Exciting learning opportunities for adults and older kids are coming up in our neighborhoods! Check out a showcase of innovative research projects by NYU Tandon School of Engineering faculty and students, attend a book launch to learn more about our changing planet from a leading climate reporter, DUMBO dad and CNN correspondent, or learn about the rich histories of our own neighborhoods with a Jane’s Walk guided tour.
Tandon Research Excellence Exhibit @ Brooklyn Commons Park | Downtown Brooklyn
Friday, April 26 | 1-4pm | Free and open to the public
The Tandon Research Excellence Exhibit is an annual public event that features student and faculty projects illustrating the scope of engineering, the applied sciences, and their potential for improving the world. This year’s Exhibit will celebrate the incredible academic contributions of our community and how they connect to Tandon’s seven areas of research excellence. The most exciting work being done in labs and prototyping facilities comes alive for spectators of all ages!
Stop by the Tandon Research Excellence Exhibit to experience incredible projects, and enjoy giveaways including an exciting food truck, popcorn, cotton candy, a photo booth, and more!
Book Launch: Life as We Know it (Can Be) by Bill Weir @ PowerHouse | DUMBO
Monday, April 29 | 7-9pm | Free, RSVP here
Join PowerHouse Books in Dumbo on April 29 for a book signing and Q&A with author Bill Weir, DUMO Dad and CNN correspondent. Weir’s new book Life As We Know It (Can Be) is a celebration of the wonders of our planet, a meditation on the human wants and needs that drive it out of balance, and an inspiration for communities to galvanize around nature and each other as the very best way to brace for what’s next. Dubbed “the Anthony Bourdain of climate reporting” for his distinctive storytelling style and a focus on our connected planet, author Bill Weir created the primetime CNN Original Series The Wonder List with Bill Weir in 2015. Weir will be in conversation with Dan Harris, the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling memoir, 10% Happier, the host of the Ten Percent Happier podcast and the cofounder of the Ten Percent Happier meditation app.
Jane’s Walk | Various Locations
Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5 | Free, RSVP here
Jane’s Walk returns the weekend of May 3rd, 4th, and 5th, with free neighborhood walking tours across New York City. Named after urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs, Jane’s Walks are always the first weekend in May to commemorate her birthday. During the weekend, the simple act of exploring the city is enhanced with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement. Jane’s Walk NYC encourages people to share stories about their neighborhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and connect with visitors and neighbors alike. Walks are free, but RSVPs are required and capacity is limited.
Below is a sampling of this year’s walking tours in Brooklyn. For a full listing of Jane’s Walks in all five boroughs, click here.
Atlantic Avenue: The Heart of Brooklyn | Friday, May 3, 3pm
This in-person walking tour of Atlantic Avenue will focus on the history of the street and the different immigrant cultures of the past and present that contribute to the street’s rich culture. We will explore the architecture of three historic districts along our route–including the best preserved wooden storefronts in New York City, learn about the histories of our several legacy businesses, and end in time for you to explore happy hour and dinner on Atlantic Avenue.
Greenpoint Waterfront History Tour | Saturday, May 4, 1pm
The waterfront has played a huge role in Greenpoint, Brooklyn’s history. On this walk we will explore the area’s Native American roots and recall the war Native Americans fought with European settlers there. We will also trace the area’s shipbuilding heritage. We will trace the area’s industrial heritage and discuss how oil refining and other heavy industries left a legacy of pollution and cancer. We will also visit sites related to the area’s thousands of female workers and recall their strikes for improved conditions. We will also visit sites related to the waterfront’s redevelopment and discuss Jane Jacobs’ predictions about how Greenpoint would become ground zero for gentrification in New York City.
Green-Wood Cemetery, Lincoln and Abolitionists | Sunday, May 5, 11am
This will be a walk in Brooklyn’s beautiful Green-Wood Cemetery, touring graves related to the abolitionist movement, Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. We’ll see Green-Wood, and therefore New York City’s, strong links to this crucial period of US history and change.
Brooklyn Heights: America’s First Suburb | Sunday, May 5, 6pm
Explore NYC’s first Landmark District – Brooklyn Heights was called one of the 10 most beautiful neighborhoods. See homes and taverns dating from the 1790’s. Learn the history and walk the tree lined “Fruit” streets. See Plymouth Church, a stop on the Underground Railroad, the Capote House, see gorgeous views from Colombia Heights, sand where George Washington had his headquarters during the Battle of Long Island.
Updated: April 25, 2024. Main Image: Jane’s Walk 2023.
