Village Preservation

It’s tonight! Arm yourself with knowledge and be there:

On this day in 1825, the Erie Canal opens, and New York, and especially our neighborhoods, would never be the same again. Take a look back at how this engineering marvel utterly transformed our city, our waterfront, and our place in the world:

Nine years ago today, Westbeth is landmarked, capping an 8-year campaign by Village Preservation and our allies in the historic affordable artists housing complex. This year marks 50 years since Westbeth’s opening learn more about its remarkable history stretching back a century and a half, and efforts to preserve it:

Feeling some anticipation about November? We are too... for our amazing lineup of virtual programs, of course! We're celebrating our own 40th anniversary and diving into Westbeth Artists Housing and Center for the Arts, Judson Memorial Church - New York City, the ACLU, and The National Board of Review of Motion Pictures. Celebrate with us - register today!:

Fany Gerson is a very special sort of New Yorker. A chef, author, entrepreneur and an immigrant from Mexico whose roots go back to the Ukraine, Fany's background holds the key to her unique culinary style. Learn about her South Village store La Newyorkina, her delicious products, and and how Fany is facing this challenging moment in history:

Plans for the weekend? Explore the area south of Union Square where Greenwich Village meets the East Village with its unique and dramatic confluence of history and heterodoxy; commerce and culture; art, architecture, and activism. A perfect outdoor socially distanced activity, take in the fresh air and incredibly rich, culturally significant history of the area with any one of our more than 30 walking tours featured on the newly launched Virtual Village: https://southofunionsq.villagepreservation.org//nyc/stories

On this day in 1915, what was the largest women’s suffrage parade in history kicks off in Washington Square Park making its way up Fifth Avenue, as the fight for women’s right to vote heats up. It’s one of more than two dozen sites on our 19th Amendment Centennial StoryMap celebrating 100 years of the end of discrimination in voting based on sex, and the critical role our neighborhoods played in that fight:

Since its founding in 1962, La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club has evolved from a basement theater to a world-renowned arts organization. Archivist Sophie Glidden-Lyon gave us a special behind-the-scenes look at LaMaMa's archives, complete with puppets, masks, set pieces, and more. Watch the virtual tour at the link below: https://youtu.be/V0UBijW3Vls.

On this day in 1820, a group of #GreenwichVillage residents gathered to found the Church of St. Luke's In the Fields. 200 years later, this historic structure has weathered two devastating fires and three epidemics, demonstrating incredible resilience. As the third oldest church building still in use in Manhattan, and the oldest in #GreenwichVillage, its history is a uniquely continuous reflection of the surrounding neighborhood’s evolution over time:

Greenwich Village has been called the cultural heart of America, thanks in large part to the many and varied contributions it has made to music and the arts over the years, and the many locales here which are anchors for art and music lovers and makers. And while some of those spots may be in the past or even the distant past, some remain and thrive well into the present. Since 1958 one such landmark that embodies that tradition of creativity and where you can fulfill all your musical needs and interests is @Music-Inn-World-Instruments at 169 West 4th Street. They are also our October 2020 Business of the Month.

We are excited to announce the launch of Virtual Village," a new online interactive tool that allows you to journey back in time to explore and interact with the rich history South of Union Square. Learn about the great leaps in music, literature, social movements, and industry that all took place in this area where Greenwich Village meets the East Village, and the pressing need to preserve these historic sites by granting them landmarking protection. Start your journey now: https://southofunionsq.villagepreservation.org/cities/nyc