Virtual Parlor Chat: Indigenous New York with Oleana Whispering. An introductory oral historical account and cultural interpretation of the Indigenous ethnos and landscape of New York from 1654 to today.
What was the landscape and community life of the place known then as Manahatta and known today as Manhattan? Who were the first tribes that the Dutch encountered and formed relations with? How did Pearl Steet inherit its name? Did the Dutch influence or impact the indigenous people? Were NewYork’s Indigenous expunged with the Indian Removal Act? Who were the chiefs, and did they live in a patriarchal or matriarchal society?This dialogue answers questions rarely addressed based upon documented historical records and taps into how they exist today in the shadows of an internationally famous metropolis.
About the speaker: Oleana Whispering Dove has worked as a museum professional for over 20 years and curates Native American programs, spotlighting Traditional and Contemporary Indigenous artists. Likewise, Oleana is Smithsonian Museum-trained in Lenape Indigenous history and fulfills public speaking engagements on the topics of Carving Out a Legacy and Historic Native American Women Chiefs, which reflect her Indigenous heritage as a Native American descendant .
Margaret Corbin Day Tour & Creative Workshop
Join Fort Tryon Park Conservancy for the inaugural Margaret Corbin Day—an evening of history, reflection, and creative storytelling in one of New York City’s most beautiful parks.
Did you know that West Point Military Academy honors American Revolutionary War hero Margaret Corbin every May 1st? Now, Fort Tryon Park will proudly continue that tradition by celebrating her courage and legacy right where history lives!
The evening begins at 5:30 PM with a welcome and guided tour, starting at the Margaret Corbin Plaza entrance to the park. From 6:00–7:00 PM, gather for an engaging Uptown Stories reading and creative workshop. Through storytelling and reflection, participants will explore themes of bravery, resilience, and choice.
Honor Revolutionary War hero Margaret Corbin with stories, reflection, and creativity. Q: What would you have done if you were Margaret? Step into history, share your voice, and imagine the courage it takes to stand your ground. Come celebrate a local hero and be part of a new Fort Tryon Park tradition!
This free community event invites all ages to connect with the past while creating something meaningful for the present.
Location: Fort Tryon Park Margaret Corbin Circle Heather Garden Entrance
The American Revolution was largely fought in the backyards of civilians, especially in New York. After the British took control of New York City in the fall of 1776, with the Americans retreating north of the Croton River, the area in between became known as the Neutral Ground or Neutral Zone.
For eight long years, this area, which included all of Philipse Manor, saw unprecedented levels of military battles and skirmishes, vigilante violence, and “foraging” for military supplies from the very civilians the armies were purporting to liberate from the enemy. Women were often caught in the middle, as they struggled to maintain households with men joining armies, tried to protect themselves and their children from military and vigilante violence including sexual violence, and to protect their properties and foodstuffs from barn burnings, cattle rustlers, and marauding “foragers.” Some had strong political views on the conflict. Others simply tried to survive.
This talk will examine the lives of women in the Neutral Zone more broadly as well as specific stories of individual women including Mary Philipse Morris and Elizabeth Williams Rutgers Philipse, Ann Fisher Miller, Grace Isaacs Babcock, and Black Loyalists such as Eleanor Fleming and Lydia Tompkins.
The Morris-Jumel Mansion brings New York history to life in the brand-new “Uncovering Uptown History” guided walking tour!
Manhattan’s oldest residence, the Morris-Jumel Mansion, brings Uptown Manhattan history to life in the brand-new “Uncovering Uptown History” guided walking tour!
Morris-Jumel Mansion guides bring you along a series of hidden historic gems of New York history in the brand-new “Uncovering Uptown History” guided walking tour: a 90-minute, one-mile mobile experience beginning at the Morris-Jumel Mansion and ending at Trinity Cemetery on Broadway and 155th. Spanning over 260 years, this tour illuminates little-known corners of the Revolutionary War, the Gilded and Industrial Ages, the Harlem Renaissance, and more, connecting the paths of legendary figures with the ones we walk today. Perfect for locals, hard to impress history buffs, and tourists looking beyond well-known sites of New York City.
Dress seasonably and wear your walking shoes. The walk is considered easy to moderately challenging.
Tickets are on sale NOW! The first tour of the series will take place December 6 at 10:30am-12:00pm and 1:30-3:00pm.
Explore one of Upper Manhattan’s hidden treasures: the historic Cottage at Fort Tryon Park. Originally built as the gatehouse for the grand Billings Estate, this unique structure became part of the park when the land was transformed into public space in the early 1930s.
Today, the Cottage serves as the headquarters for NYC Parks’ Northern Manhattan Parks division and the Fort Tryon Park Conservancy—but for one special day, its doors will be open for the public to explore.
Take a self-guided look around this rarely opened building, get a glimpse into the past, and learn about the history of the cottage, the surrounding neighborhood, and how Fort Tryon Park came to be.
Friendly guides will be on hand throughout the day to share stories and answer questions. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with local history in one of NYC’s most beautiful parks.
