has dredged up the widely debunked link between vaccines and autism, the Tribeca Film Festival plans to screen a film by a discredited former doctor whose research caused widespread alarm about the issue," said The New York Times in an article that appeared on March 25. "The film, 'Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe,' is directed and co-written by Andrew Wakefield, an anti-vaccination activist and an author of a study - published in the British medical journal The Lancet, in 1998 - that was retracted in 2010. In addition to the retraction of the study, which involved 12 children, Britain's General Medical Council, citing ethical violations and a failure to disclose financial conflicts of interest, revoked Mr. Wakefield's medical license." For the complete article, click here. "Robert De Niro Pulls Anti-Vaccine Documentary From Tribeca Film Festival," New York Times, 3/26/16. "Facing a storm of criticism over its plan to show a documentary about the widely debunked link between vaccines and autism, the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday pulled the film from its schedule next month," says The New York Times in an article that was published on March 26. "In a statement, Robert De Niro, a founder of the festival, wrote: 'My intent in screening this film was to provide an opportunity for conversation around an issue that is deeply personal to me and my family. But after reviewing it over the past few days with the Tribeca Film Festival team and others from the scientific community, we do not believe it contributes to or furthers the discussion I had hoped for.' The film, 'Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe,' was directed and co-written by Andrew Wakefield, the author of a study that was published in the British medical journal The Lancet and then retracted in 2010. Mr. Wakefield's medical license was also revoked over his failure to disclose financial conflicts of interest and ethics violations. Information about the film no longer appears on the festival's website." For the complete article, click here. "Her Parents Thought Swimming Lessons Were a Good Idea," New York Times, 3/25/16. "When her fingertips finally touched the end of the pool, at the Greensboro Aquatic Center in North Carolina last August, Krystal Lara heard her teammates break into rapturous applause," says The New York Times. "She slid on her glasses and the figures on the scoreboard came into focus: 1:03.28 - just fast enough to qualify for the 100-meter event at the Olympic trials in Omaha this summer. Scanning the crowd of frenzied faces, Krystal locked eyes with her mother. The two exchanged a look of disbelief before breaking into tears. 'I just felt this huge sense of pride,' Krystal, now an 18-year-old senior at Stuyvesant High School in Lower Manhattan, recalled. 'Like all this work and all we'd been through had been worth it.'" The Times explains that, "Krystal has risen to unlikely ranks in a sport bedeviled by persistent racial and socioeconomic gaps. She lives in a modest two-family ranch-style house in Willowbrook, Staten Island, with her parents and two younger siblings. Her father, Frederick Lara, 46, grew up in a Dominican-American family in Brooklyn; her mother immigrated to New York from Colombia. Neither parent could pull off much more than a dog paddle, but they figured swimming lessons were a worthwhile way for their children to fill the languid summer months. Krystal took her first strokes at age 6, in a free program run by the parks department near her family's home. Within a week, the instructors asked Krystal's mother to put her on a competitive team." For the complete article, click here.
"Light Display on Trade Center, Intended as Brussels Tribute, Raises Eyebrows," New York Times, 3/23/16. "Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo had decreed that 1 World Trade Center join landmarks around the world in lighting up in the black, yellow and red of Belgium's flag in a show of solidarity after the attacks in Brussels," says The New York Times. "But as darkness fell and the tower's 408-foot spire was bathed in light, photographs spread across social media accompanied by a question: Where were the black and yellow? Though the bottom of the spire was decidedly red, the top third appeared more blue than black and the middle closer to white than yellow. Some surmised that the spire was intended as a tribute to the American flag or the French national banner, as it had been after the terrorist attacks in Paris in November." According to The Times, " A British tabloid, The Daily Mail, was openly critical, hinting that Americans could not tell the French and Belgian flags apart." For the complete article, click here. "Giant Downtown Tenant Locks in its Space," GlobeSt.com, 3/23/16. "McGraw Hill Financial has agreed to stay put in its sprawling Downtown space," says GlobeSt.com. "The tenant reached an agreement with landlord New Water Street Corp. to renew it 900,027-square-foot lease at 55 Water St. McGraw Hill inked a multi-year renewal for the entire 34th through 46th floors-along with a portion of the concourse and 52nd floor. The company is the largest tenant in the building." For the complete article, click here. "David Chang Brings the Momofuku Thunder to Pier 17," Eater.com, 3/23/16. "The Howard Hughes Corporation's Pier 17 mega-development is getting a new restaurant from the Bo Ss�m Baron himself, the one and only Mr. David Chang," says Eater.com. "The restaurant is slated to open inside Pier 17 at some point in 2017." Eater says that it will be "a sit-down establishment, and in a memo to shareholders this morning, Hughes Corp CEO David R. Weinreb mentions that a 'dynamic new restaurant concept' is coming to Pier 17. The news comes one day after Chang revealed plans for a new delivery-only restaurant called Ando." For the complete article, click here. "Dead Rabbit Drink Slingers Plan Cuban-Themed Pier A Booze Barn," Eater.com, 3/21/16. "The cocktail maestros behind The Dead Rabbit are planning a Cuban-themed spinoff in the sprawling Pier A complex at the edge of the Financial District," says Eater. com. "The new bar, dubbed Blacktail, will inhabit a 2,000 square foot space on the second floor of the building. Bartender/proprietors Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry will make cocktails inspired by 1920s Cuba." For the complete article, click here.
