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Travel back in time with these history walks and lectures. Learn about the city's epic past, and visit some of its less-known relics. Want to learn more? Visit our Parks History page.
History Events
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Spooky Snug Harbor Tours
at Visitor Information Booth (in Snug Harbor Cultural Center), Staten Island 
7:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
This fall, join us for “Spooky Snug Harbor,” a series of nighttime walking tours aimed at shedding light on Snug Harbor’s darkest history.
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Hispanic Heritage Month: Maria Hernandez Park History and Clean-up
at Suydam Street & Irving Avenue (in Maria Hernandez Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about Maria Hernandez and her contributions to the Bushwick community and participate in a park service project to honor her.
Free!
Event
Conference House Tours
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Take a tour of the Historic Conference House, a Staten Island landmark built over 300 years ago, and the site of the 1776 Peace Conference.
Indigenous People's Day: Indigenous Cultures
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park)
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn of the indigenous roots of New York City and celebrate the culture that came before the city.
Free!
Event
Awaken to Inner Peace: Walk, Breathe, and Meditate in Nature
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us at Awaken to Inner Peace. Let's cultivate calm & spread positivity in our community. Walk, breathe, meditate in nature. Discuss how to integrate peace into our daily lives.
Event
Spooky Snug Harbor Tours
at Visitor Information Booth (in Snug Harbor Cultural Center), Staten Island
7:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
This fall, join us for “Spooky Snug Harbor,” a series of nighttime walking tours aimed at shedding light on Snug Harbor’s darkest history.
Monday, October 14, 2024
Art Exhibition: Kenshō by Vince Serecin
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Celebrate Birds with an exhibition: Kenshō, artwork by Vince Serecin.
Free!
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Indigenous People's Day: Indigenous Roots
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike to discuss the deep connection between humans and plants that transcends time with a particular focus on the practices of the Lenape.
Free!
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Art Exhibition: Kenshō by Vince Serecin
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Celebrate Birds with an exhibition: Kenshō, artwork by Vince Serecin.
Free!
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Museum of Interesting Things
at Holley Plaza (in Washington Square Park), Manhattan
6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
The Museum of Interesting Things is a traveling virtual or live interactive demonstration/exhibition of antiques and inventions to inspire kids and adults alike to be curious.
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Art Exhibition: Kenshō by Vince Serecin
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Celebrate Birds with an exhibition: Kenshō, artwork by Vince Serecin.
Free!
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Meet the Critters
at Play Area (in Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers for a science seminar to learn about reptiles, insects, bats, and other critters from the earth. This is an educational event for all ages.
Free!
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Art Exhibition: Kenshō by Vince Serecin
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Celebrate Birds with an exhibition: Kenshō, artwork by Vince Serecin.
Free!
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Spooky Snug Harbor Tours
at Visitor Information Booth (in Snug Harbor Cultural Center), Staten Island
7:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
This fall, join us for “Spooky Snug Harbor,” a series of nighttime walking tours aimed at shedding light on Snug Harbor’s darkest history.
Friday, October 18, 2024
Art Exhibition: Kenshō by Vince Serecin
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Celebrate Birds with an exhibition: Kenshō, artwork by Vince Serecin.
Free!
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Candlelight Ghost Tours of “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House”
at Merchant's House Museum, Manhattan
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Doors slam, floorboards creak, voices call into the dead of night. Venture into “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House” by flickering candlelight to hear chilling – and true – tales of decades of otherworldly activity in the house, the results of years of paranormal investigations – and the latest stunning scientific findings.
Spooky Snug Harbor Tours
at Visitor Information Booth (in Snug Harbor Cultural Center), Staten Island
7:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
This fall, join us for “Spooky Snug Harbor,” a series of nighttime walking tours aimed at shedding light on Snug Harbor’s darkest history.
SUPER SPOOKY Candlelight Ghost Tour with Paranormal Investigator Dan Sturges
at Merchant's House Museum, Manhattan
9:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Join paranormal investigator Dan Sturges on a 90-minute Super Spooky Candlelight Ghost Tour of “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House” for an in-depth look at the spookiest encounters and his latest research and findings.
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Open House New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Front Gate (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Explore the many historic structures of the peninsula and learn about the important role Fort Totten played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
Summer on the Husdon: Monuments Tour of Riverside Park
at W 72nd Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The New York Historical Society and Summer on the Hudson partner for a monuments tour of Riverside Park, an Olmstead gem and one of New York City’s Scenic Landmarks.
Free!
Fall Festival
at Dyckman Farmhouse Museum (in Dyckman House Museum), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us for a day packed with fun, creativity, and a touch of history on October 19th from 11AM-4PM! Fall Festival returns to the Dyckman Farmhouse with new and exciting activities + our favorite annual ones.
Free!
Kids
Field Guide: Fire Feast
at Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
We come together to consider foods that signify moments of togetherness. This fire feast is to give energies back, to consider our togetherness and how we strive for freedom of others.
Free!
