Center for Brooklyn History
Explore Brooklyn's past in an 1881 landmark building, featuring exhibits and a historic library.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for research
Center for Brooklyn History
Best Time
Fewer crowds for research
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Brooklyn's past in an 1881 landmark building, featuring exhibits and a historic library.
"A beautiful setting in a beautiful neighborhood with well-done exhibits."
🎯 Research Appointments
Book appointments for archive access in the Othmer Library to ensure availability.
🧥 Bag Check Required
Coats and bags must be checked before entering the research areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Othmer Library
Second Floor
A stunning, historic library housing over 300,000 items on Brooklyn's heritage.
Trace/s Exhibition
First Floor Exhibits
Explores the history of slavery in Brooklyn through art and historical records.
Landmark Building
Exterior and Interior
A beautiful 1881 landmark with both interior and exterior landmark status.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Brooklyn's Past
Accessibility and Research
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Research Appointments
Book appointments for archive access in the Othmer Library to ensure availability.
🧥 Bag Check Required
Coats and bags must be checked before entering the research areas.
🚶♀️ Explore Exhibits
Enjoy well-done exhibits that offer insights without feeling overwhelming.
📚 Quiet Study Space
The Othmer Library is a quiet spot, ideal for focused study or research.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Research Appointments
Book appointments for archive access in the Othmer Library to ensure availability.
🧥 Bag Check Required
Coats and bags must be checked before entering the research areas.
🚶♀️ Explore Exhibits
Enjoy well-done exhibits that offer insights without feeling overwhelming.
📚 Quiet Study Space
The Othmer Library is a quiet spot, ideal for focused study or research.
📸 Dual Landmark Status
Appreciate the building's beauty, recognized for both interior and exterior landmark status.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Center for Brooklyn History for its beautiful landmark building, engaging exhibits, and the serene atmosphere of the Othmer Library. It's seen as a peaceful spot to learn about Brooklyn's rich history. However, some have experienced slow or unhelpful staff interactions when trying to arrange research appointments.
"A lovely short visit to the Center for Brooklyn History on Saturday. It’s a small but charming space combining exhibitions and a library focused on Brooklyn’s history. The first floor features a community area, a small gift shop, and exhibits, while the second floor houses a beautiful old library. It’s a peaceful spot to relax during your Brooklyn visit. Unlike regular public libraries, the collections here are non-circulating, and coats and bags must be checked before entering the research space."
Paris Zhang
"Truly beautiful building, on the inside and the outside. Free entrance and space to just sit and do some work if you wish. Even the wokeism, while expected, was not as pervasive as I would have imagined which was a good surprise and why I have only removed one star for it. A good place to check out if you're walking past."
Ahmed Saidu
"The Center for Brooklyn History is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Its blend of informative exhibits, historic buildings, and interactive programs makes it an enriching experience for all ages."
Dylan Scott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Center for Brooklyn History is located in Brooklyn Heights. It's accessible via public transportation, with subway lines like the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, F, and R trains serving nearby stations. Uber or taxi services can also drop you off directly at the location.
Street parking can be challenging in Brooklyn Heights. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services.
While the building is a landmark, it's advisable to contact the Center directly to inquire about specific accessibility features for visitors with mobility concerns. Uber can provide direct drop-off.
Yes, the Center for Brooklyn History is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering a concentrated look at Brooklyn's past. You can easily combine it with other attractions in the Brooklyn Heights area.
The Center is situated in Brooklyn Heights, a historic and picturesque neighborhood. It's also relatively close to Dumbo and Downtown Brooklyn, offering opportunities to explore multiple areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the Center for Brooklyn History is free, making it an accessible cultural experience.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. Some sources indicate it's open to the public without appointments for exhibits.
For general exhibits, appointments are typically not required, and the space is open to the public. However, for in-depth research in the archives, appointments are recommended. 
No, visitors are required to check coats and bags before entering the research space, including the Othmer Library.
