Newsletter written by Kathleen O’Connor
View us online at 50PlusatNYHS.wordpress.com
Feel free to use the comments section at the end of this newsletter to give us feedback or to share information.
Mary Davidson, coordinator of the 50+ Club, is in on Thursdays. Contact her at 212-873-3400 x352 or 50Plus@nyhistory.org
Please feel free to forward this to your friends. We have over 3,000 members now and would love to add more!
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Hi Everyone!
The 50+ Club is back in business after our summer hiatus. Hope you had a terrific few months! Lots of excitement with both an earthquake and the hurricane!
The staff here has been super-busy getting ready to re-open on November 11. The front of the building is now uncovered – nice to see it again after 18 months. Our museum department is beginning to install 8 exhibitions plus the DiMenna Children’s History Museum– no free time for them for the next 2 months!
Mary and I have been working on programs and activities for you. Our cultural partners have come through once more and you’ll see 41 programs this month: private gallery tours, concerts, fairs and festivals, lectures, plays, readings, birding, films, hikes – you name it, we’ve got it. Indoors and outdoors – all for you!
In this issue, you’ll also find:
- Fun and useful new apps for your smartphone
- Cool links to great websites and videos
- Great deals
- Ideas for giving back
- Information on our Photography Club and History Book Club
So welcome back – enjoy the fun!
Best,
Kathleen O’Connor
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Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. – Marcel Proust
SMART APPS
Foodstream
Free; iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Features up-to-date restaurant information based on criteria including bargain prices, happy hours, special dishes, grand openings, location, and much more. It also has a recommendation feature.
Tour Wrist
Free; iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Using 3-D viewing technology, this travel app features an immersive mode which allows users to move their phone to show corresponding views on-screen. It features imagery from some of the world’s most talented photographers.
iExit Interstate Exit Guide
$1.99; iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you knew how far up the road the next gas station or Starbucks was, iExit may come in handy. It shows you all the points of interest for upcoming exits: food, gas, lodging, auto repair, grocery stores, etc.
COOL LINKS
Take some of our new video “virtual tours” and see what the new New-York Historical Society will look like once we re-open. This month, we’re featuring the first floor and lower level.
Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery of American History
4 minutes, 22 seconds
http://www.vimeo.com/27507146
DiMenna Children’s History Museum
2 minutes, 44 seconds
http://www.vimeo.com/27508207
NYC Media daily videos based on When Did the Statue of Liberty Turn Green? book
A series of one-minute videos gives you strange but true facts about NYC – a different video each day until we re-open on November 11.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/media/html/tv/nyctv_life_nyquestions.shtml
Check out our Behind-the-Scenes blog on our website.
The link below is to the story about our Tiffany traveling exhibition and the bomb-sniffing dog.
http://www.nyhistory.org/node/62297
Our new website is wonderful – a terrific resource – check it out!
http://www.nyhistory.org/
Here’s the link to our Library’s blog – always full of interesting info on our collections.
http://www.nyhistory.org/community/library-blog
GREAT DEALS
Feast for Less
Go to www.restaurant.com and enter your zip code to find restaurants in your area that offer gift certificates at discounted prices. Just read the fine print – many require that you spend at least $35 or order two entrees to redeem them.
Dry Cleaning
Go to www.8coupons.com, type in “dry cleaning” under “search for deals” and enter your zip code. The site will list specials offered by local cleaners.
DOING GOOD
Children’s Books
www.childrensbookproject.org
The Children’s Book Project has helped thousands of disadvantaged children learn to read by giving more than 1.5 million books to schools, homeless shelters, and community centers. Any gently used children’s book can be donated – whether a board book for infants or a novel for teens.
Shoes
www.soles4souls.org
Soles 4 Souls has given away nearly 12 million pairs of shoes to people in need. Donations can be left in the organization’s numerous drop boxes nationwide or shipped to any of its three warehouses.
PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
If you’re interested in attending Photography Club meetings Fall 2011 through Spring 2012, please contact Mary Davidson at 50Plus@nyhistory.org to let her know.
