The culturenoworg's Podcast

Harlem: The Capital of Black America (part 2)

This section of the tour describes how Harlem came to be the destination for many people escaping the increasingly violent racism of the turn-of-the-century South, eventually earning the status of The Capital of Black America.
World War One was an important event for Harlem, which saw many residents sent to France to fight on the front lines. Earning the nickname 'The Hellfighters' and decorated with one of France's highest honors, these soldiers returned to Harlem as heroes. But despite their sacrifices, race relations in the United States did not see any of the hoped for improvement - the post-war period in saw several vicious race riots throughout the country.
In the post-war years, Harlem became a cultural center, where important Black artists lived and worked. This period became known as the 'Harlem Renaissance'.

Great Crash of 1929 Stop 2: British Memorial Garden and the Statue of Abraham De Peyster

The second stop on the Great Crash of 1929: Tour of the Financial District is the British Memorial Garden, which was dedicated to the United Kingdom after in memory of the 67 British subjects killed in the September 11 attacks. At this location once stood a statue of Colonial Mayor Abraham De Peyster, which now sits in a Parks Department warehouse.

Irish History Tour: Stop 10 - Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Historian James Kaplan discusses the central role the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus played in Irish Catholic life.

Irish History Tour: Introduction

Historian James Kaplan introduces his walking tour of Hell's Kitchen, which discusses the neighborhood's evolution from mobsters to the successful fight in the 1970's against porno and pimps.

Great Crash of 1929 Stop 3: 55 Water Street Hanover Bank

The third stop on the Great Crash of 1929: Tour of the Financial District is in front of 55 Water Street. The building was once the largest private office building in New York City. It is now home to the India House, which houses a large collection of maritime objects.

Great Crash of 1929 Stop 5: Mill Lane

The fifth stop on the Great Crash of 1929: Tour of the Financial District is on Mill Lane This one block-long street is the oldest in New York City. The Dutch built a mill here, which they used to grind the bark that was used to tan beaver skins. In 1628, the first organized religious service was held on this street, and the Dutch Governor Peter Stuyvesant surrendered to the British here 1664.

Irish History Tour: Stop 4 - Tammany Hall’s Great Leaders

With a succession of three strong leaders - Kelly Croker and Murphy - Tammany Hall became the driving force behind New York City's politics and the backing force of its successful political leaders.

Irish History Tour: Stop 2 - Rockefeller Center and the Founding of Tammany Hall

Historian James Kaplan discusses both Rockefeller Center as well as the founding of Tammany Hall.

Jewish Arrival - The Bank of Manhattan and the Democratic Party

At the turn of the 18th Century, Jews were typically pro-Democrat. The Bank of Manhattan was founded by Aaron Burr, a leader of the Democratic party. It was built to rival the Bank of New York, which exercised a monopoly of banking in the US.

Jewish Arrival - Fraunces Tavern

Historian and lawyer James Kaplan discusses the history of Fraunces Tavern, the former headquarters of the United States government. Now a museum, Fraunces Tavern was once the De Lancey House. Oliver De Lancey, a loyalist in the American Revolution, eloped with Phila Franks, daughter of Jacob Franks and Abigail Levy, who were leaders in the Shearith Israel Congregation.