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Letter to the editor
HOWARD HUGHES TIN BUILDING PROPOSAL SHOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED AS PART OF A MASTER PLAN FOR THE SEAPORT
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| Commissioner Meenakshi Srinivasan, Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and Commissioner Wellington Z. Chen listening to public comments at a hearing on March 22 about The Howard Hughes Corporation's proposal for the renovation of the Tin Building in the South Street Seaport. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
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To the editor:
(Re: "Thumbs up for Howard Hughes Corp.'s Tin Building Proposal," DPNYC, 3/21/16) Mr. Vasquez' lavish praise of the Hughes Corporation's proposed plan for the Tin Building omits one important fact: the Tin Building is linked to the New Market Building, right next door. Both were erected for the Fulton Fish Market and are the only buildings that remain that were specifically constructed for the market. The New Market Building is not landmarked by the City, though Community Board 1 and others keep requesting landmark status for it. (It is already eligible for State and federal landmark status). The New Market Building has been very much neglected - on purpose. This is the very same building that HHC, in its 400+ page plan given to City Planning in August 2015 (kept secret from the public) wants to tear down and in its place, erect a 10-story building.
How often do advocates for this historic landmark district have to repeat? this area is a landmarked historic district for a reason! New York City began here, much of American history began here. In any sane city, it would be obvious that this is a treasure. In this city, it is a target.
How often do we have to repeat the obvious? no more segmentation! No more slicing and dicing of an entire district into itty-bitty components that are proposed drip by agonizing drip to the public, all the time protesting there is no master plan. A proposal of more than 400 pages certainly seems like a master plan.
If the Hughes Corporation and its partner, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, were smart rather than cunning, they would make their proposals complete and transparent and allow open debate about their merits. In the long run, they might save some time.
Rona B. Kluger
From the editor:
We welcome letters to the editor. E-mail them to editor@downtownpostnyc.com. We reserve the right to edit them for clarity and length.
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Downtown bulletin board
UNCLAIMED FUNDS; ELECTRONICS RECYCLING; BASKETBALL CLINIC; LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION TRAINING; GRACIE MANSION TOURS
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To benefit the Old Seaport Alliance, a non-profit neighborhood improvement association of South Street Seaport merchants and residents, the Alliance is sponsoring a gala cruise of New York harbor on April 5 aboard the Hornblower Hybrid.
(Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer) |
Unclaimed funds in New York: The New York State Comptroller's Office reports that it is holding nearly $14 billion in unclaimed money for New York residents who may have been charged superfluous fees or overpaid a bill, among other reasons for the money to end up in that office. Manhattan has the largest number of unclaimed funds in the New York area with just over 1.5 million potential cases. To search the comptroller's database and verify if you have unclaimed funds, click here or call (800) 221-9311 for more information.
Disposing of electronic waste: New York State and City laws require the safe disposal of electronic waste (such as cellphones, computers and television sets) so that it doesn't end up in landfill. Most electronics can't be discarded through regular curb-side pick ups. The Lower East Side Ecology Center has a warehouse in Gowanus where electronic waste can be dropped off. In addition, the Lower East Side Ecology Center has rotating monthly recycling events in various city neighborhoods. For a calendar of its April recycling events, click here. The New York City Department of Sanitation offers a free recycling service for apartment buildings with more than 10 units. For information on how to enroll, call (212) 437-4647. Finally, many manufacturers offer drop off or mail-back options. For a list of manufacturers registered in New York State, go to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website by clicking here. If a manufacturer on the list refuses to accept your electronics, notify the Department of Environmental Conservation by calling (800) 847-7332.
