Exploring Murray Hill: Historic Neighborhood for NYC's 20th Century Elites

Before the Manhattan neighborhood became an enclave for young professionals, Murray Hill was a quiet area of old money; familiar New York names like Roosevelt and Morgan moved into "restrained" townhomes just a short distance from the yet-completed Grand Central Terminal. Using vintage photographs for comparison, it’s time to revisit this tree-lined neighborhood to see how much has changed, and what still remains.

Join New York Adventure Club as we hit the streets and explore one of Manhattan’s exclusive 20th century neighborhoods, Murray Hill, including its historic townhomes, clubs, carriage houses, and mansions along Park Avenue South in Midtown East.

Led by NYC tour guide Ginny Poleman, our exploration of Murral Hill will include:

• The story and plaque commemorating Mary Lindley, and how she delayed British officers allowing General Washington and his troops to retreat during the Revolutionary War
• A glimpse at the “older feline sisters” of NYPL’s lions Fortitude & Perseverance, all sculpted by Edward Clark Potter
• A walk by the convenient townhome JP Morgan built for his married mistress
• How Joseph DeLamar built his palatial home (now the Polish Consulate) overlooking the home of the Robber Baron who snubbed him
• A look at the slim, modest townhome of a young Franklin Delano and Eleanor Roosevelt before he set on the tract to become the 32nd President of the United States
• A visit to one of Manhattan’s smallest historic districts, Sniffen Court; once an artist’s enclave for sculptor Malvina Hoffman, these mews of former carriage houses tucked behind a locked gate became a gated community of multi-million dollar homes
• A peek inside the magnificent lobby of 2 Park Avenue designed by the renowned Art Deco architect, Ely Kahn

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be on our feet for most of the tour

**This tour does not go inside any buildings or museums

***This experience concludes at Park Avenue and 37th Street in front of the Union League Club

About Ginny

Ginny Poleman is a graduate of Cornell University, a licensed NYC tour guide, docent for the Municipal Art Society, as well as an educational and costume collection guide for New York’s largest art museum. Additionally, she offers private tours for her own company, NYC Encounters, covering New York City Art, Architecture, and History. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @Art_Encounters and @NYC.Encounters.

Testimonials

"Guide was knowledgeable and engaging. Sites were interesting and she kept tour moving and ended with walk up Murry Hill!" -Christine

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

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Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club