Since 1863

Brooklyn Historical Society makes the vibrant history of Brooklyn tangible, meaningful, and relevant today.

Today's Open Hours

  • BHS DUMBO Closed
  • BHS Pierrepont Closed
  • BHS Pierrepont Gift Shop 12 pm - 5 pm
  • Othmer Library Closed
Plan Your Visit
What's On
THIS WEEK ONLY

See the 1643 document that represents the long history of Muslims in Brooklyn!

Stop by our Othmer Library from Dec 11 through Dec 15 to see this historic deed documenting the sale of land in Coney Island to Anthony Jansen van Salee, or "Anthony the Turk," the first known person of Muslim origin to settle in the Americas.

Learn more here
Anthony Jansen van Salee deed front
Explore Online

Blog posts, current projects, and more

Peruse our popular Photo of the Week blog posts, immerse yourself in an online exhibition on Brooklyn's past and present, and discover our extensive teacher resources.

Photos of the Week

Manhattan Bridge

Blog

Caring for Brooklyn’s Digital History

Projects

Muslims in Brooklyn

An-Ummah,-In-Conversation-WEB

Research Guides

Agriculture
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The stunning reading room in the Othmer Library, a rare interior historical landmark.
Be
Historical

Welcome researchers

The Othmer Library Reading Room will be closed Wednesday, December 25th through Wednesday, January 1st. It will reopen again with regular research hours on Thursday, January 2nd.