Museum of Bronx History

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 60 min.

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The Museum of Bronx History is an excellent destination for tourists interested in exploring the rich history of the Bronx. The museum boasts a collection of over 3,000 artifacts and photographs that chronicle the evolution of the Bronx from its earliest days as a rural area to its current status as a thriving urban community. Visitors can learn about the borough's Native American roots, the arrival of European settlers, the development of the borough's transportation infrastructure, and the rise of the Bronx as a center of African American and Latino culture. In addition to its extensive collection, the Museum of Bronx History offers a range of exhibits and programs designed to engage visitors of all ages. There are guided tours, lectures, and workshops that cover a range of topics related to the Bronx's history and culture. Visitors can also enjoy the museum's outdoor spaces, including a beautiful garden and a patio with a view of the historic Valentine-Varian House, where the museum is located.

3266 Bainbridge Ave, Bronx, NY 10467 Get Directions





Museum of Bronx History Videos

Talk and collage exhibition by Professor Victor Mastro on 100 years of the greatest sports moments in The Bronx, centered around Old Yankee Stadium. This event was held on April 14, 2023 at The Bronx County Historical Society's Museum of Bronx History, 3266 Bainbridge Avenue, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the first game played at Old Yankee Stadium on April 18, 1923.

The Bronx County Historical Society presents its inaugural Annual Spring Lecture Series in Bronx History in April 2023 with the topic of "Bronx Fires", a two-part lecture series about the history and legacy of the 1970s fire epidemic in The Bronx by Drs. Deborah and Rodrick Wallace. In this second part, Drs. Wallace discuss the continued public health consequences the devastating fires of the 1970s South Bronx, which destroyed up to 80% of the housing stock in some neighborhoods. The Wallaces look at a variety of public health data from the 1970s until today to estimate that the fire epidemic of the 1970s has led in one way or another to the premature death of at least 100,000 individuals in The Bronx. The same areas most heavily devastated by the fires, the Wallaces have discovered, continue to be plagued up to today with some of the worst health outcomes in the nation, including during covid-19. The Wallaces argue that the lack of massive-scale re-investment in and political re-empowering of Bronx communities in the aftermath of the fires has created the perfect breeding ground for continued epidemics to develop and then spread throughout the U.S., as was the case with covid-19. The fact that severe building neglect by landlords and continual cuts to city services is happening today, parallel to the 1970s Bronx, makes the situation all the more critical.

The Bronx County Historical Society presents its inaugural Annual Spring Lecture Series in Bronx History in April 2023 with the topic of "Bronx Fires", a two-part lecture series about the history and legacy of the 1970s fire epidemic in The Bronx by Drs. Deborah and Rodrick Wallace. In this first part, Drs. Wallace discuss the various circumstances that led to the devastating fires of the 1970s South Bronx, which destroyed up to 80% of the housing stock in some neighborhoods. According to the Wallaces, arson has been vastly overstated as a cause of these fires, which were instead caused primarily by severe building neglect by landlords, overcrowding, and drastic cuts in city services like building inspection and the FDNY. The Wallaces advance their argument that these various government policies especially are best viewed as a type of "ethnic cleansing", aimed specifically at reducing the political power and social fabric of communities of color in the South Bronx.

Join The Bronx County Historical Society for a virtual book talk and panel discussion with Jill Jonnes and Nilka Martell on the newly published edition of South Bronx Rising (Fordham University Press, 2022.) First published in 1986, South Bronx Rising is an acclaimed work of urban history, chronicling the history of The Bronx from the 17th century to the present day.

Award winning Bronx poet and artist Mariposa Fernandez gives a reading at the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage on January 19th 2023 to celebrate Poe's birthday

Paul Thaler, Bronx journalist and author, gives a reading from his upcoming thriller "The Maddening," a book inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The reading took place at the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage on January 19th, 2023, as part of a special Poe birthday celebration organized by The Bronx County Historical Society.

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Museum of Bronx History Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to Museum of Bronx History

The closest subway stops to the Museum of Bronx History at 3266 Bainbridge Ave are the Bedford Park Blvd-Lehman College station on the B and D lines, and the Kingsbridge Road station on the 4 line. Both stations are within walking distance of the museum.

If you're planning to visit the museum, I recommend checking the MTA website for any subway updates or service changes that may affect your journey. You can find the latest information on the MTA website at https://new.mta.info/.

