‘New Amsterdam: Dutch New York’s Land of Debauchery’ Webinar

Flashback to 1624: The Dutch West India Company dropped off a shipload of people who were to settle on Manhattan Island. But instead of acting as exemplary ambassadors of the Dutch nation, this ribald group of miscreants launched a tradition of excessive drinking, sex, and gambling — not to mention the occasional rebellion that drove leaders like pegleg Peter Stuyvesant into blinding rage. This is the story of these early settlers in pre-New York City territory, and the lascivious culture they carried across the Atlantic — one that would form the backbone of the libertine city we love today.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore New York’s Dutch era between1624 and 1664, a period that laid the foundation for the pluralistic, freedom-loving society that America would eventually become.

Led by Brooklyn author and storyteller Bill Greer, our virtual tour through the scandalous New Amsterdam will include:

  • An introduction to the many colorful New Amsterdammers, from Nanne Beech — New York’s earliest adulteress, to Cornelis van Tienhoven — a bigamist and embezzler
  • How New Amsterdam Governors like Peter Stuyvesant and Willem Kieft tried to tame this rambunctious lot
  • An unmasking of famous descendants of the bawdy and rebellious New Amsterdammers, from politicians and tycoons to journalists and fashion designers
  • virtual showcase through modern-day lower Manhattan to see the remnants of Manhattan’s original village

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Bill — any and all questions about New Amsterdam are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Bill

Bill Greer is the author of the nonfiction narrative A Dirty Year: Sex, Suffrage, and Scandal in Gilded Age New York, released in April by Chicago Review Press. His earlier novel, The Mevrouw Who Saved Manhattan, paints a portrait of the city’s founding as New Amsterdam. As an officer and trustee of the New Netherland Institute, he chaired the Institute’s program to establish the New Netherland Research Center with the New York State Library. He has spoken on New York history throughout the Hudson Valley.











When: Mon., Feb. 22, 2021 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: No Location
Via livestream

Price: $10
Buy tickets/get more info now
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Flashback to 1624: The Dutch West India Company dropped off a shipload of people who were to settle on Manhattan Island. But instead of acting as exemplary ambassadors of the Dutch nation, this ribald group of miscreants launched a tradition of excessive drinking, sex, and gambling — not to mention the occasional rebellion that drove leaders like pegleg Peter Stuyvesant into blinding rage. This is the story of these early settlers in pre-New York City territory, and the lascivious culture they carried across the Atlantic — one that would form the backbone of the libertine city we love today.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore New York’s Dutch era between1624 and 1664, a period that laid the foundation for the pluralistic, freedom-loving society that America would eventually become.

Led by Brooklyn author and storyteller Bill Greer, our virtual tour through the scandalous New Amsterdam will include:

  • An introduction to the many colorful New Amsterdammers, from Nanne Beech — New York’s earliest adulteress, to Cornelis van Tienhoven — a bigamist and embezzler
  • How New Amsterdam Governors like Peter Stuyvesant and Willem Kieft tried to tame this rambunctious lot
  • An unmasking of famous descendants of the bawdy and rebellious New Amsterdammers, from politicians and tycoons to journalists and fashion designers
  • virtual showcase through modern-day lower Manhattan to see the remnants of Manhattan’s original village

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Bill — any and all questions about New Amsterdam are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Bill

Bill Greer is the author of the nonfiction narrative A Dirty Year: Sex, Suffrage, and Scandal in Gilded Age New York, released in April by Chicago Review Press. His earlier novel, The Mevrouw Who Saved Manhattan, paints a portrait of the city’s founding as New Amsterdam. As an officer and trustee of the New Netherland Institute, he chaired the Institute’s program to establish the New Netherland Research Center with the New York State Library. He has spoken on New York history throughout the Hudson Valley.

Buy tickets/get more info now