Center for Brooklyn History

The newly-formed Center for Brooklyn History is an exciting collaboration between Brooklyn Historical Society and Brooklyn Public Library, combining materials collected over the past 157 years with BPL’s Brooklyn Collection and becoming the most expansive catalogue of Brooklyn history in the world. 

The Center for Brooklyn History (CBH) is housed at 128 Pierrepont Street, in the magnificent landmark building designed by George B. Post that was home to Brooklyn Historical Society, and the Long Island Historical Society before it, for nearly 140 years. While its home is on Pierrepont Street, CBH extends its collection and programming to reach every branch in BPL’s 60+ library system. CBH will democratize access to Brooklyn’s history and be dedicated to expanding and diversifying representation of the history of the borough by unifying resources and expertise, and broadening reach and impact. The Center for Brooklyn History will expand the organizations’ virtual public program offerings and launch new digital offerings, provide access to the combined digital archives and continue growing the collections, including both institutions’ collections of oral histories, documents, and artifacts related to Brooklynites’ experiences during COVID. 

While CBH is currently open by appointment only, preparations are in the works to fully reopen our facility to scholars, researchers, students and the public, all free of charge. We look forward to welcoming you to dig into our combined collections, enjoy in-person programming and exhibitions, and visit our more publicly accessible building, with areas for reading and studying, and expanded hours of operation.