New York City Transit Invites Public Input on Proposed Restoration of W Line, Changes to NQ Service: In preparation for the opening of Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is proposing the restoration of W subway service and changes to NQ subway service. The restored W Line will replace the existing Q subway service in Astoria, then operate local service in Manhattan, where it will terminate at Whitehall Street. N subway service would operate express in Manhattan between Canal Street and 34th Street-Herald Square. A hearing will be held on April 7 to solicit public input. Registration is required for members of the public as space may be limited. RSVP online by clicking here or call (646) 252-6777. It will also be possible to sign in on the day of the hearing from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the hearing location. Members of the public who cannot attend this hearing can submit feedback online by clicking here. Place: 2 Broadway, 20th floor. Time: 5 p.m.
Basketball clinic: Under the auspices of Battery Park City Parks, during spring break (April 25-April 29), there will be a basketball clinic at the Stuyvesant High School Community Center. Instructors Jamel Thomas and Louis Frye will teach new skills and techniques. Place: 345 Chambers St. Times: 4 p.m.-5 p.m. (ages 10 to 13); 5:15 p.m.-6:45 p.m. (ages 14 to 17). Fee: $250 (ages 10 to 13); $300 (ages 14-17). Register before April 1 for a 10 percent discount. Registration is required before April 18. For more information and to register, call (212) 267-9700 or click here.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Training: A 40-hour course given at the Stuyvesant High School Community Center meets New York State Health Department regulations for life guards and includes CPR/AED and first-aid skills. Participants must be at least 15 years old by April 25, 2016. Place: Stuyvesant High School, 345 Chambers St. Dates: April 25-April 29, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $425; $400 (Community Center members); $375 (students). Register before April 1 and receive a 10 percent discount on the course. For information and to register, call (212) 267-9700 or click here.
Battery Park City Authority Town Meeting: On April 13, the Battery Park City Authority will host its next Community Meeting to provide updates on Battery Park City initiatives and to solicit feedback from the public. All are encouraged to attend. Future meetings are currently scheduled for July 20 and Nov. 16, 2016. Place: 6 River Terrace. Time: 6 p.m.
Fundraiser for Rep. Carolyn Maloney: U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney, who is up for re-election this year, was among those who spearheaded the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act through Congress. A fundraiser on April 7 at the home of Dennis and Karen Mehiel (he is chairman of the Battery Park City Authority) will feature a musical performance by Grammy Award-winner Carole King (whose father was a firefighter). Time: VIP dinner for chairs and hosts (5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.); dessert reception (7 p.m.-8 p.m.). Tickets: $250 and up. To RSVP, click here or call Darren Rigger at (212) 987-5516.
Old Seaport Alliance Benefit Gala: To benefit the Old Seaport Alliance, a non-profit neighborhood improvement association of South Street Seaport merchants and residents, the Alliance is sponsoring a gala cruise of New York harbor on April 5 aboard the Hornblower Hybrid. There will be Champagne, an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and desserts from local restaurants along with music and dancing. Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Place: leaving from Pier 15. Tickets: $95 (if purchased in advance); $125 (on day of gala). For more information, click here.
Sailors Ball tickets on sale: The annual Sailors Ball is a black-tie party that celebrates the start of a new sailing season and raises funds for the Manhattan Yacht Club's junior sailing programs. This year, the ball will take place at the Down Town Association, 60 Pine St., on April 29. Regular ball tickets (with an open bar, finger food, dancing and casino games) cost $95 before April 26 and $120 afterward. VIP ball tickets cost $250 and include the 12 Meter Dinner from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and admission to the Ball. In addition there are raffle tickets whose proceeds support junior sailing. The raffle prizes include a place on board the historic America II during the America's Cup World Series in New York Harbor, Saturday May 7. (America II competed in the 1987 America's Cup, so this is a rare circumstance where a historic America's Cup boat will be in the same waters as the modern ones. Prize value $800) and two VIP tickets aboard the Arabella during the America's Cup World Series, Saturday May 7. The Arabella is the flagship of Manhattan Yacht Club and will be hosting its Club and special guests to watch this unique event with the most spectacular backdrop! Prize value $800.) Raffle tickets cost $20 (one ticket); $50 (three tickets); $100 (seven tickets). To buy tickets for the ball and the raffle, click here.
