Bronx County Historical Society

In addition to administering the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage and the Museum of Bronx History, located in the Valentine-Varian House Museum, the Bronx County Historical Society maintains a research library and archive of more than one million items documenting all aspects of the borough's history. Among the varied items in the archive are materials that predate the Civil War and a special collection on the life of Edgar Allan Poe. The society also presents programs and temporary exhibits on subjects from the borough's past, such as A Century in the Making—New York City's Subway System and Sacred Images—Bronx Houses of Worship.

On-site programs: School groups may visit historic houses under the direction of the society. (See also Edgar Allan Poe Cottage and Valentine-Varian House.) Interactive thematic programs examine topics such as The Bronx and the American Revolution and colonial crafts. BCHS walking tours visit diverse local neighborhoods ranging from Riverdale to the South Bronx and City Island, as well as sites including the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden. (Grades 3–12; $)

In-school programs: BCHS educators are available to visit school classrooms on a limited basis. (Grades 3–12; $)

Classroom materials: The society provides packets of suggested activities and projects such as creating exhibits for schools, designing a neighborhood walking tour, conducting genealogical searches, or forming a junior historical society. A local history classroom resource guide is also available. (Grades 3–12; $) Additionally, BCHS distributes the Children's Guide to Historic Houses in New York City Parks. (Grades 3–12; free)

Additional resources: The society sells several series of books on Bronx history, and the BCHS research library is open to the public and students by appointment.

General information: Address: 3309 Bainbridge Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467; Phone: (718) 881-8900; Web: www.bronxhistoricalsociety.org.

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