The Brooklyn Historical Society

Founded in 1863, the Brooklyn Historical Society, BHS, is a nationally renowned urban history center dedicated to the exploration and preservation of documents, artwork and artifacts representative of Brooklyn's diverse cultures past and present. BHS provides access to its unparalleled collection through extensive educational programs, exhibits, neighborhood history guides, community outreach and its distinctive Brooklyn Walks and Talks series. BHS's board and staff are dedicated to creating programming that helps Brooklynites young and old develop pride in their own cultural traditions while fostering an appreciation for their neighbors' differences and similarities.

General Information

Hours
Sunday             12-5
Monday             Closed
Tuesday            Closed
Wednesday       10-5
Thursday           10-5
Friday                10-8
Saturday            10-5

Address
128 Pierrepont Street Brooklyn, New York 11201

Directions
Subway
2,3,4,5 to Borough Hall, A,C,F to Jay St/Borough Hall, or M,N,R to Court St.
Bus
North – South: B 38, B52, B25, B26, B41 to Montague/Court Street East – West: B 67, B65 to Jay Street
From Manhattan: B51 City Hall to Court St. /Cadman Plaza WEEKDAY SERVICE ONLY
Car
From Brooklyn
Take the BELT PKWY W., which becomes BROOKLYN QUEENS EXPWY/I-278 E., to ATLANTIC AVENUE (exit 27). Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto ATLANTIC AVENUE. Turn LEFT onto CLINTON STREET.
From Manhattan
Take the BROOKLYN BRIDGE to CADMAN PLAZA WEST ramp. Go straight ahead onto MIDDAGH STREET. Turn LEFT onto HENRY STREET. Turn LEFT onto PIERREPONT STREET.

Parking
There is limited on street parking in the neighborhood as well as several garages: Manhattan Parking, 40 Clinton St., between Pierrepont and Cadman Plaza West 300 Cadman Plaza West, between Clinton and Pierrepont Ulltra on Montague between Clinton and Court.

Fees
General admission admits visitors to the lower level, first and second floors of the building. At this time, an additional charge to provide access to the Othmer Library next spring is not planned.

     
  SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CONEY ISLAND EVENTS EMAILS: 
  
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TUNE IN NOW!!!   
  
   WELCOME TO CONEYISLAND.COM! 
CONEYISLAND.COM is the official website of a not for profit organization called CONEY ISLAND, USA. We are the people in Coney Island who care about old and new Coney Island. We are the company that produces: THE CONEY ISLAND MUSEUM which preserves the history of old Coney Island; THE MERMAID PARADE which is the largest art parade in New York City flaunting the new Coney Island; SIDESHOWS BY THE SEASHORE headquarters of the last traditional 10-in-1 circus sideshow in the town where they came from. We are also the professionals who have co-produced the FIREWORKS, AIRSHOWS, TATTOO SHOWS and just about everything alive or entertaining at New York's world famous beach. 
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS!
CLICK HERE TO BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
All members will receive the new issue of The Coney Isle-O-Phile! 

MERMAID PARADE 2004
What's happening at Coney Island in 2004? Stay tuned for this year's MERMAID PARADE on June 26, 2004. We'll see you there, rain or shine!

PARADE PARTICIPANTS: REGISTER HERE!

CLICK HERE FOR PARADE SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION  
CONEY ISLAND GIFT SHOP
GET YOUR MERMAID GEAR HERE!

ORIGINAL MERMAID PARADE POSTER! 1983 $35
Cynthia Friedman design,first Mermaid Parade, 25"x10"
CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Growing Mermaid $5
Put her in water and watch her grow!  Package includes "Marvelous Mermaid Facts" Printed on backside.CLICK HERE TO ORDER
 
 
   SIDESHOW SCHOOL
CLASSES START APRIL 7
 Have you ever dreamed of running away with the circus? Did anyone ever call you a freak? Well, now’s your chance to become one! Coney Island USA is proud to announce its latest program- SIDESHOW SCHOOL! Work with some of the greatest talents in the business to learn the ins and outs of the working acts of the sideshow- Fire Eating, Snake Charming, The Human Blockhead, Sword Swallowing, Magic and More!! The class culminates with students actually performing in the Coney Island Circus Sideshow!

Study banner painting techniques of the masters with Coney Island USA artist in Residence, Marie Roberts!