Free tax preparation: If you earned $62,000 or less in 2015, you may qualify for free tax preparation services, either via online filing or in person with a certified preparer. There are two ways to file your taxes safely and without charge: In person at your local free tax preparation site: For most sites, this service is offered to people with an annual income of $54,000 or less (with children) or $30,000 or less (no children). IRS certified preparers will help you claim credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and NYC Child Care Tax Credit (NYC CCTC) to get the full refund you deserve. Some sites let you drop off your tax documents and pick up the completed return later. There are more than 200 NYC Free Tax Prep sites in the city. In Lower Manhattan, this service is available through Beta Alpha Psi at Pace University, One Pace Plaza, 4th floor (call 212-618-6598 for more information) and at the New Amsterdam Library, 9 Murray St. (call 212-732-8186 for more information). For other free tax preparation sites, click here or call 311. Online filing is for people with an annual income of $62,000 or less. The online service is quick, easy and secure. Step-by-step instructions make it easy to claim credits like the EITC and NYC CCTC. Experts are available by phone to help with questions. For more information, go to nyc.gov/taxprep or call 311 and ask for tax preparation assistance.
5K Run/Walk and Community Day: Sign up now to participate in the National September 11 Memorial and Museum's 5K run/walk that will take place on Sunday, April 24, rain or shine. This is a "fun Run/Walk" for people connected with the memorial or who want to support it. The event will not be timed. It starts at Pier 26 in Hudson River Park, goes through Battery Park City along the Hudson River esplanade and ends at the 9/11 memorial with a free "Community Day." From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be activities for all ages, a kid zone, live music and opportunities to learn more about the memorial. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. People with a 9/11 Memorial Run/Walk bib will get a 25 percent discount at the Memorial Museum ticket window if they want to visit the museum that day. The early bird registration fees ( through April 1) are $40 (adults); $28 (students and youth); $20 (FDNY, NYPD, PAPD and for the U.S. Military); free (children). To register and for more information, click here.
Luminaries: Luminaries, the light show that David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group devised for Brookfield Place's Winter Garden in Battery Park City, went on display in December and was supposed to come down on Jan. 10. But it proved so popular that it remained up until Feb. 29. For photographs of Luminaries, click here.
GrowNYC offers discounted farm-fresh produce: From now through May, residents and community members of all income levels can sign up for a bag of farm-fresh produce for $12 a bag. Cash, credit cards, debit cards, and SNAP (food stamps) can be used in payment. To participate, customers pre-order bags one week in advance of the designated distribution day. The next week, they can pick up their Fresh Food Box containing seven to nine seasonal fruits, vegetables, and grains, along with healthy recipes and tips on how to store and prepare the produce. All of the produce comes from family farms selling through GrowNYC's wholesale food hub and distribution arm, Greenmarket, Co. In Lower Manhattan, this service is available at 1 Centre St., 9th floor, South Building, Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. through May 2016. For more information, click here.
South Street Seaport Museum on Schermerhorn Row: To see photographs of some of the artifacts inside the South Street Seaport Museum's premises on Schermerhorn Row and photos of past exhibitions, click here.
