The History of the Meatpacking District and Its Pioneers (In Person)

The History of the Meatpacking District and Its Pioneers

With Jacquelyn Ottman

Tuesday, July 12th 2022 at 6 P.M.

This will be an In-Person and Online Lecture and will be followed by a Book-Signing

In her talk, Jacquelyn Ottman, author of Ottman and Company: Meatpacking District Pioneers, will explore the fascinating 400-year history of the Meatpacking District. The area is now landmarked as a special historic neighborhood and known for its dynamic restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and the Highline. But for over a hundred years it was the center of the Meatpacking industry within the greater Metropolitan area.

Jacquie Ottman, a fifth-generation member of the Ottman family, whose storied meat-purveying firm supplied New York’s finest restaurants beginning in 1850, will present a richly illustrated lecture that is part-history, part-memoir of the Meatpacking District, describing when it was still a vibrant working market. She will provide an overview of the District’s history stretching back centuries, and will highlight existing examples of its architecture including Arts & Crafts, NeoGrec and Greek Revival Architecture, and its industrial backbone.

Ms. Ottman will discuss the inside story of her family’s meat-purveying business with roots to the Fulton Market of the 1850’s, and how Ottman and Company went on to serve Le Pavilion, 21, and the Four Seasons among many other NYC’s top hotels and restaurants for over 130 years; as well as outline technological advancements in the industry. Ms. Ottman will also share rare historical photos from her family's private collection, together with untold stories handed down from previous generations of family members.

Jacquelyn Ottman is a native New Yorker, zero waste advocate, and author of several books including The New Rules of Green Marketing and Connecting From A Quarantine Kitchen. The self-proclaimed storyteller and archivist of New York City’s pioneering family of meat purveyors, she gives talks and live walking tours about her family’s storied firm to lovers of the Meatpacking District and New York City history. A graduate of Smith College with a degree in art history, she delights in sharing this story of a firm and a historic neighborhood that meant so much to her family.

The book is available to purchase here.

To purchase online tickets, please click here

General Admission: $10

Advance registration is required

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The General Society Library, 20 WEST 44th Street (BETWEEN 5th AND 6th AVENUES), New York City, New York, United States