‘Historic Flatbush’ is topic of talk at New Utrecht Reformed Church

November 7, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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Flatbush, a neighborhood filled with landmarks and Victorian era homes, will be the subject of a talk by Brooklyn Borough Historian Ron Schweiger, who will also draw upon his collection of more than 3,000 images of old Brooklyn during his presentation.

The lecture, presented by the Friends of Historic New Utrecht group, will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish House of the New Utrecht Reformed Church, at 18th Avenue and 84th Street in Bensonhurst. Admission is free.

Schweiger was appointed borough historian in 2002 by Borough President Marty Markowitz. He has spent many years conducting walking tours and giving lectures on Brooklyn history and has given numerous interviews about the borough’s rich history. He has also contributed to books on the subject. Schweiger served as a media spokesperson for the Brooklyn Bridge 125th Anniversary in 2008.

Schweiger, a retired teacher, is currently the president of the Society of Old Brooklynites.

The Nov. 19 program is one of a series of events offered for free by the Friends of Historic New Utrecht, an organization that seeks to educate the public on the history of the section of Bensonhurst that was originally called New Utrecht. The free events the group sponsors include concerts, lectures, and educational programs.

The Parish House where Schweiger will be giving his lecture was built in 1892 and is itself a historically significant landmark, according to the Friends group. The New Utrecht Reformed Church building, which was constructed in 1828, is currently undergoing repairs.

For more information on the Nov. 19 program, call the Friends of Historic New Utrecht at 718-256-7173 or email [email protected].

The Friends group is supported by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, City Councilman Vincent Gentile and by the Verizon Foundation.