What can a building tell us about a neighborhood? This year, we’re undertaking a special research project to help us find out. Building on the work we presented in our 2018 book, Shaped by Immigrants: a History of Yorkville, FRIENDS is continuing our research into the immigrant history of the neighborhood. This time, we are focusing on two standout Yorkville buildings – The Manhattan (244 East 86th St.) and The Kaiser & The Rhine (1716-1720 2nd Avenue). The research both contextualizes these buildings within the architectural and social fabric of the neighborhood, and takes a deep dive into some of the stories of tenants who lived there. Join us for a virtual event on June 30th, where historian Lucie Levine will offer stories about some of the people who lived in these buildings in the early years of the 20th century, and draw back the curtain on the research process. Part presentation, part interactive discussion, this program will offer a look at our newest project, and consider how “putting the people in the buildings” can help us better understand our local history.