About this Event
Along the Hudson: Walking Manhattan’s Western Waterfront
With Author William J. Hennessey
Tuesday, April 28th at 6:00 P.M.
An In-Person and Online Program
The in-person program will be followed by a Book-signing and Reception.
This program is held in Partnership with the New York Landmarks Conservancy
Through eight structured walks from Battery Park to Spuyten Duyvil, Along the Hudson tells the story of the rise, decline, and rebirth of Manhattan's Hudson waterfront from the seventeenth century to the present day. In this talk based on his book, William J. Hennessey will trace the ongoing evolution of the Hudson shoreline from a gritty line of working docks into a desirable residential enclave and a chain of inviting parks.
He will highlight notable buildings both historical and contemporary, to key transportation infrastructure, and to seminal historic events and personalities that shaped New York's dynamic relationship with the river that is its reason for being. Some of the many sites he will explore include:
Westbeth, a five-building complex filling the entire square block along West Street between Bank and Bethune Streets. Once home to Bell Labs, the site was converted to provide housing and workspace for artists, writers, and performers.
Anna Hyatt Huntington's statue of Joan of Arc at 96th Street honors the French saint. Its gothic pedestal contains stones from the J*il cell where Joan was imprisoned. Depicting a female hero sculpted by a female artist, this monument inspired many copies erected across the country.
Next to the George Washington Bridge, at 178th Street, stands Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse, which inspired a children's book entitled The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge.
Reading this will enhance anyone's sojourn along what I think of as Manhattan's west coast." — Peg Breen, President, The New York Landmarks Conservancy
William J. Hennessey is an architectural historian and retired art museum Director. He is the author of two architectural guidebooks, Walking Broadway: Thirteen Miles of Architecture and History and Fifth Avenue: From Washington Square to Marcus Garvey Park.
General Admission: $15; General Society Members, New York Landmarks Conservancy Members and Senior Citizens: $10; Students: $5
Along the Hudson will be available to purchase in-person at the lecture and available
Advance Registration required.
The General Society Library, 20 West 44th Street, New York City, www. generalsociety.org
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The General Society Library, 20 WEST 44th Street (BETWEEN 5th AND 6th AVENUES), New York City, New York, United States
USD 5.00 to USD 15.00