Downtown Post Portfolio: Jay Fine: Jay Fine is a New York City fine-art photographer and photojournalist, based in Lower Manhattan whose work was featured in Downtown Post Portfolio ( DPNYC, 5/6/15). To see some more of Fine's work on the Downtown Post NYC website, click here. Gracie Mansion: Artifacts and Tours: Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City's mayors at 88th Street and East End Avenue, was built in 1799 as a country retreat for financier Archibald Gracie and his family. At the time, the gracious, Federal-style house was five miles outside the city limits - and at that time, the city limits would have meant what we now call "Lower Manhattan." A recently installed exhibit of paintings, sculptures and documents called "Windows on the City: Looking Out at Gracie's New York" sheds light on what our neighborhood was like at the turn of the 19th century. Slavery was still legal, and there was a slave market at the foot of Wall Street. Clipper ships plied the harbor, taking cargo in some cases to and from Asia - a recently opened market. The streets were noisy with the raucous calls of vendors selling oysters, ice, charcoal, milk and many other goods and services. Immigrants began to arrive in greater numbers, many of them living in crowded tenements and working at monotonous, low-paying jobs. The city, already diverse from the time of the Dutch settlers in the early 17th century, became even more so. For more about Gracie Mansion and to see photographs, click here. Free tours are available on March 29; April 5, 12, 19 and 26; and May 3, 10, 17 and 24. To register for a tour, click here. SeaGlass Carousel: Following 10 years of design and fundraising and a setback named "Sandy," the SeaGlass Carousel in The Battery opened on Aug. 19, 2015 to universal critical acclaim and rapturous crowds. Downtown Post NYC was there for the opening. Read about the carousel and see photos by clicking here. After a truncated winter schedule, SeaGlass Carousel is once again open daily, weather permitting. For updates on changes to operating hours, follow The Battery Conservancy on Facebook. Admission to SeaGlass Carousel is $5 per ride. Access to The Battery is free and open to the public. Downtown Post NYC photos for sale: If would like to buy prints of a photograph that has appeared in Downtown Post NYC, email editor@downtownpostnyc.com with your request for more information about sizes and prices. Wavertree video: The South Street Seaport Museum's 1885 sailing ship, Wavertree, is currently at Caddell Drydock on Staten Island, where the ship is undergoing a $10.6 million refurbishment. The museum has created a video to show the progress of the overhaul. To see the video, click here. |
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Artifacts related to the 1885 sailing ship Wavertree are part of the new exhibition, "Street of Ships: The Port and Its People" at the South Street Seaport Museum's 12 Fulton St. gallery. The artifacts include a section of Wavertree's mast from the 1970's and the Southgate ship bell. Wavertree was originally named Southgate and sailed under that name until 1888. When the British shipping company R.W. Leyland, based in Liverpool, bought the ship, she was renamed Wavertree after a neighborhood in Liverpool. The ship sailed with the "Southgate" bell throughout her career. Also in this photo is a replica of a fishing boat made at the South Street Seaport Museum's Craft Center in the 1980's. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
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CALENDAR: Week of March 28
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| In 1937, painter Reginald Marsh (1898-1954) embarked on the creation of murals for the rotunda of the United States Custom House at 1 Bowling Green. Marsh's eight watercolor and graphite paintings, part of the Museum of the City of New York's collection, are on view for the first time in more than 20 years. They depict an ocean liner from its entrance into New York Harbor to the unloading of its cargo on the city's docks. On exhibit through May 30.
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March 28: Dudu Fisher comes to the Museum of Jewish Heritage to tell the story of Jerusalem through music, stories and visual effects. The production showcases Fisher's famed vocals backed by world-class musicians. Also, March 30. Place: 36 Battery Place. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 (orchestra); $50 (mezzanine); $35 (sides). For more information and to buy tickets, click here. March 30: "Journey Through a Turbulent World: From Kabul to the White House" is the title of Zalmay Khalilzad's talk at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. Khalilzad is a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Afghanistan and Iraq, who had a first-hand role in shaping U.S. foreign policy post-9/11. His talk will be followed by a book sale and signing of his memoir, "The Envoy." Time: 7 p.m. Free but reservations are required. To reserve, click here. March 31: Twenty-five years ago, the remains of a slave burial ground were found during the excavation for the foundation of a building at 290 Broadway between Duane and Reade Streets. The African Burial Ground National Monument, the United Nations Remember Slavery Programme and EVT Educational Productions, Inc. are marking the anniversary with film screenings followed by a panel discussion on the impact and legacy of slavery moderated by veteran television anchor, Carol Jenkins. The films are "Then I'll Be Free to Travel Home: The Legacy of the NY African Burial Ground" and "The Ark of Return." RSVP to African_Burial_Ground@nps.gov. Place: 290 Broadway. Time: The program starts at 6 p.m. but a 5:30 p.m. arrival is suggested. Free. For more information, click here. Ongoing: The Museum of the City of New York presents "From Ship to Shore: Reginald Marsh & The U.S. Custom House Murals," a glimpse of rarely seen works from the celebrated American painter known for bringing city scenes to life from the beaches of Coney Island to the burlesque stage and, of course, the United States Custom House at 1 Bowling Green. The installation features works from the Museum's collection that have not been viewed in over 20 years, including a photo of the Custom House created by architect Cass Gilbert, a planning sketch by Marsh, and eight watercolor and graphite paintings. Through May 30. Place: 1220 Fifth Ave. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Suggested admission: $14 (adults); $10 (seniors and students with ID); free (under 20 years old and museum members). For more information, click here.