The May 4 presentation by the members, Noshing in New York (and Elsewhere), is now up on Flickr. To view it, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/50plusatnyhs/sets
That was the last meeting of the season. So what is next? We hope to resume meetings of the Photography Club in December with an exhibition of historical photos now in the planning stage. Our gatherings to share and discuss our own photos will begin after the first of the year and will be held at the New-York Historical Society. A schedule will be e-mailed to you in October after we know what space is available for our use. Current assignment…
I-Z-CREAM! I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Who doesn’t like ice cream – sorbet, regular, light, soy, lactose-free? Your current assignment is to catch memorable drips, cones, ice cream experiences or extravaganzas. Get out your camera and shoot a few before you enjoy your own licks of this wonderful treat.
The deadline for submissions is Monday, October 3. Send no more than 3 digital photos to 50Plus@nyhistory.org Include a caption and any comments that we may post in our file on Flickr to explain your photo. Please e-mail only individual photos in JPEG format – we cannot download from personal photo galleries/scrapbooks. After October 3, Mary Davidson will gather the photos together and we’ll have a “gallery” presentation on Flickr.
HISTORY BOOK CLUB
The History Book Club will resume meeting January 2012 at the New-York Historical Society. The format and space are still to be determined. Stay tuned!
Book Suggestions from Our Members
Read a great history-related book lately? Send your suggestions to 50Plus@nyhistory.org so we can share them!
Revolutionaries: A New History of the Invention of America
By Jack Rakove
Houghton Miflin Harcourt
The Pirates of Somalia: Inside Their Hidden World
By Jay Bahadur
Pantheon Books
The Long Night: William L. Shirer and “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich”
By Steve Wick
Palgrave Macmillan
NYC FUN FACTS
Why are cabs yellow? John Hertz, who founded the Yellow Cab Company in 1907, chose yellow because he had read a study that indicated it was the easiest color to spot.
HISTORICAL HOUSES IN NEW YORK CITY PARKS
Ongoing Series
Alice Austen House Museum
Alice Austen Park
2 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island NY10305
718-816-4506
www.aliceausten.org
Alice Austen (1866-1952), one of America’s earliest and most prolific female photographers, lived most of her life in Clear Comfort, this Victorian Gothic cottage on the shores of the Verrazano Narrows.
Clear Comfort traces its origins to a 17th-century Dutch farmhouse, but when John Austen, Alice’s grandfather, bought it in 1844, he remodeled it to fit his taste.
In 1877, at the age of 11, Alice received a camera from her uncle. She was immediately mesmerized by photography, and spent the following 40 years capturing some 8,000 images (3,500 remain, mostly in the collection of the Staten Island Historical Society). She was best known for her “street photography”: photos of immigrants just off the boats from Ellis Island, street sweepers hard at work, postmen, bootblacks, and fishmongers.
PROGRAMS – SEPTEMBER 2011
Programs with Our Cultural Partners
The descriptions here are based on information available at the time of publication. Please call the venue for updated information and to confirm.
Thursday, September 1
Outdoor Art Exhibition
10:00am
NOTE: This event repeats every weekday through September 9.
Randall’s Island Sports Foundation is proud to present FLOW, an art exhibition that will be on view along the beautiful shoreline. Special events planned for Labor Day weekend.
Location: Central Road, north of Little Hell Gate Inlet
Cost: Free
For more information: Dial 311
Thursday, September 1
Play
Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
8:00pm
The Faux-Real Theatre Company
The Greeks, like us, knew that Oedipus was going to gouge his eyes out even before the play began and they still came out in droves. Come see what all the fuss was about! The all-male cast of twelve will use performance techniques of the ancient Greeks including brightly colored wigs, fantastical costumes and masks that act like megaphones. There will also be live music, songs and dancing.
Location: The East River Park Bandshell, on East River Drive between Grand and Jackson Streets
Cost: Free
For more information: 212-360-2777
Friday, September 2
Film
Film on the Bay: My Architect (2003)
1:00pm (116 minutes)
Nathaniel Kahn’s search for his late father, famed architect Louis Kahn, is a magnificent personal soul searching for both legacy and family.
Location: NYPL – Kips Bay Branch, 446 Third Avenue at East 31st Street
Cost: Free
For more information: 212-683-2520
Saturday, September 3
Dance
Bryant Park Moves with Limon Dance
11:00am to 12:00noon
NOTE: Repeats on Saturday, September 10
Experience the joy of movement and dance, as led by former and current members of the internationally renowned modern dance company, Limon Dance. Open to all levels.
