Brooklyn Historical Society

Where is it? 128 Pierrepont St, Brooklyn

How do I get there? 2/3/4/5 Train to Borough Hall; A/C/F Train to Jay St

When can I go? Wednesday - Saturday, 12-5pm

How much do I have to shell out to get in? $6 for Adults; $4 for Students and Seniors; Free for Kids

The run-down: The Brooklyn Historical Society is located within a building built in 1881 which is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is dedicated to, well, the history of Brooklyn.As per the BHS, they have "the most comprehensive collection of Brooklyn-related materials in existence".

What was cool about the Museum: This is gonna sound weird (because it is), but I really loved the way the museum smelled. (Told you it was weird) You'll understand when you visit. I also loved the Inventing Brooklyn exhibit, created by HIGH SCHOOL students (participating in the Society's Ex Lab program), chronicling hundreds of years of Brooklyn history.

What I could have done without: It was actually hard to find anything I didn't like about the BHS. Admission was reasonable, the exhibits were informative and interesting, the staff was friendly, and the space was welcoming.

Need more info? Here's their website: http://www.brooklynhistory.org

Old Stone House

Where is it? 336 3rd St., Brooklyn (In Washington Park)

How do I get there? F/G Train to 4th Ave; R Train to 9th St

When can I go? Saturday & Sunday 11am - 4pm

How much do I have to shell out to get in? $3

The run-down: Why do we care about a small house in the middle of Brooklyn? Well, most people won't, but I'm a history geek, especially the American Revolution. The Old Stone House was an important location during the Battle of Brooklyn (the first official battle fought after signing the Declaration).

What was cool about the Museum: The exhibit about the Battle of Brooklyn was very thorough, and the staff was courteous and informative. Plus, there are several events throughout the month, so I would check their website to try to catch one.

What I could have done without: The Old Stone House is actually a replica, not the original. The outside is made of materials found when the original site was excavated, but the inside is all new, and very modern (which for me was disappointing)

Need more info? Here's their website: http://theoldstonehouse.org/

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Where is it? 11 W. 53rd St  (between 5th & 6th Aves), Manhattan

How do I get there? 6 train to 51st St, E/M train to 5th Ave/53rd St, or B/D/F Train to 47-50th (Rockefeller Center)

When can I go? Closed Tuesdays; 10:30am-5:3pm all other days (til 8pm on Fridays)

How much do I have to shell out to get in? $25 for Adults, $16 for students, children under 16 are free; Target sponsors Target Free Friday Night, when admission is free 4-8pm.

The run-down: The MoMA is ginormous (5 floors), so give yourself a few hours if you plan on viewing all the rooms. Also, keep in mind it's one of the more famous museums in the city, so it can get pretty crowded. Pieces range from the work of Van Gogh and Monet to Picasso to Pollock to current artists, and include paintings, sculptures, photography, architecture and performance art. Please keep in mind many of the current exhibits do not allow pictures. The museum also has a cafe and several shops.

What was cool about the Museum: My favorite pieces were included in the permanent collection (although, it seemed a little bit of a let down to go from the room containing Monet's work to the room holding his contemporaries' works). Of course, Starry Night was amazing to see up close.

What I could have done without: A $25 admission is pretty steep, so I would recommend taking advantage of the Free Fridays. Also, I by no means consider myself an expert in the field, but many of the pieces in the Photography and Abstract rooms had me asking the question "why is this considered art?". Don't misunderstand me. I'm not knocking the field. I think photography can be amazing. It can be breathtaking. It can tell a story in one shot that would take an author hundreds of pages to tell. There were several photos here, however, that not only didn't tell a story, they didn't seem to have a purpose. And to artists in general, if you're going to go through the trouble of creating something, don't name it "Untitled"!

