A host of Brooklynites have pursued education within its walls and those curious about its history and architecture will have a chance to tour the Girls High School this month.
The 1886 school building, one of the city’s first public secondary schools, is an impressive blend of Victorian Gothic and French Second Empire architecture. At 475 Nostrand Avenue, the building, now an adult education center, is an individual landmark and is also part of the Bedford Historic District. Notable alumnae of the school include Shirley Chisholm, Lena Horn, Roxie Roker, and Betty Smith, author of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.”
Thrive Bedstuy, a group of local residents advocating for public assets and spaces that serve the community and honor its history, is sponsoring the guided tour. Members have been active in the efforts to keep a parking lot at the school complex as open space rather than a development site.
Local historian Morgan Munsey will be leading the tour on Saturday, November 14. Space is limited so registration is required and restricted to adults over 18. The tour is free, but a $10 donation is suggested to support the organization’s efforts…