Location: Bryant Park Lawn, West 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
Cost: Free
For more information: 212-768-4242
Saturday, September 3
Birding
8:00am
Wildlife viewing is one of the nation’s fastest growing activities. The Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots.
Location: Salt Marsh Nature Center in Marine Park, East 33rd Street and Avenue U, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
For more information: 718-421-2021
September 3-5
Richmond County Fair
11:00am to 6:00pm
Contests and crafts – exhibitions and traditional demonstrations – two stages with popular entertainment – magic and specialty acts – amusement rides – children’s rides – over 100 specialty vendors
Location: Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island
Cost: $15 General; $10 Seniors; children under 30” free
For more information: 718-351-1611 or www.historicrichmondtown.org
Sunday, September 4
Garden Walking Tour in Fort Tryon Park
1:00pm to 2:00pm
NOTE: This event repeats on the first Sunday of every month through December 4
Take a tour of the “Park for All Seasons” featuring the Heather and Alpine Gardens. Discover which plants are in bloom and learn about the history, future and secrets of the park from our expert horticultural staff.
Location: Heather Garden in Fort Tryon Park, Cabrini Blvd. and Fort Washington Avenue– meet at the entrance to the Heather Garden on Margaret Corbin Circle
Cost: Free
For more information: Dial 311
Sunday, September 4
Walking Tour
Historic New York: The New York Skyline
1:00pm
Tour led by the Urban Park Rangers
Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1, Old Fulton Street and Furman Street, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
For more information: 718-722-3218
Tuesday, September 6
NYPL at Night: Staged Reading
Merry Wives of Windsor (Quarto)
This first published version of Shakespeare’s comedy of Falstaff in love might be one of the first sit-coms. Presented by the Instant Shakespeare Company. Performers stand, scripts in hand, and move around as they act out plays with the minimum of rehearsal.
Location: NYPL – Mid-Manhattan Branch, 455 Fifth Avenue at East 40th Street
Cost: Free
For more information: 212-340-0863
Thursday, September 8 and 22
Got Clutter? Join the NYPL Clutter Group!
5:30pm
A support group for individuals who are struggling with clutter and disorganization facilitated by organizing expert AJ Miller.
Location: NYPL – Kips Bay Branch, 446 Third Avenue at East 31st Street
Cost: Free
For more information: 212-683-2520
Thursday, September 8
Lecture
Artist at the Library: Joe Ciardiello
6:30pm
This slide presentation is about the artist’s career as an illustrator, highlighting his black and white portraits of writers that he creates for the New York Times Book Review, and his portraits of blues, jazz and rock musicians.
Location: NYPL – Mid-Manhattan Branch, 455 Fifth Avenue at East 40th Street
Cost: Free
For more information: 212-340-0863
Saturday, September 10
Concert
Classics for a Late Summer Afternoon – Bronx Symphony String Quartet
2:30pm
Featuring selected works by Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky. Commentaries on the music included.
Location: NYPL – Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road at Briggs Avenue, Bronx
Cost: Free
For more information: 718-579-4244
Saturday, September 10
Walking Tour
Bronx River Tributary/Woodlawn Brook
10:00am to 1:00pm
Follow the course of a Bronx River tributary, Woodlawn Brook, from its source in a spring-fed pond down through the heart of the historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Along the way, you’ll meet the “brother” of the Bronx River Soldier, and pay your respects to pioneer activists, lost explorers, and other notables. And you’ll see the most tragically absurd (but true) epitaph ever written.
Location: Woodlawn Cemetery, 501 East 233rd Street – cemetery gate
Cost: Free
For more information: 718-430-4665
Saturday, September 10
Walking Tour
Historic New York: City Hall to Battery Park
11:00am
Tour led by the Urban Park Rangers
Location: The Fountain in City Hall Park, Park Row and Beekman Street
Cost: Free
For more information: 212-628-2345
Saturday, September 10
Walking Tour
Historic New York: The Little Red Lighthouse
1:00pm to 4:00pm
Tour led by the Urban Park Rangers
Location: Little Red Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park, West 181 Street and Plaza Lafayette
Cost: Free
For more information: 212-304-3401
Tuesday, September 13
NYPL at Nite: Staged Reading
The Millionairess by George Bernard Shaw
6:30pm
This delightful comedy has the richest woman in England searching for love.
