Having grown up outside of New York City, and being the granddaughter of Italian immigrants, I was familiar with the Lower East Side, one of the oldest and most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the city. I learned so much more exploring the neighborhood and its sites during the full day of filming this video. I worked alongside the filmmaker, and thanks to a recommendation from the Tenement Museum, we found Rob Hollander, the narrator. You will quickly see that he is very knowledgeable about the Lower East Side and its rich history. His animated personality also adds the perfect touch to create this great overview piece.
A couple of months prior to filming, I toured the Tenement Museum’s landmark tenement building and really enjoyed its interactive tour. While you get a glimpse of the museum tour in this video, I highly recommend that everyone check it out first-hand. What I find especially fascinating is that as additional floors of the tenement building are restored, new artifacts – most recently a whisky bottle and a piece of sheet music – are uncovered and reported on the museum’s blog. The blog also addresses questions people have about the tenements and life in that era – it’s a good way to enjoy the museum from afar.
I had never been to the Eldridge Street Synagogue, the first synagogue built by European Jews in America. Unexpectedly located right in the middle of Chinatown, it is such a gem, with beautiful stained glass windows and original grooved floorboards, the result of congregants who worshipped there 100 year ago.
These historic sites, as well other unique spots, such as The Pickle Guys (you’ll see their store in the video), define the character of the neighborhood and are highlighted in this video, providing a great sense of the Lower East Side’s rich history and impact on the American experience.
Working on this video gave me the opportunity to learn so much more about the Lower East Side and its immigrant roots, which are also my immigrant roots.
Have you visited the Lower East Side Tenement Museum? Share your review and photos on Gozaic. The Lower East Side Tenement Museum is a Gozaic partner and a National Trust Historic Site.
Lisa Lanna is director of business and product development for Gozaic/Heritage Travel.
Photo: Restored kitchen of the Baldizzi family apartment at the Tenement Museum courtesy of Keiko Niwa.
Photo: Restored kitchen of the Baldizzi family apartment at the Tenement Museum courtesy of Keiko Niwa.
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