PRESERVING NEW YORK CITY'S SMALLEST ISLANDS: ROOSEVELT ISLAND
Roosevelt Island housed not only the institutions that cared for the diseased, the mentally ill and the criminal element of New York City, but also the nurses and guards who worked in the hospitals and prison.
Learn the fascinating story of the people behind the scenes of Welfare Island, in a presentation by author Judith Berdy, President of the Roosevelt Island Historical Society. She will discuss the lives of nurses, staff, physicians, almshouse workers and ministers who spent their working days on Blackwell’s Island, later known as Welfare Island. Their work made the hospitals, poorhouses and penitentiary better places for those who were institutionalized here.
The presentation, sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Historical Society, will be held on Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30 pm at the Roosevelt Island Branch of the New York Public Library, 524 Main Street. The event is FREE.
The presentation is the second in a series of four events, “Preserving New York City’s Smallest Islands,” which focuses on Hart, Ellis, Randall’s and Roosevelt Islands.
DIRECTIONS: Take the Tram at 59th Street and Second Avenue or the F train to Roosevelt Island. Walk 10 minutes north on Main Street or take the red bus (25 cents).
The Roosevelt Island Historical Society promotes awareness of our Island’s unique story and pursues preservation of its landmarks and artifacts. For more information, please visit www.rihs.us.