Click here for info about upcoming classes!
• Sideshow Skills 101 with Todd Robbins
• Banner Painting 101 with Marie Roberts

   THE CONEY ISLAND SIDESHOW
Reopens for Easter Weekend!.
See Tyler Fyre, Eak, Insectavora, Scott baker and meet a real rubber man- "The Scorpion Mystic" 
 

See Serpentina's Farewell Appearance!
 

   CONEY ISLAND ARTISTS HONORED BY MUSEUMS!
MARIE ROBERTS IN BROOKLYN MUSEUM!
 

The Brooklyn Museum of Art plans to celebrate the April 2004 opening of its new parkway entrance pavilion and public plaza, designed by James Polshek Partnership architects, with the latest version of the museum's popular survey show of Brooklyn artists. Billed as the largest and most comprehensive survey of B-boro artists, "Open House: Working in Brooklyn," Apr. 16-Aug. 15, 2004, includes over 300 works by 200 artists curated by Charlotta Kotik and Tumelo Mosaka. Featured in the show will be Coney Island USA's own Marie Roberts!
Click here for info about Marie's upcoming banner painting classes at Sideshow School.

   THE CONEY ISLAND MUSEUM
Open on Saturdays and Sundays.
FEATURED ITEM FROM THE MUSEUM COLLECTION:

   email :info@coneyisland.com
post : 1208 Surf Ave. Brooklyn NY 11224-2816     phone: 718 372 5159 fax 718 372 5101

Site design by The Great Fredini , Ocean7 and Funny Garbage. 
Special thanks to Stacy Horn and Echo Communications- our generous site host and service provider! 

Families may choose a single grave, with a capacity of three interments. Two-grave or larger lots are also available. We will be pleased to discuss your family needs with you. For more information, please contact one of our counselors at 718-768-7300.

The Heart of Brooklyn Trolley

The Heart of Brooklyn Trolley operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, Noon – 5:00 PM, throughout the year. It leaves from Prospect Park’s Wollman Center and Rink on the hour and makes stops throughout the Park, as well as near the Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Prospect Park Zoo, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. A connection to the Brooklyn Children's Museum Trolley is also available (see below). The Heart of Brooklyn Trolley is a cooperative venture between these institutions and the Prospect Park Alliance. Rides are free.

EXPANDED TROLLEY HOURS: Due to popular demand, trolley hours have been extended to 6:00 P.M. The free trolley runs on weekends and holidays and makes stops around the Park, as well as at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Public Library, and the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Connections are also available to the Brooklyn Children's Museum Trolley. See schedule below for details. The last stop on the run that leaves Wollman Rink at 6:00 P.M. is at the Picnic House. All trolley stops within the Park are located near or along the Park Drives.  

Trolley Schedule 
WOLLMAN RINK (parking lot)
12 noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00 pm

LINCOLN ROAD / BOATHOUSE (on roadway)
12:05, 1:05, 2:05, 3:05, 4:05, 5:05, 6:05 pm

CAROUSEL / ZOO (on roadway)
12:10, 1:10, 2:10, 3:10, 4:10, 5:10. 6:10 pm

GRAND ARMY PLAZA (inside park, on roadway)
12:15, 1:15, 2:15, 3:15, 4:15, 5:15, 6:15 pm

BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY (Eastern Parkway bus stop)
12:16, 1:16, 2:16, 3:16, 4:16, 5:16, 6:16 pm

BROOKLYN MUSEUM OF ART (main entrance in parking lot)
12:20, 1:20, 2:20, 3:20, 4:20, 5:20, 6:20 pm
Last transfer to free Brooklyn Children’s Museum Trolley at 4:25 pm.

BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Free BCM Trolley Express
runs every hour (10:15 am to 4:15 pm) on weekends from Grand Army Plaza, with a stop at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.

BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN (parking lot entrance)
12:25, 1:25, 2:25, 3:25, 4:25, 5:25, 6:25 pm

GRAND ARMY PLAZA (newsstand)
12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 pm

PROSPECT PARK WEST (President Street)
12:35, 1:35, 2:35, 3:35, 4:35, 5:35, 6:35 pm

3RD STREET (inside park, on roadway)
12:37 1:37 2:37 3:37 4:37 5:37, 6:37 pm

PICNIC HOUSE (on roadway)
12:39, 1:39, 2:39, 3:39, 4:39, 5:39, 6:39 pm (last stop)

9TH STREET / BANDSHELL (on roadway)
12:40, 1:40, 2:40, 3:40, 4:40, 5:40 pm

VANDERBILT PLAYGROUND (on roadway)
12:45, 1:45, 2:45, 3:45, 4:45, 5:45 pm

PARK CIRCLE (on roadway)
12:50, 1:50, 2:50, 3:50, 4:50, 5:50 pm

PARADE GROUND (peristyle, on roadway)
12:52, 1:52, 2:52, 3:52, 4:52, 5:52 pm
  

About the Aquarium

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Welcome to the New York Aquarium - where the City meets the Sea.  As the only aquarium in New York City and part of the largest network of metropolitan wildlife parks in the country, the New York Aquarium holds a special place in the mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society - To save wildlife and wild places around the globe. 

