Historical Land Adventures at Weeksville Heritage Center
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
All fitness levels; walking involved
Overview
Step into Brooklyn’s past with immersive tours at Weeksville Heritage Center. Discover a pioneering free black community built on resilience and grassroots effort—an essential visit for history lovers.
Public Tours
1 hour tours • Ages 7+ (recommended)
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About This Adventure
Explore the rich history of Weeksville, a pioneering free black community founded in 1838. Join a one-hour tour to uncover its legacy of self-determination and the grassroots efforts that saved its historic homes from urbanization. Experience the vibrant stories of resilience and community that shaped this unique neighborhood.
Discover the history of Weeksville!
Duration
1 hour tours
About:
Weeksville, part of the present-day neighborhoods of Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant, was an independent free black community, named for dockworker James Weeks. Weeks purchased property in 1838, along with other African American investors, in order to create an intentional landowning community.
Continuing the legacy of self-determination, Weeksville's history was rediscovered in 1968 when urbanization threatened to erase the physical memory by destroying the few remaining historic homes. Instead, a grassroots preservation effort was led by James Hurley, Dewey Harley, Dolores McCullough, and Patricia Johnson, and eventually artist and activist Joan Maynard, to preserve the Hunterfly Road Houses and the memory of historic Weeksville.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Get there a few minutes before the tour starts to find parking and settle in.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through historic neighborhoods, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring Water
Stay hydrated during your tour, especially on warm days.
Check Tour Schedule
Tours are offered at specific times; confirm availability beforehand.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons
- Squirrels
History
Weeksville was established in 1838 by free African Americans seeking autonomy and a safe haven in Brooklyn.
Conservation
Preservation efforts focus on maintaining historic structures and educating the public about African-American history.
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Adventure Hotspots in New York City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for exploring the historic streets comfortably.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated as you walk through the neighborhood.
Hat and sunscreen
Protect yourself from the sun during outdoor tours.
summer specific
Notebook or camera
Capture memories or jot down insights from the stories.