Fun Vacation Ideas

Many people at some point in their lives want to know their ancestry. Often that leads them to touring the local cemeteries in New York City. Although some people are just looking to see the gravesite of famous people they have only heard of, many others are looking for grandmothers, grandfathers, great grandparents, and people even further back in their ancestry. Although these people may have long been forgotten, they have an everlasting reminder in the form of a tombstone or headstone that will help to remind you of who they were. New York has many beautiful cemeteries where people have been laid to rest. These cemeteries not only offer past history about your life, but they are incredible places to walk around to see the gorgeous architecture and artistic beauty.

Often called an “outdoor museum”, the Green Wood Cemetery is located on 25th Street in Brooklyn. There are public tours that take you through the cemetery to point out the most important grave markers for $10.00 or you could explore on your own. National figures are located there as you explore the beautiful grounds. Another gorgeous cemetery is The Flushing Cemetery. Built in 1853, you can find this historical cemetery on 46th Avenue and 164th Street.

If you travel over to Queens, NY, you will find many cemeteries that date back to the 1700’s. Prospect Cemetery even dates back to 1668. Along with Prospect Cemetery, you can see the cemeteries of St. George, Lawrence, Remsen, Old Springfield, and Bunn. You can even head over to the Staten Island cemetery in which you can see the gravestone of the famous Ichabod Crane.

If cemeteries really aren’t something that you want to do to put you in a better mood, you may want to try some of the more historical sites in New York City. There are no shortage of famous historical buildings and museums that you can spend hours of enjoyable time at. Places such as Gracie Mansion, Federal Hall, Ellis Island, Ground Zero, The Belvedere Castle, Central Park, as well as so many others. Even the General Post Office is considered to be a historical building that is worth seeing.

There are plenty of free historical buildings that make for a wonderful afternoon such as The New York Public Library. You can not only learn about the city but you can tour the building and see some of the best architecture in the city. No matter what time of the year you visit you can see concerts, listen to children’s story hour, hear poetry readings, and see art exhibitions.

No matter where you go, as long as you bring a map and an open mind, you will see and experience more than you can ever imagine.

New York City is Fun for Geneologists and Historians!

As strange as it may sound to those of us who don’t have an interest in geneology, those who do have that interest enjoy touring cemeteries. Some are just looking for famous figures who may have been long forgotten, some are researching eras, some are researching their lineage. Whatever the reason, New York has many cemeteries that offer information and artistic, beautiful stones and statues.

The Green Wood Cemetery is an ‘outdoor museum’ located on 25th Street in Brooklyn, New York. Public tours are available all year for $10 or you can be your own guide and miss the stories the tour guides have to offer. Exploration brings to light the graves of national figures.

The Flushing Cemetery is another with sights to behold. Located in 46th Avenue and 164th Street, it was built in 1853. Mount Zion Cemetery is at Maurice and 54th Avenue, also established in the 1800s. Drake Cemetery is one of the smallest. Ferris Cemetery is on Commerce Avenue.

Queens has quite a few small cemeteries that go way back to the 1700s. Those such as St. George, Lawrence, Remsen, Pullis, Old Springfield, Bunn grace the area. Its Prospect Cemetery goes back to 1668. Then there’s the forgotten cemeteries of Staten Island, which holds famous names like Ichabod Crane (yes, he was real).

If you’re interested in more advanced research during your vacation, you can request a Death Record from the New York City Municipal Archive.

On a lighter note, there are many historical sites in New York City. Places such as the Federal Hall, built in 1842, and Gracie Mansion grace the city with their designer elegance of yore. Gracie Mansion is on East 88th Street and East End Avenue. You can take tours on Wednesdays at four different times of the day. The cost is $7 for adults. It was built in 1799, used as a home before being converted to a concession stand and restrooms, and then became a historic museum.

Other historical interests of the city include Ellis Island, the World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, the Chelsea Hotel, Belvedere Castle, Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, the Algonquin Hotel, Mariner’s Temple Baptist Church, and the Hamilton Grange National Memorial. You may also want to view the General Post Office, which is also a historical building. Children enjoy the Alice in Wonderland Statue (she’s been around a long time).

Libraries are a great place to find geographical and historical information. New York libraries are sights to behold! The New York Public Library is a one of the best places to start learning about New York history or any other historical interest. It’s located at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. The library offers building tours by appointment. There are three branches of this particular library and several others in the city. Public libraries are free to the public and can have interesting events during the summer to delight you and your children. There are concerts, art exhibitions, children’s story times, and poetry reading to name a few.

Besides libraries and cemeteries, there are plenty of beautiful historic houses to delight city visitors. Guided walking tours are often obtained for free, or you can just amble around at your own pace. Remember your map!

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