Explore Dutch Lower Manhattan
The Dutch were the original European settlers of the Island of Manhattan. Our culture and indeed the culture of America owes a great debt to the foundation laid by our forebearers from the Netherlands! Learn the history and hear the stories of the original families who came here for various reasons and whose impact and economic power is still felt today in New York City. We'll walk Pearl Street, the original shoreline of Manhattan, and Broad Street, site of the original Dutch canal. We'll see archeological remains that have been found in the building of the modern city. You'll learn about the legacy the Dutch left behind and some of the foods we still enjoy today.
Starting at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal on Whitehall Street, we'll visit:
1) Peter Minuet Plaza and see the bronze copy of the Castillo Map, as well as a memorial to the first Jewish settlers
2) Walking up State Street, we'll visit the site of the original midwife in the colony, whose two daughters married a total of five times and produced a large portion of the population and wealth generated here
3) Visit the little known but very important original Dutch Street, Marketfeld Street, the thoroughfare used to bring goods to market behind number 2 Broadway
4) We'll visit the site of the original church and learn about the famous movie star who was the eighth great grandchild of the leader
5) the original City Hall site
6) the plaque commemorating the original synagogue
7) the wall along Wall Street
8) We'll discuss the origins of the names of some of Lower Manhattan's most famous streets, such as Maiden Lane and Gold Street
9) Visit the landmarked cast-iron building in which Teddy Roosevelt’s grandfather ran a successful men's clothing store
And several other fun and important spots, all within a convenient walking distance!