Wednesday, May 1, 2019

It's May — time for Lower East Side History Month

Today is May 1, which, among other things, means that it's time for Lower East Side History Month, an annual "celebration of the rich and diverse history" of the neighborhood.

Per the EVG inbox:

Each year in May, Lower East Side cultural and community groups, small businesses and residents create a variety of public events, exhibits, tours, and learning opportunities. All events take place in the historical boundaries of the Lower East Side.

Conceived and launched by Downtown Art and FABnyc in partnership with LES-based cultural and community groups, LES History Month aims to connect our present to our past, exploring how our history can inform and inspire our future.

First week activities (all free) include:

• Saving History: Community Advocacy in the East Village
Saturday (11 a.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.)
East Village Community Coalition, northwest corner of 11th Street and Avenue A
Details here

• East Village LGBT Historic Sites Tour
Sunday, 4-6 p.m.
Theatre 80, 80 St. Mark's Place
Details here

• Wild Edibles Walking Tour — East River to the Lower East Side
Sunday, 11 a.m.
Meet at East River and 23rd Street
Details here

Find the full May schedule at this link.
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2 comments:

  1. John PenleyMay 1, 2019 at 2:59 PM

    On May 1,1990 there was a riot at Tompkins Square Park that started when a police officer was hit in the head with a 40 oz. beer bottle while storming the TSP bandshell to shut down a concert. I was present at the 88 riot and other confrontations in the neighborhood and have to say that this one was great for photos. At one point rioters had a massive bonfire going on Ave. A and while the 9th Pct. was mobilized around 5th street waiting for re-enforcements to arrive people went to the squatter recycleing area at the 7th street squat and brought a massive number of empty bottles to Ave. A. The 9th Pct. without enough cops tried to advance on the mob and so many bottles were flying at them they turned around and ran. The conflict pretty much lasted all night and I remember seeing a giant crater that the bonfire created in the street and laughing with Ray about that and the amount of broken glass that covered Ave. A around 6 in the morning. Do a google search for the NY Times story on it that was published on May 2, 1990.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 2, 2019 at 12:17 PM

    Too bad that history is erased more each day by rampant development. Soon, these tours will take place, people will look around and try to imagine what was there before the vast sea of boring steel-and-glass towers.

    ReplyDelete

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