Traverse History and Explore the Stories of 19th Century Black New Yorkers

Hop aboard a trolley and head to two of Brooklyn’s history-packed sites to learn more about 19th century black life in Brooklyn with a special tour offering next month.

The tour weaves together the stories of some prominent black New Yorkers with trips to Green-Wood Cemetery and Weeksville Heritage Society. Hop on the trolley to start the tour at Green-Wood Cemetery, established in 1838 as a rural cemetery. The scenic grounds are the resting places of history makers like Susan Smith McKinney Steward, a Weeksville resident and the first black female doctor in the state, and Margaret Pine, believed to be the last woman to have lived as a slave in New York.

The trolley then heads to Weeksville, one of America’s first free black communities. Founded by James Weeks with a purchase of land in 1838, three 19th century houses in the formerly flourishing town are now preserved as part of the Weeksville Heritage Center.

The tour takes place on Saturday, September 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m and begins and ends at Green-Wood Cemetery. Tickets are $40 and $35 for members of Green-Wood and Brooklyn Historical Society. A box lunch is included in the ticket price. The tour takes place rain or shine. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Related Stories

• Monumental Conservation: Green-Wood Cemetery Gains a Conservator
• Set Back the Clock With a Visit to the Historic Interiors of Weeksville (Photos)
• The Inspiring Story of Weeksville, One of America’s First Free Black Communities

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