The Aquarium is driven by a vision of a world where people understand the critical role the oceans play in human survival and the sensitivity of aquatic resources.  Our education programs strive to encourage people to place a high personal priority on the protection of marine and freshwater ecosystems and the rich diversity of aquatic wildlife, which they sustain. 

With exhibits featuring over 8,000 animals, the Aquarium offers diversity, superb viewing, and world-renowned scientific expertise that assures a rewarding experience and the knowledge that people can make a difference in the ocean world around them.  Learn about animals living as far away as the Southwest coast of Africa and the Arctic to those found locally in our own Hudson River. 

Whether you're getting wrapped up in the tentacles of our jellies in our brand new Alien Stingers exhibit, being awe-struck by our walruses in the rocky coastline of Sea Cliffs, or cheering on our California sea lions during their Aquatheater presentations, you're always close to some of the world's most amazing wildlife. You'll also see that our organization has depth beyond the great exhibits.  We are a science-based conservation organization that has more expert researchers in the field than any other. Our scientists are studying wildlife in over 50 countries worldwide.  By visiting the Aquarium, you are helping further our science and conservation mission.  Together, we're making a difference. 

Until we see you at the Aquarium… have fun exploring our site!

New York Aquarium is located on Surf Avenue & West 8th Street in Brooklyn, NY 11224.  For further information please call 718-265-FISH. 

Prospect Park
Audubon Center
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturdays at Noon
Get ready for spring migration at the nation's first urban Audubon Center! more...  
 Spring Break in Prospect Park!
April 3-13, 12-5pm
The Audubon Center, Carousel, and Lefferts Historic House are open daily during the school break. Don't miss all-natural fun for all ages at the Audubon Egg-O-Rama! 
Prospect Park Tennis Center
Clubhouse construction
starts April 2004!
Junior Development, Summer Sports Program, and Lessons with Expert Pros. Night lighting coming soon! more...  
 Volunteers in Prospect Park
It's fun and it works!
Find the perfect project for you at the next Volunteer Information Session: Wednesday April 7, 4pm at Litchfield Villa. More... 

In the Park Slope/Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn stands a replica of a Dutch stone farmhouse with a very rich history. The Old Stone House is now an Historic Interpretive Center in J.J. Byrne Park.

The original house was built by Nicholas Vechte beside the Gowanus Creek in 1699. Its two-foot thick wall of fieldstone and brick and its heavily shuttered windows protected the family. The Vechtes prospered, farming the rich bottomland beneath the Heights of Guam and ferrying produce to market in Manhattan.

During the Battle of Brooklyn, Long Island, August 27th, 1776, the sturdy house and its strategic position made it the focus of the most dramatic event of the day. The Americans had suffered disastrous losses. The British occupied the house and turned it into an artillery position to fire on the defeated American soldiers. The Americans were fleeing for their lives to the safety of American forts across the Gowanus Creek.

The house was held by an estimated 2,000 British and hired Hessian soldiers. Against this stronghold, some 400 of the Maryland Brigade threw themselves in six attacks, gaining the house twice, but, ultimately, they were repulsed. Nevertheless, it was their valor, witnessed by Gen. Washington and his troops, that hardened the resolve of the American Army. That day, close to three quarters of those Marylanders made the ultimate sacrifice.

In 1797, the house was sold to the Cortelyou family. Almost a century later it became the first clubhouse of the Brooklyn team of the National Base Ball League, later known as the Brooklyn Dodgers.

By the 1890s the house had been demolished, but was rebuilt with the original stones in the 1930s to serve as a sports facility in the newly opened J.J. Byrne Park. After two more restorations in the 1970s and 1990s, the house is once again open to the public. Inside this replica of the original house is an educational center offering changing exhibits on the first floor and a community room on the second floor. The Old Stone House Historic Interpretive Center is operated by the First Battle Revival Alliance, named in honor of that "first battle" of the newly formed United States, the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn. The organization conducts public programs, group lessons and tours, afterschool programs, and special events.