The Center frequently hosts exhibitions, such as 'Trace/s' exploring slavery in Brooklyn, and events like history trivia. Check their schedule for current offerings.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on Brooklyn's history, including its past with slavery, and visit the beautiful Othmer Library. It's also a peaceful spot to sit and work.
The Othmer Library is open to the public, but it's primarily for researchers. While a few tables are available for non-researchers, appointments are recommended for archive access.
The Othmer Library houses over 300,000 items, including books, photographs, maps, and archival materials, offering a comprehensive collection on Brooklyn's heritage.
The Center offers programs like history trivia and exhibitions that combine historical records with art, providing an engaging experience.
The landmark building itself, both inside and out, is quite photogenic. The Othmer Library's architecture is particularly striking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Center for Brooklyn History does not appear to have its own dining facilities. However, the surrounding Brooklyn Heights neighborhood offers numerous cafes and restaurants.
Generally, food and drinks are not permitted in historical archives and libraries to preserve the collections. It's best to consume them outside the building.
Brooklyn Heights and nearby Dumbo offer a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. You can find various cuisines to suit your taste.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While general exhibit areas might allow photos (without flash), the Othmer Library, being a research space, may have restrictions. It's best to check signage or ask staff.
The exterior of the 1881 landmark building is impressive. Inside, the Othmer Library's architecture and the historical exhibits offer great photographic opportunities.
Photography of historical documents is typically prohibited to protect them. Always adhere to the guidelines provided by the Center.
Drone photography is generally not permitted inside historical buildings or in densely populated urban areas like Brooklyn Heights.
Architectural photography of the landmark building and interior shots of the Othmer Library are popular among visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider focusing on exhibits like 'Trace/s' which uses art and historical records to tell stories, potentially making history more accessible for younger minds. It's a good opportunity to discuss how cities and communities change over time. Remember to check for any age restrictions or recommendations for specific exhibits.
📚 Researchers and Genealogists
It is highly recommended to book appointments in advance for archive access to ensure you can utilize the resources effectively. Be prepared for the non-circulating nature of the collections and the requirement to check bags and coats. The quiet environment is conducive to long research sessions.
🚶♀️ Casual Visitors and Day-Trippers
Even a short visit allows you to appreciate the history and architecture. You can also get a glimpse of the stunning Othmer Library from the entrance. It's a great way to add a dose of local history to your day trip without feeling overwhelmed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Othmer Library: A Researcher's Haven
While the library is open to the public, it's primarily geared towards researchers. Access to the archives often requires an appointment, ensuring that researchers can dedicate focused time to their work. The space itself is noted for its quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for deep concentration and study. Visitors can view the library from just inside the doors, but for a closer look and to peruse some of its holdings, signing in at the front desk is necessary.
It's important to note that the Othmer Library's collections are non-circulating, meaning items cannot be checked out. Visitors must also adhere to specific rules, such as checking coats and bags before entering the research space, to help preserve the valuable historical materials.
Exploring Brooklyn's Complex History: Exhibitions at CBH
These exhibitions are designed to be informative and thought-provoking, offering insights into crucial aspects of Brooklyn's development. For instance, discussions have highlighted the importance of understanding 200-year indentures and their reflection on the history of enslaved peoples in Brooklyn. The artifacts and narratives presented aim to provide a deeper understanding of the borough's social and cultural evolution.
Beyond specific exhibitions, the Center also hosts events like Brooklyn Black History Trivia, allowing for a more interactive and engaging way to learn about the borough's heritage. These events, often led by historians and collection managers, foster a sense of community and shared learning.
A Landmark Building with a Storied Past
The building's history is intertwined with Brooklyn's desire to document its own identity. It was part of the independent city of Brooklyn's efforts to distinguish itself while simultaneously recording its history. The architecture itself reflects the era, offering a glimpse into the past.
Even the building's utilities have a historical connection; Con Edison has powered this landmark since 1881, highlighting its long-standing presence and the continuous operation of this repository of history.
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