Where? Who Were They? A Conversation About Queens History With Prof. Rebecca Bratspies

Have you ever wondered who Horace Harding was? Why Shea Stadium bore that name? About the origins of Murray Hill? The streets, neighborhoods, and landmarks of Queens are not just locations—they’re a tour of the Borough’s rich history and diverse heritage.

CUNY Law Professor Rebecca Bratspies teams up with the Queens Memory Project and The Voelker Orth Museum to explore the fascinating history behind Queens’ place names. Drawing from her recent book Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place Names, Professor Bratspies will share stories of Revolutionary War figures, civil rights pioneers, robber barons, and Tammany Hall politicos who have left their mark on our infrastructure.

This program will take place at the Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Avenue Flushing, NY 11354

Queens Name Explorer is funded by a generous grant from the Mellon Foundation