Gain Nabe Knowledge With Sept. BCUE Tours

We are fans of the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment and, especially, of the tours the organization sponsors in Brooklyn and, sometimes, Queens. So, we were pleased to find their entire fall schedule. (You can open the PDF by clicking here.)

Here are the September tours:

Victorian Flatbush with Ron Schweiger on Saturday, September 9, 10:30am-1pm. "Stroll the tree-lined streets of 'gingerbread' Brooklyn with Brooklyn’s official historian, Ron Schweiger. See turn–of–the–century houses and learn the history of the landmarked communities of Prospect Park South (where scenes from Sophie’s Choice and Reversal of Fortune were filmed), Ditmas Park, and Beverly Square West – which encompass New York’s largest collection of wood Victorian houses. Meet at street level of the Newkirk Avenue station on the Q train.

Ironbound Queens with Jack Eichenbaum on Sunday, September 10, 11:30am-1:30pm. "Railroad construction crisscrossed western Queens for a full century (1830-1930), defining the edges of neighborhoods and 'the other side of the tracks.' We’ll walk through pockets of ironbound Woodside and Elmhurst to understand how various railroads and impermanent stations both promoted and impeded development. There will be a connecting subway trip between Woodside and Elmhurst. Meet at the front of the Queens-bound (upper) level of the Queensboro Plaza station on the 7/N trains."

Uncovering Sunset Park's Waterfront with Dan Wiley on Saturday, September 16, 10am-1pm. "Our tour will lead us through an early industrial park (Bush Terminal) with towering smoke stacks, to a waterfront brownfield landfill that nature and people have reclaimed, ending at the 58th Street Pier for an annual waterfront festival. Learn about Brooklyn’s industrial past and new ideas for the future. Wear comfortable shoes as this tour is approximately 3 miles. Meet at street level at the Smith-9th Street station of the F/G trains."

Lost Theaters of Park Slope with Cezar Del Valle on Sunday, September 17, 11:30am-1:30pm. "Park Slope was once a hub of theatrical and sporting activity where Henny Youngman first told jokes and Tony Danza boxed. We will pass former theaters and places associated with Fred Astaire, Johnny Depp, Sophie Tucker, Al Pacino, the Roller Derby, and the Brooklyn Dodgers, pausing at two forgotten tunnels and a haunted staircase. Meet at Connecticut Muffin on 15th Street and Prospect Park West. Take the F train to 15th Street station."

Brighton Beach with Francis Morrone on Sunday, September 24, 2-4pm. "We'll trace the rich history of Brighton Beach from its intimate relationship with the water to the Hotel Brighton, the Brighton Beach Baths, and the swanky Oceana apartments. We’ll look at its transformation in recent decades to the epicenter of Russian life in America and prove the adage that in New York, a subway ride will take you anywhere in the world. Meet under the elevated train at Brighton Beach Avenue and Coney Island Avenue. Take the B/Q to Brighton Beach station."

Dumbo Arts and History Tour with Beverly Cumbo on Saturday, September 30, 12-2pm. "Dumbo has dramatically transformed from grimy, light-industrial into a hip enclave of galleries, public art spaces, and restaurants. Our guide will lead you on an adventure through artist ateliers – where more than 300 artists create cutting-edge work – to discover the creations of tomorrow. Meet at street level of the A/C train at High Street on Cadman Plaza West. Or take the 2/3 to Clark Street and walk to Cadman Plaza West."

Fees for urban tours are $11 for non-members, $9 for members, $8 for seniors and students with ID. To inquire about our Urban Tours or to register for one, contact Ruth Edebohls at 718-788-8500 (ext. 208).