Additionally, while you're in the Bronx, I encourage you to explore the vibrant neighborhood and its attractions. The Bronx Zoo, located nearby, is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world and offers a fantastic experience for animal lovers. You can find more information about the Bronx Zoo at https://bronxzoo.com/.

Another popular destination in the Bronx is the New York Botanical Garden, which features stunning gardens, exhibitions, and educational programs. You can learn more about the New York Botanical Garden at https://www.nybg.org/.

Enjoy your visit to the Museum of Bronx History and the surrounding area!


What's the best way to get to Museum of Bronx History by bus?

To reach the Museum of Bronx History at 3266 Bainbridge Ave in New York City, you can use the following bus stops:

1. The closest bus stop is "Bainbridge Av/E 207 St" served by the Bx28 and Bx38 buses. You can check for any updates or changes to the bus schedules on the official MTA website: MTA.info.

2. Another nearby bus stop is "Bainbridge Av/E 206 St" served by the Bx26 and Bx34 buses. For the most up-to-date information on bus routes and timings, visit the MTA website: MTA.info.

Please note that bus schedules and routes may be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to double-check the MTA website or use a reliable transit app for real-time updates.

Enjoy your visit to the Museum of Bronx History!


How much time should I plan to spend at Museum of Bronx History?

The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to the Museum of Bronx History in New York City depends on your level of interest in the history and exhibits. On average, visitors spend about 1-2 hours exploring the museum. This allows enough time to appreciate the various displays, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that showcase the rich history and culture of the Bronx. However, if you have a particular passion for history or want to delve deeper into the exhibits, you may want to allocate more time. Remember to check the museum's website for any special exhibitions or events that might be happening during your visit, as they could enhance your experience.


Can I bring food and drinks into Museum of Bronx History?

The Museum of Bronx History does not have a specific food or drink policy. However, it is always a good idea to be respectful of the museum's exhibits and artifacts by refraining from eating or drinking inside the galleries. If you need to have a snack or a drink, there are usually designated areas such as cafes or outdoor spaces where you can enjoy your refreshments. Just make sure to clean up after yourself and dispose of any trash properly. Enjoy your visit to the Museum of Bronx History!


Does Museum of Bronx History offer luggage storage?

The Museum of Bronx History does not have a dedicated luggage storage facility. However, there are several options available nearby where you can securely store your belongings while you explore the museum and the surrounding area.

One option is to utilize the luggage storage services provided by various companies throughout the city. These services allow you to drop off your bags at a designated location and pick them up later at your convenience. Some popular companies offering this service include Vertoe, LuggageHero, and Schwartz Luggage Storage.

Another option is to check with your hotel or accommodation if they offer luggage storage for their guests. Many hotels have a designated area where you can safely store your bags before check-in or after check-out.

Lastly, if you are visiting other attractions in the city, such as Times Square or Central Park, some attractions offer luggage storage facilities for a small fee. It's always a good idea to check the specific attraction's website or contact their visitor services for more information.

Remember to plan ahead and consider your options to ensure a stress-free visit to the Museum of Bronx History and other attractions in New York City.


Is Museum of Bronx History a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Yes, the Museum of Bronx History is a great destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. While the museum primarily showcases the rich history and culture of the Bronx, it offers a variety of exhibits and displays that can be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.

One of the advantages of the museum is that it uses a combination of visual displays, artifacts, and interactive exhibits to tell the story of the Bronx. This means that even if you don't speak English fluently, you can still appreciate and understand the exhibits through the visual elements.

Additionally, the museum provides multilingual audio guides and written materials in various languages, including Spanish. These resources will help you navigate the museum and learn about the exhibits in your preferred language.

The Museum of Bronx History is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of this iconic New York City borough, regardless of your language proficiency. So, don't hesitate to plan a visit and explore the fascinating exhibits at this unique museum!


What ages are appropriate for Museum of Bronx History?

The Museum of Bronx History in New York City is a great destination for visitors of all ages. While there is no specific recommended age range, the exhibits and displays cater to a wide audience, including families, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning about the rich heritage of the Bronx. Children can also enjoy interactive exhibits and educational programs designed to engage and entertain them. So whether you're a history buff or looking for a fun and educational outing with your family, the Museum of Bronx History is definitely worth a visit!


Videos