3
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THU
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Manhattan
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Step into Spring
Federal Hall
6:30-9:30pm
Inaugural cocktail party and fundraiser hosted by Friends of the Harbor Conservancy. Buy tickets.
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Manhattan
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More Powerful Than Dynamite
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Museum Shop, 103 Orchard Street
6:30pm
Chronicler of political movements, Thai Jones, will sit down with activist Bill Ayers to discuss his new book, More Powerful Than Dynamite: Radicals, Plutocrats, Progressives and New York's Year of Anarchy, which provides a look at the city in 1914.
Email events@tenement.org to reserve your place at this free event.
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4
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Manhattan
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"The American President" Opening
Federal Hall
3pm
View 80 Associated Press photos of American presidents at war and at ease, confronting national crises and facing personal scandals, running for office and leading the country on the world stage.
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Westchester
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Church Tower Walk
St. Paul's Church
3pm
Join park staff for a guided climb up the church steeple to see the historic bell, over 250 years old. Weather permitting.
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5
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SAT
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Manhattan
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Federal Hall Open House
Federal Hall
9am-5pm
The site of George Washington's inauguration is hosting a special weekend of tours, talks and re-enactments. At 2pm on Saturday, special guest author Mike Wallace previews his sequel to Gotham. Space limited. RSVP to events@nyharborparks.org.
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Brooklyn
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Ryan Visitor Center Grand Re-Opening
Floyd Bennett Field
Ryan Visitor Center
12:30-5pm
The former control tower has now been restored to its appearance during the airport's heyday. Come visit the new exhibits and ranger station. Also, a newly completed full-scale replica of Wiley Post's Winnie Mae will be unveiled. Call (718) 339-3799 for more information.
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Monmouth County, NJ
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Birding for Beginners
Sandy Hook
Visitor Center
10am-12pm
The New Jersey Audubon hosts this guided walk for those folks just learning to bird watch. Expect to see Osprey, American oystercatchers and more.
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Monmouth County, NJ
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Full Flower Moon Walk
Sandy Hook
Visitor Center
7-9pm
Explore the hook's Holly Forest with all of your senses during this evening walk with a ranger. Bring your flashlight.
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6
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SUN
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Manhattan
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Federal Hall Open House
Federal Hall
9am-5pm
The site of George Washington's inauguration is hosting a special weekend of tours, talks, exhibits and re-enactments. Bring the kids and listen to debates between some of our most famous Founding Fathers.
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Brooklyn
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Ryan Visitor Center Grand Re-Opening
Floyd Bennett Field
Ryan Visitor Center
9am-5pm
The former control tower has now been restored to its appearance during the airport's heyday. Come visit the new exhibits and ranger station. Also, a newly completed full-scale replica of Wiley Post's Winnie Mae will be unveiled. Call (718) 339-3799 for more information.
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Monmouth County, NJ
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Secret Places of Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook
2-5pm
Explore some of the lesser-known historic sites at Sandy Hook during this car-caravan tour led by park rangers. Call ahead for reservations, (718) 872-5970.
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9
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WED
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Monmouth County, NJ
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Junior Ranger Fire Fighter
Sandy Hook
Fire Station Number One
4-5:30pm
Does your child want to grow up to be a firefighter? This is their chance to give it a try when they work with National Park Service Firefighters to recreate how flames were put out in the past, and learn how they're fought now. Call (732) 872-5970 for reservations.
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10
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THU
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Manhattan
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Part One: The Intelligent American's Guide to the Hudson River Valley
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Museum Shop, 103 Orchard Street
6:30pm
Enjoy a performance of the first part of this America-In-Play production inspired by William Dunlap's 1828 comedy, A Trip to Niagara; or, Travelers in America.
Email events@tenement.org to reserve your place at this free event.
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12
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SAT
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Manhattan
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The American Presidency
Federal Hall
2pm
Get a behind-the-scenes view of chronicling the presidency from Charles Dharapak, the Associated Press White House photographer. Space limited. RSVP to events@nyharborparks.org.
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Staten Island
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Photography at Great Kills Park
Great Kills Park
Education Field Station
1-3pm
Pack your camera and tripod for this hike through the park with a ranger in search of some great shots.