Location: NYPL – Mid-Manhattan Branch, 455 Fifth Avenue at East 40th Street
Cost: Free
For more information: 212-340-0863
September 17 – October 30
Outdoors
The Amazing Maize Maze
11:00am to 4:30pm
Enjoy getting lost in a 3-acre interactive corn maze. The adventure begins with a “stalk talk” to prepare you for the challenge of finding clues, solving puzzles and making your way out of the maze. To add to the adventure, join us for Maze by Moonlight on October 8 and 15 when the maze will be open until 9pm. Sponsored by Con Edison.
Location: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens
Cost: $9
For more information: 718-421-2021
Saturday, September 17
Birding
8:00am to 5:00pm
Tour led by the Urban Park Rangers
Location: Marine Park, East 36th Street near Avenue R, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
For more information: 718-421-2021
Saturday, September 17
Author Talk
A Literary Salon with Tananarive Due
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Tananarive Due is the American Book Award-winning author of nine books. Due’s new novel, My Soul To Take, continues the conflict between mortals and immortals in a thoughtful near-future supernatural suspense tale. It’s the fourth in the African Immortals series. Sponsored by the Center for Black Literature.
Location: Medger Evers College, 80 Hanson Place, Brooklyn
Cost: Donation
For more information: 718-804-8882
Saturday, September 17
Birding
11:00am
Tour led by the Urban Park Rangers
Location: Lafayette and Metcalf Avenues, Bronx
Cost: Free
For more information: 718-378-2061
Saturday, September 17
Dance
Summer on the Hudson: Dance Safari!
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Come explore the park on a guided walk that searches out seven wild site specific dance pieces from 59th to 79th Streets. Choreographers to be announced.
Location: Riverside Park South – meet at the 79th Street entrance
Cost: Free
For more information: Dial 311
Saturday, September 17
Outdoors
Great Irish Fair of New York
10:00am to 7:30pm
A family-friendly event celebrating NYC’s great Irish-American heritage and culture. Traditional and contemporary Irish music – local Irish bands – great food/pubs – Irish dancing – Irish goods – children’s rides and activities
Location: MCU Park, 1904 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
Cost: $12 each; family packages available
For more information: 718-449-8497
Tuesday, September 20 and 27
Concert
Toe-Tappin’ Tuesdays:
Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen
12:00noon to 1:30pm
Location: NYPL – Library for the Performing Arts, Bruno Walter Auditorium, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza
Cost: Free
For more information: 917-275-6975
Tuesday, September 20
Author Talk
Author at the Library: John Anthony Gilvey
6:30pm
The story of Jerry Orbach, one of the foremost actors of his generation, told through readings complemented by video clips from his stage, film and TV career.
Location: NYPL – Mid-Manhattan Branch, 455 Fifth Avenue at East 40th Street
Cost: Free
For more information: 212-340-0863
Wednesday, September 21
Lecture
History of the Latino in the Bronx
6:00pm
The Bronx has been home to many immigrant groups since the colonial era. The Latino community has increased substantially since the first major migration, making them the largest minority group in the borough. Join us as Angel Hernandez, Education Coordinator of the Bronx Historical Society, talks about the Latino experience in the Bronx.
Location: NYPL – Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road at Briggs Avenue, Bronx
Cost: Free
For more information: 718-579-4244
Thursday, September 22
Author Talk
Author at the Library: Morris Dickstein
6:30pm
Morris Dickstein, the eminent writer and critic as well as a Distinguished Professor of English and Theater at CUNY’s Graduate Center, will discuss arts and entertainment during the Great Depression.
Location: NYPL – Mid-Manhattan Branch, 455 Fifth Avenue at East 40th Street
Cost: Free
For more information: 212-340-0863
September 23 – 25
DUMBO Arts Festival
A feast for the senses that attracts 200,000 visitors over 3 days with the participation of over 500 artists from a variety of disciplines, 100 studios, 50 galleries and stages, and 100 programming partners.
Location: The Festival spans the neighborhood between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges including the waterfront.
For more information: www.dumboartsfestival.com
Saturday, September 24
Film
Ziegfeld: The Man and His Women
2:00pm
The Ziegfeld Society and The Paley Center for Media are offering this special screening of the 1978 TV movie. It’s the story of the legendary showman Florenz Ziegfeld and the women in his life. Following this Emmy Award-winning movie, there will be an interview with Loria Parker, who played Fannie Brice, and Walter Willison, who played Frank Carter.
