Home / Jersey City History

Jersey City History

JCNYP2

Stepping Into the Past

Most summer weekends, I like to explore neighborhoods and sites throughout the New York metro area. Although states are easing COVID-19 restrictions, I don’t foresee my explorations resuming this summer. The laissez-faire attitude toward mask-wearing by much of the public does not leave me with a sense of safety, let alone adventure.

The Metropole: New Writing

The Metropole, the official blog of the Urban History Association, recently published a post by me. The blog features scholars and writers approaching urban history from a variety of disciplines and viewpoints. My piece details how I first learned about the former 111 1st Street arts community in Jersey City, New Jersey and how I…

(Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

My Fordham Conversation Continues

Discussing the contours of Jersey City history and politics isn’t easy. In fact, Robin Shannon’s and my extended sit-down for Fordham Conversations, a weekly program on WFUV (90.7 FM), resulted in two full episodes. You can hear Part 2 here.

WFUV FC

My Fordham Conversation: Part 1

Recently, Robin Shannon invited me to join her on Fordham Conversations, a weekly program on WFUV (90.7 FM). We chatted about Jersey City, artists, regional history, gentrification, and my book, Left Bank of the Hudson.

JCAST 1

JCAST 2019: Art in the City

This past weekend, I had the privilege of leading walking tours as part of the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour. For three days, artists opened their studios, venues hosted events, and residents and visitors enjoyed the best cultural offerings of Jersey City.

Jersey City Reservoir, Jersey City, NJ (Photograph by author)

No Need to Go Far

Several years ago, Melody Warnick wrote This is Where You Belong, a book urging readers to slow down and appreciate their lives right where they are. According to Warnick, your life isn’t waiting to begin in a distant city or a rural hamlet. Discover what makes your community, neighborhood, or city interesting. You might be…

Plaque at St. Mark's Church In-The-Bowery. Notice the Lorillard name. (Photography by author)

A Lorillard Sighting

While recently visiting cultural and historic institutions in the East Village in New York, I noticed a plaque outside the storied St. Mark’s Church In-The-Bowery. The plaque noted that St. Mark’s is the oldest physical site of worship in New York, dating back to the days of New Amsterdam. Additionally, it listed some of the more…

Washington Irving in a Neighborhood Cafe

On May 19, 2019, I presented my talk, “Washington Irving: A Knickerbocker in New Jersey,” on behalf of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy at my favorite neighborhood cafe, Froth on Franklin.

Talking with a Legend

Last week, I had the honor of discussing Left Bank of the Hudson with New York City radio legend and brilliant conversationalist Leonard Lopate on his new program, Leonard Lopate at Large, on WBAI (99.5 FM). A dream come true! Thank you, Mr. Lopate. You can hear the interview here.  

kazimierz_przerwa-tetmajer_listening_to_radio

We Need Some Milk

2019 is starting right! We Need Some Milk, a podcast jointly based in Boston and Jersey City and focusing on urban issues and politics, invited me to appear on its first 2019 episode. A real honor.