This weekend is going to be a pretty epic one on our side of town. Partners in Preservation, a community-based program that gives preservation grants to local historic places, is coming to New York City with the aid of American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. And they’ve got three million dollars to give away in NYC! What does that mean for us Brooklynites? Well, from now through May 21st, we will be able to vote for a historical landmark in order to restore, preserve, and revitalize it.
Now that we are right in the thick of the voting period, there will be pretty fun and child-friendly events this weekend at several of the historical places. Not only will you be able to learn more about each of the venues and what they have to offer, but you’ll also have loads of fun fit for everyone in your family. Woohoo!
Here are the deets on the events in our borough:
Saturday May 5th 10am — 6pm and Sunday May 6th 1pm — 5pm
Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library
Join in the fun for behind-the-scenes tours of Central Library’s landmark building. The tour will feature an in-depth look at its history, design and, wait for it… hidden treasures! There will also be other programs, which include music, author talks, children’s book exhibitions, and silent films. Your vote will go towards the the preservation of Central Library Entrance Renovation Project.
Details: 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights. All ages welcomed. FREE for all.
Saturday, May 5th from 9am — 3pm
Brown Memorial Baptist Church
Now’s your chance to learn about Brown’s rich history and it’s active ministry! You can also tour its historic sanctuary and have a wonderful time. Brown Memorial works tirelessly to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and develop socially competent children. Your vote will go towards the preservation of the Brown Memorial Baptist Church Tiffany Stained Glass Window Restoration.
Details: 484 Washington Avenue, Clinton Hill. All ages welcomed. FREE for all.
Saturday May 5th and Sunday May 6th from 12 — 4pm
Coney Island B&B Carousel
I think this event will be loads of fun! Join in the fun and have your photo taken with one of the newly restored horses. Yay! Also, enjoy a game of “Name this Horse” while you check our pictures of the carousel and restoration. Your vote will go towards the preservation of the Coney Island B&B Carousel.
Details: 3059 West 12th Street, Coney Island. All ages welcomed. FREE for all.
Sunday, May 6th from 2-5pm
Congregation Beth Elohim
The will be an unveiling of the new art installation in the history of CBE’s sanctuary by the renowned architects of BanG Studio. Your entire family can enjoy musical performances by several fine Brooklyn musical ensembles and the artwork of local children. Sweetness! Your vote will go towards the preservation of the Congregation Beth Elohim Exterior Restoration.
Details: 274 Garfield Place, Park Slope. All ages welcomed. FREE for all.
Saturday, May 5th and Sunday, May 6th from 10am — 4pm
Erasmus Hall Campus
Get ready for… SPRINGFEST! It will showcase the school’s unique collection of stained glass artwork dating all the way back to the early 1900s. Celebrate the campus, its history, students, faculty, alumni, and local community. There will also be workshops, health and wellness demonstrations, live music, dance, hands-on percussion lessons, student performances, and loads more! Your vote will go towards the preservation of the Stained Glass Conservation on Erasmus Hall Campus.
Details: 911 Flatbush Avenue, Flatbush/Ditmas Park. All ages welcomed. FREE for all.
Saturday, May 5th and Sunday, May 6th from 1-5pm
Tug Pegasus & Waterfront Museum Barge
The public is invited to see the only surviving wooden example of a Hudson River barge that remains afloat and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Children will love the super popular George Rhoads audio kinetic ball machine sculpture and the many barge models, bells and artifacts. Guests can also discover how goods were transported before there were bridges and tunnels and learn why New York City’s waterfront became obsolete due to the container trucking industry. Your vote will go towards the preservation of the Tug & Barge Preservation Project.
Details: Hudson River Park’s Pier 25 in Tribeca at the foot of N. Moore Street. All ages welcomed. FREE admissions, donations welcomed.
Saturday, May 5th from 12-5pm
Weeksville Heritage Center
Guests will enjoy an all-ages preview of summer programming, including garden games, skill shares and demos, seeding giveaways, art workshops, music, movies, and food! Yum! Then, check Red, Bike, and Green out for a bicycled procession from Weeksville to the Brooklyn Museum’s Target First Saturdays where Weeksville will present a concert with South African musician, Nomsa Mazwai. My son and I will be in attendance and I am truly psyched! Your vote will go towards the preservation of the Shed and Root Cellar at Historic Weeksville as well as Deepen the Story of Food Sustainability.
Details: 1698 Bergen Street, Crown Heights. All ages welcomed. FREE for all.
Saturday, May 5th and Sunday, May 6th: various times
WW II Flying Boat — Gateway National Recreation Area
Step back in time to the Golden Age of Aviation for the reopening of the Ryan Visitor Center at the Historic Floyd Bennet Field. You’ll be able to see historic aircraft at Hangar B show. But bring your dancing shoes because you’ll also be able to swing dance to the live big band! Plus, there will be interactive exhibits, children’s activities, delish food, and fun contests for everyone. Your vote will go towards preservation of the PBY Catalina.
Details: 50 Aviation Road, Marine Park. All ages welcomed. FREE for all.
Saturday, May 5th and Sunday, May 6th: 11- 5 pm
Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center
GMDC tenant workshops and studios will be open during these hours as well as the area that the park will be expanded to. Kayakers will be launching from the park and boating in the Newtown Creek. GMDC staff will be present.
Details: 1155-1205 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222
Have a great time at the Open Houses this weekend and be sure to visit the website to vote for the historical landmark of your choice!