East Village, Manhattan, is renowned for its vibrant culture and history, yet it holds numerous lesser-known trivia that enriches its character.
The St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery is the second-oldest church in Manhattan. Built in 1799, it stands on land that was once Peter Stuyvesant's farm. Stuyvesant, the last Dutch Director-General of New Netherland, is buried in its cemetery.
Tompkins Square Park, named after Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins, was once a salt marsh. It became a public park in 1834 and has a storied history, including the site of the 1988 Tompkins Square Park Riot, a significant event in NYC's history of civil unrest.
McSorley's Old Ale House, established in 1854, is the oldest "Irish" tavern in New York City. Its motto, "We were here before you were born," reflects its storied past, including notable patrons like Abraham Lincoln and John Lennon.
The Nuyorican Poets Cafe on East 3rd Street is a cultural institution. Founded in 1973, it became a hub for the Nuyorican literary movement, fostering the voices of prominent poets like Miguel Piñero and Pedro Pietri.
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club on East 4th Street has been a cornerstone of avant-garde theater since 1961. Ellen Stewart, its founder, was a trailblazer in the theater world, providing a stage for early works by Sam Shepard and Lanford Wilson.
The Ukrainian Museum on East 6th Street, founded in 1976, is the largest museum in the United States dedicated to Ukrainian culture. It houses a vast collection of folk art, fine arts, and archival materials, reflecting the neighborhood's significant Ukrainian population.
The Orpheum Theatre on 2nd Avenue, opened in 1904, has hosted various performances, from Yiddish theater to punk rock. It's most famous for hosting the musical "Stomp" since 1994, making it one of the longest-running shows in off-Broadway history.
The Merchant's House Museum on East 4th Street is Manhattan's only 19th-century family home preserved intact inside and out. Built in 1832, it offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the Tredwell family, who resided there for nearly 100 years.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, founded in 1859 by industrialist Peter Cooper, is notable for its historic Great Hall. This venue has hosted speeches by Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Barack Obama.
The Anthology Film Archives, established in 1970, is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of experimental film and video. It holds one of the world's most extensive collections of avant-garde cinema.
The East Village's history of radical politics, bohemian culture, and artistic innovation is interwoven with these lesser-known facts, making it a true hidden gem within Manhattan.