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The Museum of Bronx History is an excellent destination for tourists interested in exploring the rich history of the Bronx. The museum boasts a collection of over 3,000 artifacts and photographs that chronicle the evolution of the Bronx from its earliest days as a rural area to its current status as a thriving urban community. Visitors can learn about the borough's Native American roots, the arrival of European settlers, the development of the borough's transportation infrastructure, and the rise of the Bronx as a center of African American and Latino culture.
In addition to its extensive collection, the Museum of Bronx History offers a range of exhibits and programs designed to engage visitors of all ages. There are guided tours, lectures, and workshops that cover a range of topics related to the Bronx's history and culture. Visitors can also enjoy the museum's outdoor spaces, including a beautiful garden and a patio with a view of the historic Valentine-Varian House, where the museum is located.
At a Glance
Time Needed: 60 min.
Ages: All
Allows Food/Drink: No
Luggage Storage: No
3266 Bainbridge Ave, Bronx, NY 10467 Get Directions
Museum of Bronx History Videos
Recording of virtual talk on Monday, October 29, 2024 by Michael T. Keene, historian and creator of "Hart Island: A Cemetery of Strangers," a documentary about Hart Island, among other things a site of mass graves for tens of thousands of New Yorkers. The full-length documentary is available at https://michaeltkeene.com/videos/. This recording is of Mike's discussion of his research as well as audience Q&A, hosted by The Bronx County Historical Society.
Recording of virtual talk by John J. O’Leary IV on Monday, July 15, 2024 on his work on the Reuter’s Coach Works in The Bronx, a famed automobile shop opened in 1929 by Gus Reuter on Boston Post Road in The Bronx. Gus restored some of the most legendary automobiles for famed collectors like James Melton, pioneering auto racer Briggs Cunningham, Alec Ulmann, Ken Purdy, Henry Austin Clark, Jr. (Long Island Automotive Museum), David Tunick, Melbourne Brindle, Peter Helck, as well as two former U.S. Presidents (FDR & Woodrow Wilson).
A virtual talk by Eddie Moran of Historic Huguenot Street, in honor of NYS Abolition Commemoration Day, the 2nd Monday of July each year, this year falling on July 8, 2024. In late 1673, Louis Dubois purchased two enslaved Africans named Anthony and Susanna from the Dutch sheriff in what is now Kingston, NY. This is the earliest recorded purchase of enslaved Africans by a European founder of the community we now call New Paltz. However, Anthony and Susanna fled from Dubois in early 1674, crossing the Hudson River and returning to the plantation of their former enslaver, Col. Lewis Morris, in what is now The Bronx. Over the following 6 years, Dubois and Morris engaged in a drawn out and bitter legal dispute over ownership of Anthony and Susanna. In this presentation, Historic Huguenot Street’s Tour & Interpretation Manager, Eddie Moran, will guide attendees through an array of 17th-century documents to reveal Anthony and Susanna’s powerful story of agency and resistance.
Virtual book talk by author Lee McColgan on A House Restored: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Saving a New England Colonial (2024), presented for The Bronx County Historical Society on June 17, 2024. In this book talk, McColgan speaks about his journey preserving the Loring House, built in 1702, and shares his wider preservation philosophy.
In celebration of International Working Women's Day (March 8) and Women's History Month, The Bronx County Historical Society hosted a virtual round table on the topic of The Allerton Coops and Black Women's Liberation on March 6, 2024. Moderated by Dr. Ashley D. Farmer of University of Texas, the panels built on an ongoing exhibit at the Museum of Bronx History, The Allerton Coops: In Living Color, which documents the histories of the first African-American and multiracial families to live in the Coops in the Allerton neighborhood during the 1930s–1960s. Panelists included former resident of the Coops Thomas Warner, who is the son of activist Queen Mother Audley Moore; and Janice Walcott, who has lived in the Coops since 1975 and has organized rent strikes and other actions to improve the living conditions of the complex over the years. These initial panelists were later joined by former residents Charles Turner and Brenda Neuman, both of whom shared their own experiences in the building. In broad terms, the panelists discussed the Coops' activists like Queen Mother Moore, Dr. Angie Dickerson, Lilyan Jiggetts, and others; the challenges of being among the first Black residents of the Coops (living mostly on the top floor, for instance), how well the complex was maintained while it was a co-operative, the building deterioration that has happened since it became privately owned and what tenants have done to fight back against this, the landmarking of the building by Brenda Neuman, and more.
Recording of "Paul Robeson: A Song of Freedom," a one-person dramatic reading written and performed by Charles Turner. Turner is a veteran Broadway actor and former resident of the Allerton Coops in The Bronx, where Paul Robeson visited regularly during the 1940s and 1950s. The performance is an outgrowth of an exhibit on the Allerton Coops at the Museum of Bronx History that opened on August 12, 2023. Turner's piece dramatically retells the life of Robeson, perhaps the most prominent African-American polymath—actor, singer, athlete, activist, and scholar—of the first half of the twentieth century before the Red Scare tried to erase him from history. The event was held at the Andrew Freedman Home in The Bronx and was co-sponsored by the Eta Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Fordham Center for Community Engaged Learning, and Dr. Mark Naison of The Bronx African American History Project. Recorded by Sonyi Lopez and Patti Morris. Copyright 2024, Charles Turner and The Bronx County Historical Society.
