Sunday Afternoon In Harlem: A Celebration of Cultural and Historical Harlem
In celebration of Harlem Arts Week, cultureNOW partnered with American Institute of Architects NY, Harlem Arts Alliance, and Mt. Morris Park Improvement Association to organize a walking tour.
Date: Sunday Aug 9, 2009 Time: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
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West Harlem Piers Park The former site of a parking lot, West Harlem Piers Park is now a two-acre waterfront oasis that connects West Harlem to the Hudson River greenway and features new recreational piers, bicycle and pedestrian paths and landscaped open space. Dedicated in May 2009, the park also features a series of sculptures called Voice by Nari Ward commissioned for the Percent for Art Program. PLAY PODCAST (053) |
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Historic Harlem Tour Assistant: Olivia Kaplan This tour begins with Phillip Payton's Afro American Realty corporation and the development of black Harlem, as well as the formation of a black/Jewish coalition to fight discrimination. Olivia Kaplan is in the white shirt. PLAY PODCAST (054) |
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The tour proceeded to the Schomberg Center to focus on the Harlem Renaissanc (here James Kaplan is in the atrium) |
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The tour then proceeded to 138th Street (Marcus Garvey's Liberty Hall) to talk about Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement association. Shown here is James Kaplan in front of the Abyssinian Baptist Church.
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Mount Morris Park Historical District The tour began at Marcus Garvey Park with a discussion of the history of the area, a walk around the park and a climb up to the top of the Fire House Tower. PLAY PODCAST (055) |
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Designated a Historic District in 1971, the tour then proceded to walk through many of the late 19th & early 20th century brownstones and elegant churches. Long recognized as one of the City's most charming and distinctive residential enclaves, home to some famous (and infamous) New Yorkers such as Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Thomas Nast, and Richard Crocker.
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Dwyer Cultural Center Architect: James McCullar Harlem's newest cultural center, the Dwyer, opened in June, 2009. The Center was designed to showcase Harlem's History and support its artists (present and future). James McCullar talks about the project.
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Voza Rivers presents the vision behind the Center. On the walls are portions of one of the two current exhibitions: harlem is... MUSIC and Harlem Sewn up 2009: Quilted Reflections of a Community. PLAY PODCAST (056) |