Red Hook Through History

  • “Red Hook Through History” explores important eras from the area’s past. Here, Dutch colonialists settle New York.
  • A Native American hunting party boats across a river.
  • A large portion of the mural. The middle section shows Red Hook’s role as a safe space for African Americans after the Civil War.
  • The children strike a fierce pose in front of the product of their hard work.

Project Description

 
“Red Hook Through History” was created by 4th grade students at PS 27, guided by Groundswell artists Conor McGrady and Jonathan Bogarin. The students designed the mural based on research of Red Hook’s history, which is part of the 4th grade curriculum. The mural tells the story of this historic neighborhood, beginning with the original Native Americans that settled the area, moving through the pilgrims, and ending with an image of PS 27 students playing. The maritime scenery of Red Hook is also featured in the mural, including ocean liners and the Statue of Liberty in the background. The children who worked on the mural experienced first hand what it means to transform a public space and make a mark on their community. All were excited to participate in this project, transforming the school and a particularly uninspiring block into a colorful vision of Red Hook’s history. The children were proud of the artwork that they created, which helps brighten up their school and neighborhood.

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Project Info

Fun Facts

Suggested Activity
Search online for information about your neighborhood’s history. Discover what it was like ten, 50, 250, and even 500 years ago.
Research
Brooklyn was once home to the Canarsie Native American tribe, people who fished and farmed the land. In the early 1600s, Dutch colonists arrived.
Fun Fact
Dutch settlers gave Red Hook its name because the area is a peninsula with distinctive red clay.