An Illustrated Presentation in Word & Song: The Bowery—Past, Present & Future on NYC's Oldest Street

Native American footpath, Dutch farm road, and site of NYC’s first free Black settlement, the Bowery stretches 1.25 miles from Chatham Square to Cooper Square. It was an early hub for the working class, gangs, gays, and immigrants. It has seminal links to dance, theater, baseball, streetcars, modern tattooing, Stephen Foster, Irving Berlin, Abe Lincoln, and Harry Houdini. In the 20th century, it helped launch Abstract Expressionism, Beat Literature, and punk rock. It is one of NYC’s most architecturally diverse streets, home to its oldest brick house and more. Now, it’s one of America’s most endangered historic streetscapes.

Program includes an illustrated talk by David Mulkins, vintage songs by Poor Baby Bree, and an interview with architectural historian Kerri Culhane, celebrating 5 years of the Bowery’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

FREE. Reservations are required. Register online.