As one of the most iconic neighborhoods in NYC, it is no surprise Greenwich Village is also one of its most historic and politically charged. From NYU and Washington Square Park, to its legendary music venues, to the famous people who lived there, to its cultural impact, the Village is as popular today as when Dylan, Springsteen, Hendrix, Ginsberg and others roamed the streets looking for gigs. But did you know the Jewish History of Greenwich Village goes back well over 200 years? Congregation Darech Amuno, now housed in a 150 year old converted townhouse, has existed in the Village since 1838. One of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the country is hidden in plain sight on West 11th Street. One of the first homes of Temple Emanu-El was in a converted Baptist Church on East 12th Street from 1854-1868. Add this and other sites to the great list of Jewish musicians, artists and activists who lived in the Village and you have many interesting things to appreciate. 

Your guide, Urban Historian and educator Bradley Shaw, was born on the Lower East Side, has a BA in History and Education from Brooklyn College and is a licensed NYC tour guide. He shares with us his love of the neighborhood and passion for its history. He has been a docent, walking tour guide and manager at the Museum at Eldridge Street for more than six years, in addition to doing walking tours for the LESJC, Context Travel and his own company NY History Tours.