Brooklyn Historical Society

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Kara Zuaro

Joined 10 years ago

A comfortable atmosphere makes this Long Island archive appealing to history buffs both young and old.. Overview
Since 1863, the Brooklyn Historical Society has been relating the tale of the surrounding culturally diverse neighborhoods through exhibits loaded with fun facts-- like Flatbush Avenue's previous incarnation as a Lenape Indian trail and the old Schaefer plant's policy of allowing workers to drink unlimited beer while on the job. Colorful paintings, intricate maps and vivid photoraphs are often placed low on the walls to make the borough's history easily accessible to its smaller inhabitants.

Features and Attractions
Who knew that Coney Island got its name from the wild rabbits (i.e., "conies") that roamed the area's southern coast? In small rooms, the informative plaques paired with exhibits behind facades of miniature buildings get a nice high-tech counterpoint from videogames which challenge visitors to survive on a working-class budget in the early 1900s.