BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK — A series of signs marking points of historic significance along the Brooklyn waterfront were unveiled Wednesday at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Thirteen standing signs or markers embedded into the ground have been installed from Pier 1 to Pier 6. While some focus on historical facts, others indicate an ecological or sustainability features of the waterfront park, officials said.
The signs resulted from a partnership between Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Brooklyn Historical Society, an urban history center in Brooklyn Heights, said BBP president Regina Myer.
While the park’s history as a working industrial waterfront might be familiar to some, other stories are lesser known, said Julie Golia, director of public history for the Brooklyn Historical Society, which provided most of the historical content for the project.
Such stories include that of a bohemian community that once occupied Brooklyn Heights or that the area near Pier 1 was home to Brooklyn’s free black community before slavery was abolished in New York State.
“It encompasses how diverse Brooklyn’s history is,” Golia said.
A total of 20 signs will be installed with the project's second phase slated for the northern side of the park. The seven remaining signs will be added once construction is completed on the Empire Stores, Tobacco Warehouse and other sections in 2015.
The signs also display a link to a website, which delves further into the spot’s history.
“This park is built on a legacy of creativity, activism and diversity and what better way to pay homage to this legacy than to share it with park visitors,” said Myer in a statement.
“The signs, footnotes and website will add a layer of information for visitors which will further enrich their experience of the park.”