Location: The Paley Center for Media, 25 West 52nd Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)
Cost: $10 General; $8 Seniors and Students
For more information: 917-371-5509
September 24-25
The Third Annual Civil War Weekend at the Grange
Hosted by the 67th New York Volunteer Infantry with help from the 9th Virginia, 30th Virginia and guests
Step into the 1860s and witness battles between the Blue and Gray, visit their camps, listen to period music, take Saturday night’s candlelight tour, and immerse yourself in this most extraordinary time in America’s history.
Location: Town of Islip Grange, 10 Broadway Avenue, Sayville NY – at the intersection of Montauk Highway and Broadway Avenue
Cost: Free
For more information: www.newyorkcivilwar.com or liny67th@yahoo.com
Saturday, September 24
Performance/Art
unFRAMED: A Man in Progress
7:30pm
The nation misread him, the prison enraged him, his art expressed him, his woman believed in him, his poetry saved him. Winner of the 2011 Award for Excellence in Theatre from the DC Black Theatre Festival, unFRAMED is the poetic tale of life as an immigrant in America – a journey from boyhood in Antigua to manhood in America. Using canvas, paint, poetry, prose and song, playwright Iyaba Ibo Mandingo tells the story of his transformation and shares his rage, determination, and hope while he paints his self-portrait. Presented in conjunction with an exhibit of his original artwork.
Location: John Jay College, T Building, Haaren Hall, 899 Tenth Avenue – Gerald W. Lynch Theater
Cost: $20
For more information: 212-237-8005
Saturday, September 24
Outdoors
National Estuaries Day – Little Neck Bay Festival
11:00am to 3:00pm
Help us celebrate our estuaries by enjoying a beautiful afternoon with games, crafts, canoe rides and more.
Location: Alley Pond Park Nature Center and Trails in Alley Pond Park, Northern Blvd. and Cross Island Parkway, Queens
Cost: Free
For more information: 718-352-4793
Saturday, September 24
Dance
2011 New York International Choreographers Festival
3:00pm to 5:00pm
The Staten Island Ballet and its 21 accomplished artists stage their 11th NY International Choreographers Festival featuring contemporary ballets by four choreographers.
Location: College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd., Building 1P, Williamson Theatre
Cost: Free
For more information: 718-982-2787
Saturday, September 24
Concert
An Afternoon of Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican Folkloric Music
2:30pm
Location: NYPL – Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road at Briggs Avenue, Bronx
Cost: Free
For more information: 718-579-4244
Sunday, September 25
Walking Tour
Civil War New York: Fort Totten
10:00am
Tour led by the Urban Park Rangers
Location: Fort Totten Visitors Center, 212th Street and Bell Blvd., Queens
Cost: Free
For more information: 718-352-1769
Sunday, September 25
Walking Tour
Historic New York: Breweries of Old New York
11:00am
Tour led by the Urban Park Rangers
Location: Bushwick and Montrose Avenues, Brooklyn
Cost: Free
For more information: 718-722-3218
Sunday, September 25
Walking Tour
Historic New York: The Highbridge
1:00pm
Tour led by the Urban Park Rangers
Location: West 174th Street and Amsterdam Avenue
Cost: Free
For more information: 212-304-3401
Sunday, September 25
Musical
Let’s Hang On!
The Premier Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Tribute Show
3:00pm
This polished stage show features four outstanding male vocalists who sing and dance their way through some of the best songs of all time. Backed by a live band.
Location: Queensborough Community College, 222-05 56th Avenue, Bayside – Humanities Theatre
Cost: $35
For more information/tickets: 718-631-6387 or www.events.cuny.edu
EXHIBITION
Remembering 9/11
September 8, 2011 through April 1, 2012
New-York Historical Society
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of September 11, we will present a special exhibition which will be free to the public from September 8 through November 10, 2011.
The exhibition will present a selection of photographs taken by professional and amateur photographers in the immediate aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Center as well as letters written to police officers and firefighters; objects that were placed in makeshift shrines around New York; images and texts from the New York Times “Portraits of Grief” series; photographs of the Tribute in Light; and drawings of the National September 11 Memorial, designed by architect Michael Arad with the assistance of landscape architect Peter Walker.
New-York Historical Society
170 Central Park West at 77th Street
New York NY 10024
212-873-3400 x352
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