Brooklyn Historical Society: Pierrepont St and Clinton St

If you have an interest in classic movies set in Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Dodgers, American Revolutionary history, or Civil War history, the Brooklyn Historical Society is the place for you. 

As you might imagine, there are loads of T.V. series and movies that are based in Brooklyn, but I hadn't really thought about it until this visit to the society.  From Spike Lee movies, Cher's "Moonstruck" and John Travolta's "Saturday Night Fever" to Jackie Gleason's iconic "Honeymooners," the star power of Brooklyn as a is undeniable.  Brooklyn's coolness, ethnicity, raw edge, and earthy beauty is almost like another character in these shows and films.  The posters, memorabilia and looped video remind visitors of Brooklyn's major role in media.

They took down Ebbets Field in the 1960s, but the society has one-of-a-kind nostalgic artifacts--from pennants of their World Championship year (see above), original wooden bench seats, and uniforms (see Roy Campanella's wool shirt, card, and autographed ball at right). The historic papers, score keeping cards, video testimonials and fan yearbooks all provide a picture of the incredible tie that Brooklynites had with the Dodgers before they moved to Los Angeles after city officials (including Robert Moses) failed to step up and provide the larger stadium the team needed.  With a little time, this unique collection can give visitors a glimpse into the heartfelt connection Brooklynites had to the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Finally, if you have an interest in early Brooklyn or American history, the society's collection of American Revolutionary artillery (see rifle and sword at left), Civil War memorabilia, and WWI and WWII posters (the society's building was once the Red Cross NY Headquarters during the WWII) deserves a look. 

Overall, I'd give the Brooklyn Historical Society a 6 out of 10.  Why so low?  Well, the society has a lot of wasted space.  Between empty halls for events, a whole floor dedicated to offices, another floor set aside for class rooms for small groups, the small collections on display are unfortunately pretty weak.  However, what they do have, particularly if you are interested in baseball history, is great.  If you happen to be in the neighborhood, I'd recommend it, but I wouldn't plan to spend much time there.

Fraunces Tavern Museum: Pearl and Broad Street

Long Room, where General George Washington Bid Farewell to his Officers at War's End

Back in the late 90s I worked just across the street from Fraunces Tavern.  I ordered dinner late at night from there often, but I am embarrassed to say that I never knew there was such a remarkable museum there.  I braved sleeting rain today to visit the museum, and was rewarded with an amazing step back in time on a self-guided tour.

The museum admission is $10 for adults $5 for seniors and students (for more detailed information on New York colonial history, current events, museum hours of operation, etcetera, please see http://www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/).  While the museum doesn't have all the bells and whistles of larger museums like the Natural History Museum or guided tours of federally funded historic sites like the Teddy Roosevelt birthplace (please see my prior post), the not for profit Sons of the Revolution have done an amazing job restoring this historic site and amassing a very respectable sizable collection of period furnishings, paintings, and artifacts.  See photos at left and below right of an early 1800s pistol and revolutionary period rifle, bullets, and trumpet.  

There is a very informative 15 minute video that tells the history of the site, first as the stately home of Oliver de Lancey, then as a tavern owned and operated by Samuel Fraunces (who also served George Washington as a spy and later as a member of Washington's house staff) -- when the site attracted all manner of business and revolutionary activity, and later as the site where the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of Treasury and Secretary of War operated.  It also relates the history and development of colonial New York and how Fraunces Tavern served a critical role at so many significant times.

It was at Fraunces Tavern that the Sons of Liberty met to plan before the American Revolution, where New York's first Governor George Clinton celebrated the British evacuation of New York, and where on December 4, 1783 in the Long Room (see first photo and photo at left) General George Washington met with all of his officers to say farewell after winning the war.

Thanks to the incredible foresight of the Sons of the Revolution, who in the late 1800s purchased the building and restored it to the way it was when George Washington often met at Fraunces Tavern, and the continuing work of the organization to collect period artifacts, this little museum is a real gem and definitely worth a visit for those interested in American history.