New markers bring to life history of Brooklyn waterfront
Brooklyn Historical Society and Brooklyn Bridge Park Unveil Unique Partnership
Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS) and Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) have partnered to create a marker and interpretative signage project that reveals the history of the Brooklyn waterfront and highlights the ecological and sustainable features of the park. The markers and signs were unveiled at a ceremony on Wednesday at BBP’s Pier 1, located at the corner of Old Fulton Street and Furman Street in Brooklyn. BBP President Regina Myer and BHS President Deborah Schwartz were joined by local elected officials, community members and BBP and BHS board members.
Over generations, the area that is today Brooklyn Bridge Park has been a site of bustling commerce, a transportation terminal, an entry point for immigrants, an artistic and activist center, and finally, a world-class park visited by millions of tourists and New Yorkers every year. To tell the stories of its history and elucidate its unique design, signs and markers (“footnotes”) embedded in the ground have been installed in various locations throughout the park from Pier 1 to Pier 6. Each sign and footnote references a little-known historical fact tied to the specific location, tells the story of the ecology present, or points out sustainable features used to build the beloved park.
“Since its opening in 2010, Brooklyn Bridge Park has become a destination for park goers seeking recreation, relaxation, a fantastic view or those looking to enjoy any one of the great programs presented in the park throughout the year,” said Regina Myer, President of Brooklyn Bridge Park. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Brooklyn Historical Society to add yet another way for visitors to enjoy the park. This park is built on a legacy of creativity, activism and diversity and what better way to pay homage to this legacy than to share it with park visitors. The signs, footnotes and website will add a layer of information for visitors which will further enrich their experience of the park.”