Saving Two Buildings in Brooklyn

On this week’s program we will explore efforts to gain landmark status for buildings based on culture and history, and two buildings in particular, both in Brooklyn.My guests will be Karen Karbiener, Clinical Professor at New York University and Walt Whitman Scholar, and Raul Rothblatt, Historic Preservation Advocate and co-founder of Five Boroughs to Freedom.‍

Segment 1

Jeff begins the show by introducing his guests, Karen Karbiener and Raul Rothblatt. Both guests are making efforts to preserve buildings 99 Ryerson St., a pivotal residence for illustrious American poet, Walt Whitman; and 227 Duffield St, both. in Brooklyn. Karen describes what intrigued her about Walt Whitman’s work, what set him apart from other writers, and what led her to preserving his residence. Raul talks about how he got engaged in community affairs working with a NY state senator. Following this, Karen delves into how Whitman came to live in 99 Ryerson St. 

Segment 2

Karen and Raul talk about how Whitman’s sexual orientation and his activism influenced his writing. Karen then dives into the kind of influence the first publication of Leaves of Grass had in American literature at the time. They continue to discuss Whitman’s activism when the poet moved to Washington, and how his activism and poetry was a way to accept all kinds of people.

Segment 3

Raul describes some of the political and cultural highlights surrounding the NYC/Brooklyn landscape around 1848, and some of the structures and institutions that arose including abolitionists and black community churches. Following, Raul talks about the supposed abolitionist activity that may have happened on 227 Duffield St. He does note, however, that Duffield St. as a whole observed abolitionist movement. 

Segment 4

Karen explains why 99 Ryerson St.’s landmark status was initially turned down by the landmark preservation commission. Raul then describes why 227 Duffield St.’s landmark status application was turned down initially as well. Both guests cite architectural design, the amount of time spent in historical relevance, how the building stands currently, etc. The show ends with Karen and Raul sharing how listeners can get involved with landmark preservation and learn more about their respective organizations.