Ongoing: "Street of Ships: The Port and Its People" in the South Street Seaport Museum's 12 Fulton St. lobby. The exhibition showcases works of art and artifacts from the museum's permanent collections related to the 19th century history of the Port of New York. The objects on display illuminate the Seaport's decisive role in securing New York City's place as America's largest city and the world's busiest port by the start of the 20th century. On view through 2016. Place: 12 Fulton St. Time: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets: $12; $8 (seniors 65+, Merchant Mariners, Active Duty Military and students (with valid ID); $6 (kids, ages 6-17); free (children ages 5 and under). For more information or to reserve tickets, click here. Ongoing: "Rethinking Cities for the Age of Global Warming" is the title of the newest exhibition at the Skyscraper Museum. Of the world's 20 largest megacities - metropolitan areas with a population of 10 million or more - seven are located in the tropical countries and islands of Southeast Asia. WOHA - the practice begun in 1994 by architects Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell - has built extensively in the tiny city-state of Singapore, as well as in Bangkok, Mumbai, and other megacities in the region. WOHA proposes - and has built - tropical skyscrapers enveloped by nature and vertical villages with sky gardens, breezeways, and elevated parks. At a time when global warming threatens the future, the enlightened work of WOHA rethinks the urban environment, offering prototypes that use vertical density to create highly social, sustainable, and garden-filled cities. Through Sept. 4, 2016. Place: Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place. Museum open, Wednesday-Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. (The museum will be open on Easter Sunday, March 27.) Admission: $5; $2.50 (students and seniors). For more information, click here.
Ongoing: "Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains" at the National Museum of the American Indian traces the evolution of the narrative art form from historic hides, muslins and ledger books to a selection of contemporary works by Native artists, the majority commissioned for this exhibition. Warrior-artists from the Native nations of North America's plains have long used pictures to depict visionary experiences and successes in battle and horse raiding. When the U.S. government enacted policies from 1870 to 1920 that forced Plains people to give up their traditions, drawings became a crucial means of addressing cultural upheaval. Since the 1960s, narrative artists have blended traditional and modern materials to depict everything from ceremonies and family histories to humor and contemporary life. Through Dec. 4, 2016. Place: 1 Bowling Green. The museum is open daily. Free. For more information, click here.
Ongoing: The exhibition, "New York's Yiddish Theater: From the Bowery to Broadway," is playing at the Museum of the City of New York (definitely uptown - the museum is at 1220 Fifth Ave., at 103rd Street - but the subject matter recalls the downtown heyday of the Yiddish theater in New York City). New York's first Yiddish production was staged in 1882. In the ensuing decades, so many Yiddish theaters opened on Second Avenue between Houston Street and East 14th Street that the area was known as the "Yiddish Rialto." The exhibition features more than 250 artifacts, including photographs, costumes, playbills, sets, drawings, sculptures and film clips. Some of them came from the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park City, now affiliated with Folksbiene, the National Yiddish Theatre - one of the co-presenters of the exhibition along with the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and the National Yiddish Book Center. Place: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Chalsty's Caf� in the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets: Suggested admission, $14; $10 (seniors and students with ID); free (under age 20 and members). For more information, click here.
Ongoing: In Atlanta, in 1915, Leo Frank became the only Jew ever lynched in the United States. He was accused of murdering a 13-year-old girl who worked at the pencil factory that he managed. His trial, murder and the aftermath are the subject of an exhibition, "Seeking Justice: The Leo Frank Case Revisited." Through Aug. 28, 2016. Place: Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place. Open Sunday to Friday (closed Saturdays). For more information, click here.
Ongoing: "Off the Wall" at the World Trade Gallery celebrates street art. Place: 120 Broadway (entrance on Cedar Street). The exhibition continues through April 12. The gallery is open daily. For more information, click here.