Need more info? Here's their website: http://www.moma.org/

Morris-Jumel Mansion

Where is it? 65 Jumel Terrace (Jumel Terr is between Edgecombe and St. Nicholas Aves), between 160th and 162nd Sts, Manhattan

How do I get there? C train to 163rd St or 1 train to 157th St

When can I go? Wed-Sun 10am-4pm

How much do I have to shell out to get in? $5 for Adult, $4 for students, children under 12 are free

The run-down: Morris-Jumel Mansion was built in 1765 by a British Colonel, and has been well-maintained ever since. It is most well-known for being George Washington's headquarters during the early stages of the Revolution and the site of a 1790 dinner attended by then President Washington and his Cabinet (John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox). I'm still trying to wrap my brain around how awesome it would have been to be there... Most of the rooms focus on the colonial/post-war daily life, with elements of modern-day exhibits mixed in through-out.

What was cool about the Mansion: The colonial waffle maker (pictured above). Does that make me weird? I'm okay with that... And the grounds were beautiful (I would recommend walking around the entire outside, as well as the Historical District on the blocks that surround the Mansion). Also, the new Deputy Director has put together a pretty full Calender of Events, both adult and family oriented, that is worth checking out. (I attended the lecture on Alexander Hamilton, and loved it.)

(Washington's Chamber)

What I could have done without: The blending of the new exhibits with the permanent collection seemed out of place, and as a result the pieces were a little lost.

Need more info? Here's their website: http://www.morrisjumel.org

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Where is it? 141st St between Convent and St. Nicholas Aves, Manhattan

How do I get there? A, B, C or D train to 145th St

When can I go? Visitor's Center is open Wed-Sun 9am-5pm, but the tour of the upper level is only available at five times: 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 4pm. Self-guided access to the 2nd floor is offered 12-1 and 3-4pm.

How much do I have to shell out to get in? As part of the National Park Service, the Memorial is free

The run-down: Hamilton Grange is the only house built and owned by Alexander Hamilton, the most under-appreciated and over-looked Founding Father. He lived there from 1802-04. I'm sure he would have lived there longer if he hadn't been shot and killed by that bad piece Aaron Burr. But I digress... The first floor contains the permanent exhibit detailing Hamilton's life. The second floor contains the furnished rooms and an exhibit on the what it took to move the Grange. A small shop has colonial-themed items and books on Hamilton. Whatever you do, don't by the American Heritage chocolate. I'm still trying to get rid of the after-taste.

What was cool about the Memorial: I'm a Hamiltonian (and also a Jeffersonian, if that's even possible), so I really enjoyed how in-depth the permanent exhibit about Hamilton's life was. The Park Rangers were also well informed and available throughout the house to answer questions.

What I could have done without: Having been moved several times, and not historically preserved, a majority of the house is not original. In 2008, after moving to its current location, it was renovated and restored based on Hamilton's original blueprints. None of the furniture is original, but are from the colonial period. It also drove me crazy that the large picture in the upstairs hall was crooked, but I'm OCD...

Need more info? Here's their website: http://www.nps.gov/hagr/index.htm

General Grant National Memorial

Where is it? 122nd St and Riverside Drive, Manhattan (inside Riverside Park, but you won't be able to miss the ginormous building)

How do I get there? The 1 train is the closest, but any train that goes to 125th street is only a short walk way.

When can I go? Visitor's Center is open Thurs-Mon 9am-5pm, but the Mausoleum is only open for four one-hour time blocks: 10-11am, 12-1pm, 2-3pm and 4-5pm

How much do I have to shell out to get in? As part of the National Park Service, the Memorial is free

The run-down: Grant's Tomb (the shorter way of referring to the Memorial) is first and foremost, well, a tomb - for both General Grant and his wife Julia Dent Grant. But, for those of you that are fellow history nerds, it has so much more to offer. Courteous, knowledgeable NPS Guides, combined with the permanent exhibit located in the Visitor Center provide a thorough and in-depth account of Grant's personal life, military service and Presidency. The Visitor Center is also home to a good sized gift shop where you can purchase Civil War themed items, books, and etc ( I purchased a NPS Passport Book, and got the first stamp in it)

What was cool about the Memorial: The sarcophagi, which you come within just a few feet from. The building and grounds the comprise the Memorial are amazing. And, being on the upper cliffs of Riverside Park, the site offers an amazing view overlooking the river. It would be perfect for a picnic on a nice day. On a rainy or cold day, you might want to head over to Dinosaur BBQ, which is only a couple of blocks away.

