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Center for Brooklyn History

Housed in a Romanesque Revival landmark, this urban history center preserves 400 years of Brooklyn's past through its comprehensive archives, art exhibits, and the magnificent Othmer Library reading room.

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Center for Brooklyn History
www.bklynlibrary.org, og_image_www.bklynlibrary.org

What is the Center for Brooklyn History known for?

It is a nationally recognized urban history center, museum, library, and educational hub dedicated to preserving and studying Brooklyn's 400-year history.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, access to the building, collections, and programs is free to the public.

What are the hours?

General hours are Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm; it is closed on Sundays.

What are the hours for the Othmer Library?

The Othmer Library has separate hours: Tuesday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 5:45 pm and Friday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:45 pm.

Where is it located?

It is located at 128 Pierrepont Street in Brooklyn Heights, New York 11201.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Center for Brooklyn History (CBH) serves as a nationally recognized urban history center dedicated to the study of Brooklyn's 400-year history. Originally founded in 1863 as the Brooklyn Historical Society, the organization underwent a significant transformation in August 2020. During this time, it merged with the Brooklyn Public Library's Brooklyn Collection to create a research library and community hub that holds some of the world's most comprehensive Brooklyn-related collections. Visitors are welcomed into a magnificent Romanesque Revival landmark building located at 128 Pierrepont Street. Designed by architect George B. Post and constructed between 1878 and 1881 by David H. King Jr., the structure is a National Historic Landmark and a key part of the Brooklyn Heights Historic District. This architectural gem previously served as the home for both the Brooklyn Historical Society and the Long Island Historical Society for nearly 140 years. Inside the freshly renovated facility, you will find a trove of special collections, archives, and art exhibits. A primary highlight is the Othmer Library, which features a magnificent reading room for researchers. As part of the Brooklyn Public Library system, access to the building, its educational programs, and its expansive collections is now free to the public.

Visitor tips

  • Admission to the building, collections, and programs is free to the public.
  • If you plan to use the Othmer Library for research, appointments are encouraged for a seamless experience.
  • Note that the center is closed on Sundays.
  • Check the specific Othmer Library hours if you wish to visit the reading room, as they differ from general building hours.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of the Brooklyn Heights Historic District at the corner of Pierrepont and Clinton Streets, the center is surrounded by the neighborhood's characteristic brownstones and historic charm.

Sources

Evidence and links