About this Event
Join us for Lower East Side History Month at Essex Market as we explore the origins and history of New York City's most historic public market.
Most Lower East Siders know that Essex Market only recently moved into its new space in Essex Crossing. Before that, its vendors did business in the La Guardia era market shed that opened in 1940. But how many are aware there was another, far older Essex Market that was built just a few blocks away in 1818?
This talk traces the evolution of food vending in the Lower East Side, and how it has reflected this vital, ever changing New York City neighborhood, and will consider how the values once embodied by Public Markets may well be worth revisiting today.
After the talk, we'll have the opportunity to sample market fare and street foods from 19th century New York, as interpreted by Essex Market vendors!
Robert LaValva is a designer and placemaking consultant with expertise in sustainable infrastructure, food systems, and economic development. His practice focuses on the connections between culture and environment. He played a key role in the redevelopment of New York City's Essex Market and is currently programming the revitalization of Buffalo's historic Broadway Market. His clients include the New York City Economic Development Corporation; New York State Empire State Development; and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation (Monticello). Robert studied urban planning at NYU and received a Masters in Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Essex Market, 88 Essex Street, New York, United States
USD 0.00
