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Ongoing Wed-Sun

In Our Own Words: Portraits of Brooklyn Vietnam Veterans

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Founded in 1863 when Brooklyn was its own city (not one of the boroughs), the Brooklyn Historical Society covers 400 years of Brooklyn's development through photographs, paintings, memorabilia and interactive exhibitions. Tucked away on a shaded residential street in Brooklyn Heights, the landmark building was designed by George Post, who also designed the New York Stock Exchange. Unfortunately, by the late 20th century the structure had deteriorated. In 1999, the society underwent a four-year renovation, which included cleaning and restoring its red terra-cotta exterior as well as adding a new gallery space, glass doors, high wooden ceilings and special track lighting. Most of the society's permanent collection can be viewed on the main floor. Its extensive library holds a collection of rare books, periodicals, institutional records (including an original copy of the Emancipation Proclamation), manuscripts and atlases on various ethnic groups living in Brooklyn. The society also has a searchable database of more than 35,000 photographs of Brooklyn. — Joy Armstrong

Staff tours available with a reservation. Call 718-222-4111, ext. 222. The Society offers tours to neighborhoods and historical cornerstones in Brooklyn. For more info and reservations, call 718-222-4111 x237.