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Staten Island
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Build a Bird House
Miller Field
Ranger Station
12pm
Spend your Saturday doing an arts and crafts project with park rangers. Supplies will be provided for this all-ages activity. Call (718) 351-6970 to reserve your spot.
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Monmouth County, NJ
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Surf Fishing Clinic
Sandy Hook
ALS Headquarters, Building 18
8am-12pm
The American Littoral Society offers a morning of instruction covering all the elements of surf fishing - casting, knot tying, bait selection and more. Equipment will be provided, and kids under 18 are welcome with an adult. Call (732) 291-0055 for fee information and reservations.
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Westchester
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Historic Dinner
St. Paul's Church
5-9pm
This annual event will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1912 Presidential election that featured some of our nation's most memorable candidates—Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Howard Taft and Eugene Debs. Guests will enjoy a period meal, music and talks. Call (914) 667-4116 for ticket details and reservations.
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13
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SUN
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Queens
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Exploring the Upland Trail
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
2-3pm
Explore the upland trail at the refuge and discover a wealth of plant species during this guided walk.
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Staten Island
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Nature Stories
Great Kills Park
Education Field Station
1-2pm
Bring the kids, ages four to six, to hear a reading of a nature story by a park ranger. Afterward, make a bookmark to take home as a memento.
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Staten Island
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Shorebird Migration
Great Kills Park
Ranger Station
2-3:30pm
Pack your binoculars for low tide at Great Kills—a great time to see the myriad of migrating shorebirds.
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16
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WED
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Queens
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5th Annual NYC Wildflower Week: Invasive Plant Removal
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
10:30am-1:30pm
Help the refuge celebrate National Urban Biodiversity Week with this effort to remove non-native plants along the trails. Wear comfortable shoes and long sleeves and bring water and gloves.
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Monmouth County, NJ
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Junior Ranger Coast Artillery Corps Gunner
Sandy Hook
Visitor Center
4-5:30pm
Kids, ages 7-12, are invited to learn about and practice the duties of army soldiers stationed at Fort Hancock during WWII. Call (732) 872-5970 for reservations.
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17
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THU
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Manhattan
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Unorthodox
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Museum Shop, 103 Orchard Street
6:30pm
Deborah Feldman will discuss her new memoir, Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots. Discover Feldman's journey from Williamsburg's Hasidic community to a more secular, and inclusive, New York life.
Email events@tenement.org to reserve your place at this free event.
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18
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FRI
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Monmouth County, NJ
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WWII Harbor Defense Lantern Tour
Fort Hancock
Fort Hancock Museum
7:30-9:30pm
There's no better way to explore the park's abandoned gun batteries and fortifications than during this nighttime lantern tour. Bring your flashlight for a guided walk with rangers and the Army Ground Forces Association.
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Westchester
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Church Tower Walk
St. Paul's Church
3pm
Join park staff for a guided climb up the church steeple to see the historic bell, over 250 years old. Weather permitting.
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19
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SAT
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Manhattan
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Brooklyn
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Celebrate the Beach Plums
Plumb Beach
Round House
10am-12pm
The beach plums are blooming this time of year. Enjoy this guided walk on the beach and explore this dynamic maritime ecosystem. This program is suitable for families.
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Staten Island
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Micro and Macro Seining for Kids!
Great Kills Park
Education Field Station
1:30-3:30pm
Kids can explore the harbor during this ranger-led science experiment. Participants, ages 9 to 12, will be able to use two types of seining nets to collect animals, even some microscopic ones, which make this urban estuary so rich. Afterward, rangers will explain the dynamics of the local food chain. Wear old sneakers, socks and long pants.
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Monmouth County, NJ
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Battery Gunnison Preserved
Fort Hancock
Battery Gunnison
12-5pm
Experience the fort as it was during World War II when re-enactors bring the battery back to life. Learn about how these fortifications and the fort's soldiers protected the harbor.
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20
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SUN
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Queens
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Horseshoe Crabs and Red Knots
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
8:30-11am
Naturalists lead this guided hike along the shoreline to see horseshoe crabs and shorebirds. Call ahead for reservations, (718) 318-4340.
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Staten Island
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Treasure Your Island 4
Fort Wadsworth
11:30am-4:30pm
Celebrate the history of Staten Island as well the borough's current offerings during this fourth annual community festival. Call (718) 354-4602 for more information.
