Book Launch + Conversation: Rebecca Bratspies | Naming Gotham

In Partnership with Housing Works Bookstore

Join us for the first Municipal Art Society + Housing Works author series with Rebecca Bratspies, moderated by Elizabeth Goldstein. The pair will join in conversation about Rebecca’s recent publication, Naming Gotham.

Light refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase. See you at Housing Works Bookstore on Wednesday, August 23rd from 6-8 PM ET!

Doors at 6 PM. Event at 6:30 PM. The event is free, but space is limited so RSVP today!

About the Book

New York’s many roads, bridges, tunnels, neighborhoods and institutions bear the names of a diverse cast of characters. The Kosciuszko Bridge honors Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a Polish American Revolutionary War hero and fervent abolitionist. The Outerbridge Crossing, named after the Port Authority’s first chairman, Eugenius Outerbridge, is called a crossing because Outerbridge Bridge sounded absurd. Shirley Chisholm State Park celebrates the first Black woman elected to Congress, the larger-than-life Shirley Chisholm. Clifford Holland originally designed his tunnel under the Hudson River to accommodate horse carts. These place names embody the rich history of the city that never sleeps, yet few know their true stories. Author Rebecca Bratspies uncovers the vibrant personalities behind the names that have become New York’s urban shorthand for traffic jams, culture and recreation.

Read more about Naming Gotham.

Wednesday, August 23
6:00 PM — 8:00 PM

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
126 Crosby Street
New York, NY 10012

Tickets:
Member: Free!
Non-member: Free!

Book Launch + Conversation with Rebecca Bratspies and Elizabeth Goldstein.

Meet the Speakers

Rebecca Bratspies, Writer

Rebecca Bratspies is a longtime resident of Astoria, Queens. She is a professor at CUNY School of Law. A scholar of environmental justice and human rights, Rebecca has written scores of law review articles; four other books, including Environmental Justice: Law Policy and Regulation; and three environmental justice comic books: Mayah’s Lot, Bina’s Plant and Troop’s Run (with Charlie LaGreca-Velasco). She serves on NYC’s Environmental Justice Advisory Board and EPA’s Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee, is a scholar with the Center for Progressive Reform and is a member of the NYC Bar Environmental Committee. ABA-SEER honored her work with its Commitment to Diversity and Justice Award.

Elizabeth Goldstein, President, MAS

Elizabeth joined MAS as its President in February 2017. She has an extensive background in parks and historic preservation advocacy and management. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has worked to insure transparent public engagement in civic decisions of consequence to public space and the heritage of key places across the United States. Prior to returning to her NYC roots, Elizabeth was most recently the President of the California State Parks Foundation from 2004 to 2016. Prior to that she was the General Manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (1999 to 2004), and the Western Director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (1994-1999). Her work in parks includes the New York City Regional Director of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (1989-1994), the Director of Planning for the New York City Park Department (1986-1989) and the Chief of Staff of the Manhattan Borough Office of NYC Parks. Elizabeth graduated from Beloit College. Elizabeth is a past co-chair of the City Parks Alliance and board member of numerous non-profit boards.

Not yet an MAS Member?

MAS is your voice for the future of New York—your membership support will strengthen MAS’s ability to protect legacy spaces, encourage thoughtful planning and urban design, and foster inclusive neighborhoods across the five boroughs. Do you know that MAS offers more than 500 historic, art, and architectural tours annually?

Join MAS today and take advantage of member discounts and priority registration now!

Questions?

We’re here to help! Contact us at events@mas.org.