Center for Brooklyn History

The Basics

Part museum and part education center, the Brooklyn Historical Society is known for its community programs, rotating exhibitions, and 33,000-volume library. Delve into Brooklyn's past and present as you walk its halls and view its exhibits. Neighborhood tours of Brooklyn Heights offer historic information on Brooklyn. Purchase a NYC sightseeing pass for deals at the historical society and around the city.

Things to Know Before You Go

• History aficionados shouldn't miss the 19th century historical society.

• Bibliophiles should stop at the Othmer Library reading room, replete with stained glass windows and carved columns.

• Check the calendar before you arrive—several public events are hosted monthly, including lectures and round-table discussions.

• The historical society's museum is ADA accessible.

• There is a recommended admission for all adults, but children under age 12 and students are admitted free.

How to Get There

The Brooklyn Historical Society has two locations—the main location on Pierrepont Street and a second location in DUMBO on Water Street. To visit the main location and library via the subway, hop on the 2, 3, 4, or 5 train to Borough Hall, or the A, C, or F to Jay Street/Borough Hall. To visit the DUMBO location, take the A or C to High Street, the 2, 3 to Clark Street, or F to York Street.

When to Get There

The Brooklyn Heights branch of the historical society is open Wednesday to Sunday; the DUMBO location is open Tuesday to Sunday; both are closed on major holidays. Come mid-week to avoid crowds.

Cross the Brooklyn Bridge

You find the entrance to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge about a 10-minute walk from the Brooklyn Heights location and a 5-minute walk from its DUMBO branch, at Cadman Plaza Park. Whether you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and into Downtown Manhattan, or walk beneath the historic structure to visit DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park, the waterfront views are not to be missed. Stop by at night to see Manhattan's skyline sparkling across the river.

Ways to explore

Part museum and part education and research center, the Center for Brooklyn History is known for its community programs, rotating exhibitions, and 33,000-volume library. It’s worth heading inside while in the neighborhood: You can delve into Brooklyn’s past and present as you stroll its halls and view its exhibitions, all while benefiting from its free-admission policy.

Neighborhood tours of Brooklyn Heights offer another way to explore: Some walking tours stop right outside the landmark (itself included on the National Register of Historic Places) and offer more information on Brooklyn’s rich history.

Accessibility

The Center for Brooklyn History is partially accessible, with a step-free entrance and elevator between floors.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sealed water bottle, handheld bag

What to wear

Wear comfortable layers and walking shoes for browsing.

Not allowed

Smoking, drinking alcohol, being disruptive to fellow visitors, eating in library areas

Amenities

Gift shop, restrooms, free Wi-Fi

Address

The Center for Brooklyn History is located in the borough’s Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. The area is well-served by public transportation, taxis, and rideshare services, and its proximity to Manhattan makes visiting easy.

Driving

Owing to road congestion and restrictions, driving in New York City is not recommended. If you must drive, you can make use of several paid parking garages in the vicinity.

Public transportation

There are multiple ways to get to the center via subway. Take the R train to Court Street station; the 2, 3, 4, or 5 trains to Borough Hall; or the A, C, F, or R trains to Jay Street-MetroTech.

Best times to visit

The Center for Brooklyn History is typically open from mid-morning until early evening. Try visiting early or later on if you want to avoid crowds.

Best days to visit

The center is closed on Sundays, and the Othmer Library is not open on Mondays; visit on alternative days of the week.

Best months to visit

Expect summer and school holiday periods to be particularly busy at the Center for Brooklyn History—plan your trip during other times of year if you can.

Special events

In addition to its own rotating series of exhibitions and events, the Center for Brooklyn History hosts events as part of the Brooklyn Book Festival, held in mid-September.