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azajacks's review
3.0
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
exurbanis's review
3.0
Between 1863 and 1935, the tenement building at 97 Orchard Street in New York City was home to some 7000 families, mostly new Americans from many parts of the world. The building has been restored to late nineteenth century condition by the Tenement Museum, an initiative spearheaded in the 1980s by historian and social activist Ruth Abram and co-founder Anita Jacobson.
This book, in photographs and narrative, tells the story of several immigrant families in the squalid apartments here. The book is well laid-out and expands on the information on the virtual tour, but—honestly—the website is more interesting.
There is a 97 Orchard Street Cookbook for which I had rave recommendations from both Buried in Print and Nan at Letters from a Hill Farm.
If you’re in NYC, check the home page for information about live tours. The Tenement Museum has not been impacted by the government shutdown and is open for business as usual.
Read this if: the virtual tour intrigues you. 3 stars
This book, in photographs and narrative, tells the story of several immigrant families in the squalid apartments here. The book is well laid-out and expands on the information on the virtual tour, but—honestly—the website is more interesting.
There is a 97 Orchard Street Cookbook for which I had rave recommendations from both Buried in Print and Nan at Letters from a Hill Farm.
If you’re in NYC, check the home page for information about live tours. The Tenement Museum has not been impacted by the government shutdown and is open for business as usual.
Read this if: the virtual tour intrigues you. 3 stars
suzannelf's review
3.0
I was expecting more of a storyline for each of the different families rather than each family being a springboard to discuss the larger community. Once I let go of that and quit trying to read it like a linear story, it was easier to read and I learned something new. At the end of the day, that's not a bad thing. Enjoyed the parts about Ellis Island the most. Read it as part of a book club and we all brought heritage dishes to the meet up. That was fantastic!
yarnylibrarian's review
4.0
This slim volume (55 pages) is an introduction to the Tenement Museum in New York City. I picked it up in the museum shop after my first tour there (I did the "Sweatshop Workers" tour).
It profiles a few families from among the 7000 residents who lived in the 20 apartments between 1863 and 1935. It also provides some contextual essays (immigration in general, Ellis Island, the construction of 97 Orchard St, etc.). It is filled with evocative photographs, some of which I saw during my tour and others which were new. Fun fact: the photos were taken by Arlene Alda, who happens to be married to actor Alan Alda.
The book is a fine introduction to the museum and the stories it interprets. My only complaint is that it is too short. I finished it on the day I bought it (after a long day in the city) and then wanted more! That was my fault for not buying the right book, I guess!
It profiles a few families from among the 7000 residents who lived in the 20 apartments between 1863 and 1935. It also provides some contextual essays (immigration in general, Ellis Island, the construction of 97 Orchard St, etc.). It is filled with evocative photographs, some of which I saw during my tour and others which were new. Fun fact: the photos were taken by Arlene Alda, who happens to be married to actor Alan Alda.
The book is a fine introduction to the museum and the stories it interprets. My only complaint is that it is too short. I finished it on the day I bought it (after a long day in the city) and then wanted more! That was my fault for not buying the right book, I guess!
engpunk77's review
3.0
I wonder if I need to even visit the Tenement Museum now, or if this sufficed? Read like walking through a museum exhibit. Interesting. Too short.
Update: I’ve since visited the Tenement Museum and this book introduced you to only a small fraction of what they have to offer, so do go and visit!
Update: I’ve since visited the Tenement Museum and this book introduced you to only a small fraction of what they have to offer, so do go and visit!
createassemblage's review
4.0
Read this as part of my visit to the NYC Tenement Museum. I found this to be a great accompaniment and the trip helped bring the book even more to life.
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