Education at CBH

The Center for Brooklyn History education department connects students, educators, and archivists in New York City and beyond to unique collections, programs, and events that bring the history of Brooklyn to life.

For students

We make the archive a more inclusive place for students of all backgrounds by giving them the agency to engage and interrogate collections through a culturally responsive lens. By broadening the definition of researcher, students are given access to primary sources while developing their critical research skills. Our signature partnership program, Brooklyn Connections, offers fourth through twelfth grade classes rare access to original archival materials while students complete customized, standards-based projects.

Our work with students extends beyond the school day to our youth internship program that assists youth college, career, and employment readiness skills.

And, beginning in 2021, CBH is thrilled to be the home of New York City History Day.

For educators

Every school year, we offer a robust array of professional development workshops where guest speakers engage educators in fascinating content knowledge while our team models lesson plans and activities that transfer to any classroom. CBH Education is a New York State-certified provider of Continuing Teacher and Leadership Education (CTLE) credit and ASPDP “P” credits. Our events introduce educators to New York City cultural institutions that can support their students with class visits and field trips. Educators can access our customized lesson plans, research guides, and more by visiting our educator resources page and our curriculum library.

Contact us

For Brooklyn Connections, Professional Development Opportunities, or General Inquiries

For New York City History Day

CBH Education is generously supported by The Morris and Alma Schapiro Fund, The Hearst Foundation, Epstein Teicher Philanthropies, The Michael Tuch Foundation, The Nissan Foundation, National Grid Foundation, The Pine Tree Foundation, Con Edison, and Festa Family.

Upcoming Events

CBH Talk | Building Access: The History and Future of Disability Rights

Thu, Jul 9 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History

adult learning BPL Presents Center for Brooklyn History

The disability rights movement has transformed American life and expanded access, opportunity, and civil rights for millions of people. These hard-won gains are the result of decades of organizing, advocacy, and political struggle. And the fight for equality continues.

As we celebrate July…

Exhibition Tour, The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered

Fri, Jul 10 3:00pm
Center for Brooklyn History

America 250 Battle of Brooklyn Exhibition brooklyn history

Join us at the Center for Brooklyn History for a free tour of The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered. 

In August of 1776, the first and largest battle of the American Revolution took place in what is now Brooklyn, NY. The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered uses primary…

Exhibition Tour- People Making Power: Politics in Brooklyn

Sat, Jul 11 12:00pm
Center for Brooklyn History

brooklyn history Center for Brooklyn History exhibitions

People Making Power: Politics in Brooklyn explores the history of politics in the borough of Brooklyn. By highlighting three levels of political action: block level politics, political clubs, and Brooklyn politicians passing legislation in Congress, the exhibition allows visitors to see how…

Exhibition Tour, The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered

Sat, Jul 11 2:00pm
Center for Brooklyn History

America 250 Battle of Brooklyn Exhibition brooklyn history

Join us at the Center for Brooklyn History for a free tour of The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered. 

In August of 1776, the first and largest battle of the American Revolution took place in what is now Brooklyn, NY. The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered uses primary…

Map Your Brooklyn Summer: A Collaging Workshop

Tue, Jul 14 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History

arts and crafts BPL Presents Center for Brooklyn History

Celebrate the season with a creative collage workshop inspired by the parks, people, playgrounds, and beaches that make Brooklyn a summertime oasis! 

Using Brooklyn maps past and present as your canvas, pull from a fun selection of vintage photographs, archival images, and ephemera…

CBH Talk | Country of Lords: Kim Phillips-Fein in Conversation with Steven Hahn

Thu, Jul 16 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History

America 250 author talks Battle of Brooklyn Exhibition

As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, debates about equality, democracy, and power remain as urgent as ever. Join Pulitzer Prize finalist and Columbia University historian Kim Phillips-Fein for a discussion of her new book, Country of Lords:…

Exhibition Tour, The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered

Fri, Jul 17 3:00pm
Center for Brooklyn History

America 250 Battle of Brooklyn Exhibition brooklyn history

Join the Center for Brooklyn History and special guest Assemblymember Robert Carroll for a free tour of The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered. 

In August of 1776, the first and largest battle of the American Revolution took place in what is now Brooklyn, NY. The Battle of…

Exhibition Tour- People Making Power: Politics in Brooklyn

Sat, Jul 18 12:00pm
Center for Brooklyn History

brooklyn history Center for Brooklyn History exhibitions

People Making Power: Politics in Brooklyn explores the history of politics in the borough of Brooklyn. By highlighting three levels of political action: block level politics, political clubs, and Brooklyn politicians passing legislation in Congress, the exhibition allows visitors to see how…

Exhibition Tour, The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered

Sat, Jul 18 2:00pm
Center for Brooklyn History

America 250 Battle of Brooklyn Exhibition brooklyn history

Join us at the Center for Brooklyn History for a free tour of The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered. 

In August of 1776, the first and largest battle of the American Revolution took place in what is now Brooklyn, NY. The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered uses primary…

CBH Talk | An Unfinished Revolution: Dialogues on Freedom and Democracy with Elizabeth Hinton

Wed, Jul 22 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History

adult learning America 250 Battle of Brooklyn Exhibition

Marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, join us to reflect, reckon, and reimagine the ideals at the heart of the American experiment. 

Across three evenings, CBH invites distinguished historians to select short readings as starting points for guided public…