 (Picture is a little dark, but that's because of the lighting inside)

What I could have done without: It's actually hard for me to find something I didn't enjoy. I'm even planning on coming back in April for the special events around Grant's birthday.

Need more info? Here's their website: www.nps.gov/gegr/index.htm

Museum of Bronx History

Where is it? 3266 Bainbridge, Bronx

How do I get there? You have a couple of options here... the B/D Train to 205th St (about 2 blocks away), or the 4 Train to Mosholu Parkway (about a 10 minute walk); there are also several buses that stop just outside the house...

When can I go? Saturdays 10am-4pm; Sundays 1pm-4pm (groups need to make reservations)

How much do I have to shell out to get in? $5 for adult, $3 for students and kids

The run-down: First thing to know, if you're there during normal visiting hours, the door may be locked. They're open, you just have to ring the bell... The Museum (also known as the Valentine-Varian House), is more of the site of the Bronx Historical Society than an actual museum. It consists of just three small rooms (the first being the 'permanent collection', the other two are changing exhibits). They also have a small shop that includes items for this site and others under the control of the Bronx Historical Society. 

What was cool about the house: The floors. I know, I'm weird. But, the floors are the original boards from the 1700s, so when you walk across them, they creak and squeak. It's awesome. Don't believe me? Visit the house and see for yourself. Also, the museum director, Marcus, is a great source of information for other historic sites throughout the city. 

 (Am I weird for taking a picture of floors?)

What I could have done without: I was a little disappointed with the content. Being a history nerd, I was looking forward to this site in particular, and was kinda bummed to learn it wasn't what I expected. (For example, the Colonial Period items in the display case were mostly replicas) But, if you go into the house knowing what to expect, it has some pretty interesting tidbits about the Bronx.

Need more info? Here's their website: www.bronxhistoricalsociety.org/vvhouse.html

Bronx Museum of the Arts

Where is it? 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx

How do I get there? Well, I walked, but you'll want to take B/D train to 167th (the museum is on 165th and the Grand Concourse)

When can I go? Thursday - Sunday, 11:00am - 6pm 

How much do I have to shell out to get in? In celebration of their 40th Anniversary, admission is free

The run-down: Well, the building itself is a pretty good size. But, when I went in I was told only two rooms were open (the main exhibition hall and the Style Lab), so it was a little disappointing. (I may come back at another time if more rooms are open). The museum is self-guided/go-at-your-own-pace. And there are a few interactive aspects of the exhibitions, but not much, so going through both rooms took about a half-hour. All things considered, it's worth it if admission remains free. If you're looking for a museum to bring you out of the familiar, and into a world you might not otherwise be exposed to, this is a good first stop.

What was cool about the museum: My favorite piece was the mural by Bronx graffiti artists TATS CRU (you can check out more of their work, and learn more about the group on their website: tatscru.net). I also found the pieces by Mexican photo-journalist Enrique Metinides interesting. They were a bit intense (and somewhat gruesome), but that is what he was best-known for, after all. 

 This is the mural by TATS CRU

(don't let the small picture fool you, it's pretty big, 
and full of intricate details that you'll want to see in person)

What I could have done without: The 'museum shop' was disappointing. Mostly just books, and most weren't about art or the Bronx. If you're interested in anything they have, you'll be better off getting them from an online retailer.

Need more info? Here's their website: www.bronxmuseum.org

Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

Where is it? 2640 Grand Concourse, Bronx

How do I get there? Well, I walked, but you'll want to take B/D train to Kingsbridge Rd (the park where the Cottage is located is on Kingsbridge Rd and the Grand Concourse)

When can I go? Saturdays 10am-4pm; Sundays 1pm-4pm (groups need to make reservations)

 

How much do I have to shell out to get in? $5 for adult, $3 for students and kids, but if you're a fan of Poe, museums, or history, it's worth it

The run-down: Based on the outside (it's small) I thought it would be a quick in and out, but the guided tour lasted about 45 minutes (there's an optional video at the end which is about 10/15 minutes long). Pictures are allowed (and encouraged). And the curator (who conducts the tour) is both informative and personable, without being boring or over-bearing. The cottage contains a 'shop' that has Poe memorabilia, books and other knick-knacks. Before you go, you should know that while the cottage is original, the furniture inside are period pieces, but not owned by Poe. There are, however three pieces that were Poe's (a rocking chair, a mirror and a bed frame).

