Group: Sarah, Karen, Marisol, Lisbel – Historic & Heritage Tourism
Historic and heritage tourism is the act of traveling to experience different places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent stories and people of the past. A country’s culture, historic monuments, and natural resources are just a few things that are relevant when speaking about this type of tourism.
Along the Brooklyn Waterfront, there were many destinations spoken about that were relevant to the topic we had. First, we learned about the significance about Atlantic Avenue and how it had always been a gateway and refuge for immigrants. Irish and Scandinavian families settled and worked on Brooklyn’s waterfront. Years later, Arab, Spanish, Italian, and Puerto Rican newcomers made roots in the western end of Atlantic Avenue near Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. The ferry line which use to connected Atlantic Avenue to South Ferry help Arab American families leave crowded tenements of “Little Syria” in lower Manhattan for new homes in Brooklyn. Atlantic Avenue played an important role in Brooklyn’s history.
The Brooklyn Bridge pier was another place that was visited that pertained to Brooklyn’s history. Hundreds of ships used to be docked and as Brooklyn and Manhattan became major cities, these docks were removed in order for the A train to be created. This is important to Brooklyn’s history because it shows the advancement of technology and how Brooklyn and Manhattan had to adapt in order to cater to an increase in population.
Brooklyn’s historical society consists of different exhibitions that encompass both tourism and heritage. “In the Pursuit of Freedom” explores Brooklyn’s anti-slavery movement from the end of the American Revolution through the early days of Reconstruction through photographs, local newspapers and more.
Along the Brooklyn Waterfront, The River Cafe is also considered to be a historic site as it was one of the first restaurants established on the Brooklyn waterfront. When the waterfront was known as a rundown area just a few years ago, The River Cafe was established and during this time it was a hidden gem.
