Jeff Richman September 1, 1795: James Gordon Bennett, founder of the New York Herald, which became the country’s most influential and the world’s largest newspaper; perhaps best known for his sensational and often startling coverage of scandalous “news,” Bennett’s Herald also covered – with great detail and accuracy – some of the greatest fires in the history … Read more
The Battle of Brooklyn was a big deal. Occurring on August 27, 1776, just weeks after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, it was the first battle of the new nation. And, as it developed, it was the largest battle of the entire Revolutionary War in terms of soldiers gather on or about the … Read more
Richard Anthony Proctor (1837-1888), born in England, attended college, then became an accountant. However, he soon developed an interest in astronomy, reading, then writing, about it. He became a prominent astronomer, researching, writing and lecturing. Between 1873 and 1884 he toured Great Britain, its colonies, and the United States on lecture tours. In 1880, while on … Read more
Last week’s the headline on the front page of the Wall Street Journal told the story: “To Attract Future Customers, Cemeteries Hold Parties to Die For” Graveyards Plan Concerts, Sky-Diving, Clowns; ‘Meet Us Before You Need Us This was an interesting piece, and not just because I was quoted in it, though that doesn’t hurt. … Read more
Of the more than half a million interred at Green-Wood Cemetery, few are remembered. Many died long ago, and their families and friends are long gone. So it is always comforting to learn of one person, here and there, who is remembered. Such an individual is William J. Florence (1831-1891), one of 19th century America’s great actors.
One hundred years ago today, August 9, New York City’s Mayor William J. Gaynor was about to embark on a well-earned vacation cruise when he was shot by a New York City watchman who recently had been fired from his job. Here’s the dramatic photograph of Gaynor’s wounding, taken just seconds after a shot had … Read more
In celebrating some of Green-Wood’s most inspiring, influential and infamous permanent residents, the Green-Wood Historic Fund is putting the August Birthday spotlight on some fascinating people who helped changed the American political, cultural and scientific landscape of the 19th and 20th centuries. Key among the Green-Wood residents whose birthdays fall in August are 19th century … Read more
On September 10, 2001, Steven Vincent was an art critic, living in the East Village. But the next day, September 11, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked, and the world changed. And so did Steven’s world. Steven decided that he had a new calling in life: he would go to Iraq to … Read more
Since soon after its founding in 1838, Green-Wood Cemetery has been a popular place. It has been painted and photographed. It has been filmed and videotaped. It has appeared in movies and on television shows. Now, it is about to get its very own theatrical production, courtesy of the Artful Conspirators: “Brooklyn Underground: Theatrical Stories … Read more
One of the most rewarding aspects of our Civil War Project has been the information we have gotten from descendants of Civil War veterans who are interred at Green-Wood. Sometimes they contact us with bare bones information: my great grandfathers name is —- and he served in the Civil War. Can you help me find … Read more