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Monmouth County, NJ
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Coastal Defenses and Ocean Fun Day
Fort Hancock
Multiple Locations
12-4pm
Celebrate the rich history and important ecosystem at Fort Hancock during this day of activities. Battery Gunnison and the Mortar Battery will both open their doors to the public, and re-enactors will help visitors envision the fort during its heyday. After, visit the parade ground, lighthouse and History House to see some other sides of fort life. More interested in the shoreline than military history? NOAA will host an open house at their labs and the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium will offer hands-on environmental programs.
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22
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TUE
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Manhattan
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New York at War
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Museum Shop, 103 Orchard Street
6:30pm
Author Steve Jaffe will discuss his new book, New York at War: Four Centuries of Combat, Fear and Intrigue. Discover how war – both distant and close to home – has helped shape New York City's character.
Email events@tenement.org to reserve your place at this free event.
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24
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THU
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Manhattan
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Moonwalking with Einstein
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Museum Shop, 103 Orchard Street
6:30pm
Is society too plugged-in to appreciate our individual memories? Joshua Foer, author of Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art & Science of Remembering Everything, will discuss the art of remembering.
Email events@tenement.org to reserve your place at this free event.
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25
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FRI
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Queens
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Beach Campfire
Jacob Riis Park
Bay 14
7-10pm
Summer is finally here. Kick-off Memorial Day weekend around the campfire with park rangers.
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Monmouth County, NJ
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Family Camping
Sandy Hook
Meet at Visitor Center Parking Lot
5pm
Join rangers for a quintessential national park experience. Sandy Hook invites you to camp overnight during this guided program. Call (732) 872-5970 for reservations.
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26
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SAT
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Staten Island
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Horseshoe Crab Walk
Great Kills Park
Education Field Station
12-2pm
Search the shoreline with rangers to see horseshoe crabs. These fascinating creatures pre-date dinosaurs and are often called "living fossils". Depending on the weather, the rangers may even collect data and tag the crabs. Call (718) 354-4500.
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Harbor Islands
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Opening Day!
Governors Island
10am
Governors Island kicks off their 2012 season. Pack your bike, a picnic or just your friends and help celebrate the start of summer.
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27
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SUN
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Staten Island
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War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebration
Fort Wadsworth
Visitor Center
10am-4:30pm
Staten Island Borough Historian Tom Matteo will join rangers for a day of programming commemorating the War of 1812. Educational programs and guided tours of Battery Weed, overlooking the harbor, will be offered. Call (718) 354-4500 for more information.
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Brooklyn
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Jamaica Bay Sunset Cruise
Sheepshead Bay
Pier 2
4:30-8pm
Explore the bay by boat during this guided sunset cruise. Expect to see egrets, herons, osprey and more while enjoying refreshments. Guides from the National Park Service, American Littoral Society and NYC Audubon will be on board. Tickets are $55 for adults, $25 for kids under 16 years. Email Don Riepe at donriepe@gmail.com or call (718) 318-9344 for more information.
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28
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MON
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Westchester
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Memorial Day
St. Paul's Church
9am-5pm
Spend your Memorial Day at St. Paul's when the site hosts tours, talks, demonstrations and music in the historic church and cemetery.
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29
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TUE
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Manhattan
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Inside the Jewish Bakery
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Museum Shop, 103 Orchard Street
6:30pm
Celebrate the history and craft of the Jewish bakery with the owners of Kosher Cake Center as well as the authors of Inside the Jewish Bakery. Samples will be served, tickets are $10.
Email events@tenement.org to reserve your place.
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31
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THU
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Monmouth County, NJ
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Horseshoe Crab Walk
Sandy Hook
Parking Lot B
7-9pm
Horseshoe crabs will be spawning on Sandy Hook's shores in the moonlight. Wear waterproof footwear and join American Littoral Society guides for a walk to see these ancient creatures. Call (732) 291-0055 for information.
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Manhattan
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Part Two: A Time-Traveler's Trip to Niagara
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Museum Shop, 103 Orchard Street
6:30pm
Join the Tenement for the second part of this ensemble-devised play presented by America-In-Play.
Email events@tenement.org to reserve your place.
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