A Mount Morris Park Brownstone

From the 1920s into the 1940s, Harlem’s first Renaissance captured a social and intellectual transformation in the African-American community. Words became music, music became jazz, jazz become poetry, poets became spokesmen; together, these voices became a chorus that changed the world. This rich cultural heritage is reflected in the very fabric of many Harlem residents and their homes today—if you know where to look.

2009 celebrates 20 years of inviting guests into the special homes of the Mount Morris Park Historic District. This year, 12 brownstones, apartments and churches will open their doors and share their stories. The theme is A Harlem Renaissance House Party and stops along the way will feature the sights and sounds of celebration like those you would have experienced in Harlem during the first flowering of African American cultural and intellectual life.

Come on in—you know you’ve always wanted to peek inside these beautiful townhouses!

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Here’s a sampling of what to expect throughout the day:

11 AM to 4 PM: Follow the Self-Guided Tour of Homes at your leisure. Some of the stops will feature readings of Langston Hughes’ poetry, art by Harlem Renaissance painters, and the music of Dizzy Gillespie and other Harlem jazz greats.

Ephesus Church, c. 1932

12 Noon and 2 PM: Join one of the Architectural Walking Tours led by Architectural Historian, John Reddick. Listen to his thoughts and insights about the Mount Morris Park Historic District.

1 PM: Join the Marcus Garvey Park Walking Tour led by Valerie Jo Bradley, long-time resident of Mount Morris Park and co-founder of the not-for-profit Marcus Garvey Park Alliance which advocates for the revitalization of one of New York’s oldest parks. She’ll show you such park landmarks as the Amphitheater built–and soon to undergo an upgrade and restoration–with funds provided by the City of New York and Broadway legend and former resident, Richard Rodgers Family Foundation, and the Fire Watchtower on top of the Acropolis, which, at 151 years old, is the only surviving structure of its kind in New York City. And it’s got a view to die for!

Tour Start:
The Pelham Fritz Community Center, 18 Mount Morris Park West (aka Fifth Avenue) and West 122 Street. Here you can buy tickets, pick up tickets reserved in advance, check out the souvenirs  and meet the Guides for the Walking Tours.

Tickets: $25
We accept cash, checks and credit card.

How to get here: Subways: A, B, C, D, 2, 3, and 4, 5, & 6 to 125th Street. Buses: M1, M7 and M102. Driving: Enter your start point below.