Exploring Roosevelt Island, From Abandoned Laboratories to Landmarked Ruins

You’ve probably seen the red tram shuttling back and forth to Roosevelt Island, but how much do you really know about this two-mile-long piece of land wedged between Manhattan and Queens?

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore Roosevelt Island, which has been home to Dutch farms, rehabilitation institutions, asylums, hospitals, scientific laboratories, and more.

Led by historian Kevin Draper, our unique experience will include:

  • An overview of Roosevelt Island and why it was once called Minnehanonck by the Native Americans, Hog Island by the Dutch, Blackwell Island by the English, and Welfare Island by the city
  • A visit to several historic sites including the Chapel of the Good Shepherd (1888) and the Blackwell House, a 1796 dutch farmhouse that is NYC’s 6th oldest landmark
  • A look at the FDR Four Freedoms Park, Smallpox Hospital (NYC’s only landmarked ruin), and abandoned Strecker Laboratory (the first institution in the nation for pathological and bacteriological research)
  • A discussion around the newly built Cornell University campus and future redevelopment plans for the island

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

**Since our tour starts in Manhattan, a MetroCard swipe will be needed to ride the tram. Attendees may also meet the group on Roosevelt Island if more convenient (see confirmation email for more details)

Roosevelt Island Tramway (In Front of Plaza Statue)
E. 59th St.
New York, NY 10022

Tickets $29-$35











When: Sat., Aug. 19, 2017 at 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

You’ve probably seen the red tram shuttling back and forth to Roosevelt Island, but how much do you really know about this two-mile-long piece of land wedged between Manhattan and Queens?

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore Roosevelt Island, which has been home to Dutch farms, rehabilitation institutions, asylums, hospitals, scientific laboratories, and more.

Led by historian Kevin Draper, our unique experience will include:

  • An overview of Roosevelt Island and why it was once called Minnehanonck by the Native Americans, Hog Island by the Dutch, Blackwell Island by the English, and Welfare Island by the city
  • A visit to several historic sites including the Chapel of the Good Shepherd (1888) and the Blackwell House, a 1796 dutch farmhouse that is NYC’s 6th oldest landmark
  • A look at the FDR Four Freedoms Park, Smallpox Hospital (NYC’s only landmarked ruin), and abandoned Strecker Laboratory (the first institution in the nation for pathological and bacteriological research)
  • A discussion around the newly built Cornell University campus and future redevelopment plans for the island

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

**Since our tour starts in Manhattan, a MetroCard swipe will be needed to ride the tram. Attendees may also meet the group on Roosevelt Island if more convenient (see confirmation email for more details)

Roosevelt Island Tramway (In Front of Plaza Statue)
E. 59th St.
New York, NY 10022

Tickets $29-$35

Buy tickets/get more info now