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AccessibilityUrban Park Rangers: History and Culture
Discover NYC's storied past with our expert Urban Park Rangers as your guide to historical events, people, and communities that have shaped our city and Parks.
Urban Park Rangers: History and Culture Events
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Historic New York: Van Cortlandt and the American Revolution
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Van Cortlandt Park was a significant location during the American Revolution. Visit historic sites and learn more about battles and events which impacted the American Revolution.
Free!
Event
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Grand Army Plaza Arch Tour
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn 
11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a special access tour of Prospect Park's Grand Army Plaza and Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday July 2
Free!
Event
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Historic New York: John Golden and Crocheron Park
at Entrance - 215th Place and 33rd Road (in Crocheron Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Learn more about the natural landscape and cultural significance of this popular location within the neighborhood of Bayside.
Free!
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Historic New York: Sunset Park Finntown
at Central Lawn (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Explore the history of the Finnish enclave that thrived around Sunset Park in the early to mid 20th century.
Free!
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Historic New York: New York Harbor
at 43rd Street and 1st Avenue (in Bush Terminal Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Explore the significance of New York Harbor in both the past and present and learn about the working harbor and its role in global supply chains.
Free!
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Grand Army Plaza Arch Tour
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a special access tour of Prospect Park's Grand Army Plaza and Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday July 30
Free!
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Historic New York: Downtown Brooklyn History Super Hike
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in a history tour of Downtown Brooklyn. Learn about Brooklyn’s role in the Revolutionary War and the aftermath that led to its first parks.
Free!
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Historical Games
at Entrance (in Margaret I. Carman Green - Weeping Beech), Queens
11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Go back in time with the Urban Park Rangers and learn the games played by children of the past in early New York City by both the Lenape and immigrants from Europe, among others.
Free!
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Historic New York: The Battle of Brooklyn
at Old Stone House (in Washington Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Commemorate the Battle of Brooklyn with the Urban Park Rangers at the Old Stone House.
Free!
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Battle of Long Island History Hike
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Hike from the Patriot front lines at Fort Putnam (today’s Fort Greene) to the ferry landing at Brooklyn Bridge Park where General Washington joined the last of his men retreating.
Free!
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Historic New York: Privateers, Pirates, and New York’s Golden Age of Piracy
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we delve into the world of pirates in New York’s history. Uncover the true story of Captain William Kidd, a complex figure who navigated the murky waters.
Free!
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Summer on the Hudson: Little Red Lighthouse Festival
at Little Red Lighthouse (in Fort Washington Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Celebrate Manhattan’s only remaining lighthouse with the Urban Park Rangers!
Free!
Event
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