Exploring the East Village's Dark Side: Music, Art, and Haunting History

What do an old Dutchman, a world-famous mystery writer, a Seattle punk rocker, and Jack the Ripper all have in common? Their ghosts might be lurking about lower Manhattan...if you know where to look. Venturing through the East Village and ending in the West Village, it's time to explore the macabre side of New York history, ghost stories, and historical rumors that are too fun not to repeat.

Join New York Adventure Club as we take a walk through the East Village to visit reportedly haunted, musical, art, and historical sites throughout the neighborhood, ranging from the legendary to way-off-the-beaten-path.

Led by Nora Cronin, an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, our ghostly adventure through the East Village and ending in the West Village will include stops at:

• Tompkins Square Park to hear about its role as an East Village gathering spot for artists on their way up (and down)
• The General Slocum memorial, which marks the second deadliest event in New York City history
• St. Mark’s Church, a three-centuries old Church that has connections to New Amsterdam governor Peter Stuyvesant, which some say can still be seen on the Church grounds
• The Boys Club, which closed in 2019 after over 121 years of school programming for boys and young men — some say the voices of children playing can still be heard around the building even though it's completely empty
• The former Pyramid Club, a once legendary musical spot on Avenue A that was the site of Nirvana’s first New York City gig in 1989
• New York Marble Cemetery, New York’s first non-sectarian burial place — learn the frightening reason outside its gates why the marble vaults were built ten feet underground
• The former homes of Halloween’s patron saint, Edgar Allan Poe

Our experience will conclude at Peculiar Pub in the West Village, which will have food and drinks available for purchase!

See you there!

*Please bring water and comfortable shoes as we’ll be on our feet for the entire experience

**This event takes place in rain or shine

***This tour concludes at Peculiar Pub at 145 Bleecker Street

About Nora

Nora Cronin is an adjunct professor at the City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Her interest in history and crime naturally leads her to investigate the macabre side of New York history. She has previously led ghost walks in the civil war town of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and is excited to bring this storytelling tradition to New York Adventure Club.

Testimonials

" The history. Guide is very knowledgable." -Brenda

" Nora was genuinely passionate about the topics discussed and clearly knew what she was talking about. It was perfect." -Anna

" Guide was wonderful" -Linda

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Tompkins Square Library (Outside), 331 East 10th Street, New York, United States