Kids
Conference House Tours
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Take a tour of the Historic Conference House, a Staten Island landmark built over 300 years ago, and the site of the 1776 Peace Conference.
Hands-on History: Spooky Season
at King Manor Museum (in Rufus King Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Hands on History is a FREE family program series held each first and third Saturday of the month at King Manor from 1-4pm.
Free!
Open House New York: Fort Totten Battery
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this civil war era fort, designed to defend our city. Learn more about the history and significance of this site.
Free!
Open House New York: The High Bridge Water Tower
at West 174 Street and Amsterdam Avenue (in Highbridge Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure. Open access from 1pm to 3pm.
Free!
Walking Tour: Reinventing the Bond Street Neighborhood, 1865-1900
at Merchant's House Museum, Manhattan
1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join us for a captivating journey to discover the pivotal changes that shaped the “Bond Street area,” once a residential neighborhood for wealthy merchant families like the Tredwells. On this 90-minute tour, we’ll witness the dramatic changes that unfolded as commercial interests began to encroach, compelling these families to move uptown and triggering a metamorphosis of the entire neighborhood. Homes evolved into boarding houses, business establishments, or were demolished. By 1900, the once-fashionable neighborhood was primarily a commercial area, known for printing and manufacturing. Our walking tour will lead you to the majestic landmarks – from the imposing De Vinne Press to the Schermerhorn factory, Robbins & Appleton, and the historic Fire Engine #33.
Event
Candlelight Ghost Tours of “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House”
at Merchant's House Museum, Manhattan
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Doors slam, floorboards creak, voices call into the dead of night. Venture into “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House” by flickering candlelight to hear chilling – and true – tales of decades of otherworldly activity in the house, the results of years of paranormal investigations – and the latest stunning scientific findings.
Spooky Snug Harbor Tours
at Visitor Information Booth (in Snug Harbor Cultural Center), Staten Island
7:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
This fall, join us for “Spooky Snug Harbor,” a series of nighttime walking tours aimed at shedding light on Snug Harbor’s darkest history.
SUPER SPOOKY Candlelight Ghost Tour with Paranormal Investigator Dan Sturges
at Merchant's House Museum, Manhattan
9:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Join paranormal investigator Dan Sturges on a 90-minute Super Spooky Candlelight Ghost Tour of “Manhattan’s Most Haunted House” for an in-depth look at the spookiest encounters and his latest research and findings.
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Open House New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Front Gate (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Explore the many historic structures of the peninsula and learn about the important role Fort Totten played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
Open House New York: Riverside Park South Locomotive
at Locomotive Lawn (in Riverside Park South), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
As part of Open House New York Weekend, visit the newly-renovated Riverside Park South Locomotive while learning about the rail history of Manhattan’s West Side from staff from the Riverside Park Conservancy.
Free!
Event
Summer on the Hudson: Monuments Tour of Riverside Park
at General Grant National Memorial (Grant's Tomb) (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The New York Historical Society and Summer on the Hudson partner for a monuments tour of Riverside Park, an Olmstead gem and one of New York City’s Scenic Landmarks.
Free!
Waterfront Walks
at Pier 1 (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy for a free walking tour of Brooklyn Bridge Park-- Every other Sunday at 10:30 AM starting at Pier 1
Free!
Open House New York: Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Discover the history of this Brooklyn landmark that pays tribute to the 11,000 men, women, and children who died on British Prison Ships during the Revolutionary War.
Free!
Conference House Tours
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Take a tour of the Historic Conference House, a Staten Island landmark built over 300 years ago, and the site of the 1776 Peace Conference.
Open House New York: Fort Totten Battery
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this civil war era fort, designed to defend our city. Learn more about the history and significance of this site.
Free!
Open House New York: Mount Morris Fire Watchtower
at Mount Morris Fire Watchtower (in Marcus Garvey Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure.
Free!
Music and Muse: A Celebration of Phillis Wheatley Peters
at Van Cortlandt House Museum (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Join us for an autumnal afternoon of music, poetry, and conversation on the lawn at Van Cortlandt House Museum for this debut collaboration of National Book Award-winning poet and musician Cornelius Eady and composer and musician Charlie Rauh as they celebrate the life and work of Phillis Wheatley Peters.
Free!
Spooky Snug Harbor Tours
at Visitor Information Booth (in Snug Harbor Cultural Center), Staten Island
7:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
This fall, join us for “Spooky Snug Harbor,” a series of nighttime walking tours aimed at shedding light on Snug Harbor’s darkest history.
Monday, October 21, 2024
Art Exhibition: Kenshō by Vince Serecin
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Celebrate Birds with an exhibition: Kenshō, artwork by Vince Serecin.
Free!
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Art Exhibition: Kenshō by Vince Serecin
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Celebrate Birds with an exhibition: Kenshō, artwork by Vince Serecin.
Free!
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Hart Island Tour (South Island)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore Hart Island's unique past, present, and future. Participants are chosen by lottery. Lottery opens Wednesday October 9.
Free!
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