Ongoing: An exhibition entitled "Metamorphosis: The Collaboration of Poet Barbara Guest & Artist Fay Lansner" runs at Poets House through April 23, 2016. Beginning in the 1960s and continuing through the 1990s, this exhibition charts the creative collaboration and friendship between the New York School Poet Barbara Guest (1920- 2006) and painter Fay Lansner (1921-2010). Included in the exhibit are drawings, paintings, collages and portraits of Guest that depict the progressive transformation of the creative process. This is the first time that these works have been brought together in an exhibition. Place: 10 River Terrace. The exhibition is open during Poets House's regular hours. Free. For more information, click here. Ongoing: "Cer�mica de los Ancestros: Central America's Past Revealed" displays 155 ancient objects from the National Museum of the American Indian's rarely seen collections of Central American ceramics. The exhibition examines seven regions representing distinct Central American cultural areas that are today part of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, where Central America's first inhabitants lived. Dating back to 1000 B.C., the ceramics help tell the story of the innumerable achievements of these ancient civilizations, each with unique, sophisticated ways of life, value systems and arts. Through December 2017. Place: 1 Bowling Green. The National Museum of the American Indian is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Thursdays, until 8 p.m. Free. For more information, click here. For a video related to the exhibition, click here.
Ongoing: The annual Battery Park City Parks art show displays artwork created by participants of all ages in the Battery Park City Parks art programs. Place: Battery Park City Parks Conservancy, 75 Battery Place. The exhibition will be on view weekdays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., through March 31. Free.
Ongoing: "America in Circulation: A History of US Currency Featuring the Collection of Mark R. Shenkman," an exhibition at the Museum of American Finance, showcases around 250 rare examples of American paper money accompanied by large, interactive touch screen displays. From Colonial times, American money has told a fascinating story of the country's struggles and successes. Often local and national currencies competed and coexisted with each other, while economic depression, war and counterfeiting drove constant advances in design. The exhibition spans the period from the Colonial era to the present day. Highlights include rare examples of currency bearing the signatures of signers of the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence; a complete set of notes from the Educational Series of 1896, renowned for being the most beautiful paper money in American history; and rare examples of high denomination notes including $5,000 and $10,000 bills. Through March 2018. To see an online version of the exhibition, click here. Place: 48 Wall St. Museum is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $8; $5 (students and seniors); free (museum members and kids 6 and under). For more information, click here.
Ongoing: The Woolworth Building was designed by Cass Gilbert to house the offices of the F. W. Woolworth Company and was the tallest building in the world from 1913 until 1930. With its ornamental gothic-style exterior, it dominated the New York City skyline and served as an icon of American ingenuity with state of the art steel construction, fireproofing and high-speed elevators and it was dubbed "the Cathedral of Commerce." The building is still privately owned and operated, and has long been closed to the public. Tours of its magnificent landmarked lobby featuring marble, mosaics, and murals have only recently been made available and can be taken for 30-minutes, 60-minutes or 90-minutes. Custom and Private tours for groups of 10 - 35 can also be arranged. Place: 233 Broadway. Various times. Tickets: $20, $30 and $45, depending on the length of the tour. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Ongoing: "Defining Lines: Maps from the 1700s and early 1800s" at the Fraunces Tavern Museum. Twenty-seven maps provide a perspective on the evolving nation's place in history. A map from 1804, never before exhibited, shows the U.S. postal routes. Place: 54 Pearl St. Time: Noon to 5 p.m., daily. Admission fees: $7; $4 (seniors, students with ID, children, 6 to 8 years old. Children, 5 and under, free. Active military with ID, free. For more information, click here.
Ongoing: The National Museum of the American Indian is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission. It offers free films, docent-led tours of its exhibitions and tours of its premises, the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, designed by Cass Gilbert. The building, which was completed in 1907, is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One Bowling Green. Phone: (212) 514-3700. For the museum's calendar, click here.
Buy tickets now:
April 9: The Municipal Art Society presents "Downtown New York: What's in a Name?" a tour with Joe Svehlak, who grew up in Lower Manhattan. During a two-hour walk, he will explain the origins of Broad Street, Stone Street, Water Street, Gold Street, the Battery, Maiden Lane and other downtown streets with historic names. He will also talk about issues of planning and preservation in New York's oldest and ever-changing neighborhood. Meeting place provided after tickets are purchased. Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tickets: $30; $20 (MAS members). For more information and to buy tickets, click here or call (212) 935-2075, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Downtown Post NYC is emailed to subscribers twice a week.
Editor: Terese Loeb Kreuzer
All articles and photographs in Downtown Post NYC are copyrighted and
may not be reprinted or republished without written permission.
� 2016
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