More in The Bronx
More Museums
- The Tenement Museum
- New Museum
- International Center of Photography
- Museum at Eldridge Street
- National Museum of the American Indian
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum
- The Rubin Museum of Art
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- The Morgan Library & Museum
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Museum of Bronx History Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest subway stops to Museum of Bronx History
The closest subway stops to the Museum of Bronx History at 3266 Bainbridge Ave are the Bedford Park Blvd-Lehman College station on the B and D lines, and the Kingsbridge Road station on the 4 line. Both stations are within walking distance of the museum.
If you're planning to visit the museum, I recommend checking the MTA website for any subway updates or service changes that may affect your journey. You can find the latest information on the MTA website at https://new.mta.info/.
Additionally, while you're in the Bronx, I encourage you to explore the vibrant neighborhood and its attractions. The Bronx Zoo, located nearby, is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world and offers a fantastic experience for animal lovers. You can find more information about the Bronx Zoo at https://bronxzoo.com/.
Another popular destination in the Bronx is the New York Botanical Garden, which features stunning gardens, exhibitions, and educational programs. You can learn more about the New York Botanical Garden at https://www.nybg.org/.
Enjoy your visit to the Museum of Bronx History and the surrounding area!
What's the best way to get to Museum of Bronx History by bus?
To reach the Museum of Bronx History at 3266 Bainbridge Ave in New York City, you can use the following bus stops:
1. The closest bus stop is "Bainbridge Av/E 207 St" served by the Bx28 and Bx38 buses. You can check for any updates or changes to the bus schedules on the official MTA website: MTA.info.
2. Another nearby bus stop is "Bainbridge Av/E 206 St" served by the Bx26 and Bx34 buses. For the most up-to-date information on bus routes and timings, visit the MTA website: MTA.info.
Please note that bus schedules and routes may be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to double-check the MTA website or use a reliable transit app for real-time updates.
Enjoy your visit to the Museum of Bronx History!
How much time should I plan to spend at Museum of Bronx History?
The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to the Museum of Bronx History in New York City depends on your level of interest in the history and exhibits. On average, visitors spend about 1-2 hours exploring the museum. This allows enough time to appreciate the various displays, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that showcase the rich history and culture of the Bronx. However, if you have a particular passion for history or want to delve deeper into the exhibits, you may want to allocate more time. Remember to check the museum's website for any special exhibitions or events that might be happening during your visit, as they could enhance your experience.
Can I bring food and drinks into Museum of Bronx History?
The Museum of Bronx History does not have a specific food or drink policy. However, it is always a good idea to be respectful of the museum's exhibits and artifacts by refraining from eating or drinking inside the galleries. If you need to have a snack or a drink, there are usually designated areas such as cafes or outdoor spaces where you can enjoy your refreshments. Just make sure to clean up after yourself and dispose of any trash properly. Enjoy your visit to the Museum of Bronx History!
Does Museum of Bronx History offer luggage storage?
The Museum of Bronx History does not have a dedicated luggage storage facility. However, there are several options available nearby where you can securely store your belongings while you explore the museum and the surrounding area.
One option is to utilize the luggage storage services provided by various companies throughout the city. These services allow you to drop off your bags at a designated location and pick them up later at your convenience. Some popular companies offering this service include Vertoe, LuggageHero, and Schwartz Luggage Storage.
Another option is to check with your hotel or accommodation if they offer luggage storage for their guests. Many hotels have a designated area where you can safely store your bags before check-in or after check-out.
Lastly, if you are visiting other attractions in the city, such as Times Square or Central Park, some attractions offer luggage storage facilities for a small fee. It's always a good idea to check the specific attraction's website or contact their visitor services for more information.
Remember to plan ahead and consider your options to ensure a stress-free visit to the Museum of Bronx History and other attractions in New York City.
Is Museum of Bronx History a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?
Yes, the Museum of Bronx History is a great destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. While the museum primarily showcases the rich history and culture of the Bronx, it offers a variety of exhibits and displays that can be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.
One of the advantages of the museum is that it uses a combination of visual displays, artifacts, and interactive exhibits to tell the story of the Bronx. This means that even if you don't speak English fluently, you can still appreciate and understand the exhibits through the visual elements.
Additionally, the museum provides multilingual audio guides and written materials in various languages, including Spanish. These resources will help you navigate the museum and learn about the exhibits in your preferred language.
The Museum of Bronx History is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of this iconic New York City borough, regardless of your language proficiency. So, don't hesitate to plan a visit and explore the fascinating exhibits at this unique museum!
What ages are appropriate for Museum of Bronx History?
The Museum of Bronx History in New York City is a great destination for visitors of all ages. While there is no specific recommended age range, the exhibits and displays cater to a wide audience, including families, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning about the rich heritage of the Bronx. Children can also enjoy interactive exhibits and educational programs designed to engage and entertain them. So whether you're a history buff or looking for a fun and educational outing with your family, the Museum of Bronx History is definitely worth a visit!
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