Brooklyn Historical Society celebrates 50th anniversary of Brooklyn Heights’ designation as historic district

November 18, 2015 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The Brooklyn Historical Society is presenting a host of programs that honor the neighborhood’s half-century anniversary as a historic landmark. Shown: a view of Montague Street in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Eagle file photo by Rob Abruzzese

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Nov. 23, 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of Brooklyn Heights’ designation as New York City’s first historic district.

In 1965, before Brooklyn was the brand and borough it is today, its waterfront district was at risk of being razed. A dedicated group of community activists took action, arguing that the neighborhood they loved was of historical importance and worthy of protection. Their determination saved the buildings and homes in danger, and spurred a movement that would usher in a new era of preservation. The New York City Landmarks Law was passed in 1965, and has since registered over a hundred such districts.

This fall, the Brooklyn Historical Society presents a host of programs that honor the neighborhood’s half-century anniversary as a historic landmark.

Cocktails and Conversation: An Evening to Honor NYC’s First Historic District

Monday, Nov. 23, 6:30 p.m.; general admission $100, member price $80; Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cocktails-and-conversation-an-evening-to-honor-nycs-first-historic-district-tickets-18042586863.

The evening will include cocktails and a program that features architectural historian Francis Morrone and Anthony C. Wood, founder and chair of The New York Preservation Archive Project (NYPAP). Offered in partnership with NYPAP and the Brooklyn Heights Association.

Re-issue of “Old Brooklyn Heights, New York’s First Suburb”

Brooklyn Historical Society and the Brooklyn Heights Association, with the support of Otis and Nancy Pearsall, will re-issue Dover’s 1979 edition of “Old Brooklyn Heights, New York’s First Suburb,” which includes Clay Lancaster’s forward, “How Brooklyn Heights Came To Be New York City’s First Historic District.” The book will be for sale beginning Nov. 23, and is available for purchase exclusively at Brooklyn Historical Society and the Brooklyn Heights Association.

Commemorative Installation

Opens Friday, Nov. 20.

Among other artifacts of interest, the installation features a hand drawn map of the proposed historic district and the designation plaque from the Department of the Interior declaring Brooklyn Heights a National Historic Landmark.