Tracing my Roots And Rediscovering Old New York

NYC is a mecca for transplants. Thousands of people move to The Big Apple every year, in search of jobs, homes, and love. Because people move in and out all the time, the history of many of this great city’s gems are rarely passed around.

Sure, you can pull out your iPhone and check Wikipedia for the history of the Empire State Building, but where else, besides an Italian grandfather, would you hear about a stunning Brooklyn church that was sent over from Italy, piece by piece and reconstructed to its current position?

And because old is always new again, below you can find my top picks of Old New York that has realized a recent popularity, and have, once again, become new.

The High Line

A 1930′s relic of emerging transportation and city growth, the high line was once the shining glory of the West Side Line. By the 80′s, it was no longer in use, and two decades later, the rusting old relic was sentenced to death.

Today, the High Line, aided by an enormous grassroots campaign, is being turned into a green oasis in the urban skyline. By 2016, a beautiful park should be opened on this old rail, and City kids and new transplants alike will glorify its modern ideals, in the same location where old timers marveled at the new train line many years ago.

More:

High Line History

Friends of the High Line

Admirals Row

Photos via scoutingny.com

Back in the early 1900′s, the Brooklyn Navy Yard was hoppin’ and Admirals Row was home base. These Second-Empire style houses were the origins of many naval greats who chose to put root down in NYC, and start families and businesses. A trip around the ‘hood then was the start of something hopeful, a resurgence for many of these Civil War era house bones. After closing in the 60′s, moving most of the officers out through that decade, and the dilapidation of the area in the years following, the buildings were left alone to succumb to weather, pollution, and aspiring graffiti artists.

Photos via Scoutingny.com

Today, the fight is on to save these amazing homes. Though the neighborhood is slowly restoring back to its original beauty, a fight rages on between the city and citizens as to what will become of Admirals Row. Though strip malls and shopping centers could replace this areas beauty, its easy to see the spirit of the original dwellers in the new locals, as they give it their all to save these important landmarks.

More:

Brooklyn Papers on the Fight to Save Admirals Row

Scouting NY’s Beautiful Admirals Row Photos

Gothamist Report

The Jacques Marquais Museum of Tibetan Art

Not only was the JM museum the only one in New York City of its kind when it opened in 1947, but it remains that way today. Set on the very top of Lighthouse Hill on New York City’s hilliest borough, this glittering spectacle showcased Marquais’ personal collection of Tibetan and Himalayan artwork.

Photo via Bridge and Tunnel Club

Since the Dalai Lama visited in the early 90′s and praised this cultural institution for its authentic atmosphere, the museum has seen an enormous influx of New Yorkers willing to cross water to see its art. Whether for the yoga in lotus filled meditation garden, or revolving exhibits, visitors see not only a very real depiction of Buddhist and Tibetan art, but the generosity of an extremely kind-hearted woman who wanted to share her findings with her city for years to come.

More:

The Jacques Marquais Museum Website

Staten Island USA

The Tibetan Mongolian Museum Society Website

Bridge and Tunnel Club