"The Can-Do Yard": A World War II Tour of the Brooklyn Navy Yard
Taught by Turnstile Tours
Turnstile Tours is a new company that highlights the ever-changing nature of New York City neighborhoods through conducting in-depth research, working with community partners, and seeking out new avenues to engage the public with the urban landscape. In addition to developing tours, we also work with partners to craft a variety of public programs and exhibits. For each of our projects, we partner with a community non-profit organization that works to keep neighborhoods vital and thriving, and at least 5% of all of our ticket sales goes towards supporting them. We are a New York State-registered benefit corporation, meaning that we are required to subject ourselves to an annual review of the performance of our social mission based on third party standards and post our findings on our website. We are so very grateful to the many people and institutions that have made this company possible. For more information, please contact us at info@turnstiletours.com
Cycle through history on this tour of the sprawling Brooklyn Navy Yard!
During World War II, this site played a pivotal role in the American war effort – it built battleships and aircraft carriers, repaired over 5,000 Allied ships, sent troops and supplies to fronts across the globe, and the tireless efforts of its 70,000 workers earned it the nickname ”The Can-Do Yard.”
This tour examines the role of the New York City waterfront in the war effort, explores connections between the Yard and famous battles of World War II, and visits sites of significance that remain from this era, including the Naval Hospital campus, the Naval Film Exchange, and a working dry dock. By visiting these sites, hearing the stories of workers and sailors, and examining historical images and documents from the period, the tour aims to evoke a sense of what the Yard was like during the war and illuminate the historical legacies that persist to this day.
Meeting location: Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at Building 92, located on Flushing Avenue at the junction of Carlton Avenue.
All participants must provide their own bicycle, and they must wear a helmet. And don't forget your camera!