What was cool about the cottage: The recapping of Poe's life was interesting (although, finding out that when he was 26 he married his 13-year-old cousin will change how I think about 'Annabel Lee' from now until forever). And, even though it wasn't originally owed by Poe, there's a period style desk that's portable! (OK, maybe I have just have an odd love of office supplies. 

 This is the portable desk

(it's really just the top, which is a box that can be put on 

any stand to use as a desk - seriously, how cool is that?)

What I could have done without: The process to get into the cottage. You have to go to the next building, sign in, and be escorted over to the cottage by the security guard (unless one of my siblings called ahead to tell them I was a bad piece). The guard was very polite, helpful and pleasant to talk to, and I'm sure this step is for security purposes, but it just seems a little more than necessary.

Need more info? Here's their website: www.bronxhistoricalsociety.org/poecottage.html

What is Museum Quest?

This is me... 

(I know what you're thinking... BEST. CHRISTMAS SWEATER. EVER!!!)

Just after high school, my friends and I were debating which was better, Beauty and the Beast or Lion King. I said Beauty and the Beast. One friend said Lion King. Our other friend, the potential tie-breaker, responded that she thought Aida blew them both away. An awkward silence quickly followed when it became obvious that she (who actually possessed some culture) was referring to the Broadway musicals and we (who possessed the maturity level of 5-year-olds) were referring to the animated movies.

Many (many) moons later, my level of culture (and maturity) is the same as it was back then (seriously, I still refer to the Guggenheim as the one shaped like a toilet bowl...).

In case you don't believe me about my level of maturity, the above picture was taken a year ago, I made that sweater myself for what has now become my and my sister's annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Tradition, and the one I made this Christmas had lights.

In case you still don't believe me, this is what I wore during a visit to Philadelphia this past summer:

So, in an effort to get me some culture, in 2013 I am challenging myself to visit EVERY museum/National Park in New York City! Yup, everything from the well-known, iconic institutions (the Met, Natural History, etc.) to the 'they had the nerve to charge me $13 for that?!' (you know who you are fake-museum curator!). There's about 150, so it is definitely going to be a challenge. But, I would love it if you guys would join my in a quest.

***Sidenote... this one is so much better than either of the two quests I set out on in high school... 1) to find the closest McDonald's to Francis Lewis HS (203rd St & Northern Blvd) or 2) to find a Dunkin Donuts that would sell me (sell, not give) ONE munchkin***

In an effort to make the most of time, I'll be hitting up a few places each outing (all the places in Harlem, or Flushing, or Staten Island - which apparently really is still part of NYC, etc.) You get the idea.

So, if anyone is interested in joining me, let me know so I can keep you up-to-date with the places I'll be visiting each week. Or, if you're interested in visiting a specific museum, let me know that too.

Week One - DA BRONX!!! (Part 1)

In order to ease into my quest, I'm starting in the Bronx with three local sites. Okay, I can't lie, I'm starting in the Bronx to make sure I'm home in time for the Bengals/Texans game at 4:30. Yes, it's the Bengals and the Texans. But it's the playoffs. A girl's gotta have priorities...

So, as I was saying... Three local sites...

Museum of Bronx History

3266 Bainbridge Avenue

Bronx, NY 10467

www.bronxhistoricalsociety.org

Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

 2640 Grand Concourse at East Kingsbridge Road

Bronx, NY 10458

www.bronxhistoricalsociety.org/poecottage

Bronx Museum of the Arts

1040 Grand Concourse
Bronx, New York 10456

www.bronxmuseum.org

I'll be starting soon after the first museum (Museum of Bronx History) opens at 10am. Then going to Poe Cottage, and finishing up at Bronx Museum of the Arts. If you're interested in joining me, please let me know... Looking forward to boring you all with the details!!