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Left Bank of the Hudson

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.

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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.

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…

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.  

(Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Yes, People Live in Lofts

When discussing my book, Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street, at a public event or even among a handful of people, a fundamental question invariably arises: what might be done to retain–or better yet, draw–artists to a city undergoing development and gentrification?

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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.

Tales of Our Cities: Jersey City’s Book Festival

Every September, the Jersey City Free Public Library organizes an annual book festival in downtown Jersey City. The event showcases local authors and promises something for readers of all ages. This past Sunday marked the 10th Annual Tales of Our Cities. While researching my book, I relied heavily on the treasures in the New Jersey…

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Wow! I’m an Award-Winning Author

The past year has been a series of dreams come true. My first book, Left Bank of the Hudson, was published in October 2017. Next, I embarked upon a multi-city book tour. On May 31, 2018, my book earned the J. Owen Grundy History Award from the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy. Yes, I’m now an…

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The J. Owen Grundy History Award: My Book’s First Honor

On Thursday, May 31, 2018, the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy will be awarding Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street (Fordham University Press) with the 2018 J. Owen Grundy History Award at the organization’s 18th Annual Preservation Awards.