Jane’s Walk 2018: Audubon Park, Audubon Murals, and Carmansville

On the first weekend in May, the Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) will once again sponsor Jane’s Walk, a festival of free, citizen-led walking tours inspired by urban activist Jane Jacobs. The global phenomenon of walks that combine the simple act of exploring the city with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement is now in its twelfth year and Jane’s Walk NYC (in its eighth year) has grown to be the largest in the world. This year, Jane’s Walk New York has a spiffy new website that helps walkers filter the possibilities by day, borough, theme, and accessibility, a welcome addition now that the number of walks exceeds 200.

Among this year’s offerings are three northern Manhattan excursions in and around the Audubon Park neighborhood, named for the great naturalist John James Audubon, whose last home was there at a farm he called “Minnie’s Land.”

Big Apple Greeter, Leigh Hallingby, a long time resident of Manhattan’s Upper West Side, will examine the Audubon Mural Project
Washington Heights artist Rhonda Heise Asher will tour “lost Carmansville” and talk about its founder Richard Carman
Resident historian Matthew Spady will explore the Audubon Park neighborhood’s rich architectural and cultural history

How Audubon Park Disrupted Manhattan’s Grid. The distinctive footprint that disrupts Manhattan’s grid west of Broadway between 155th and 158th Streets—Audubon Park—did not come about by accident or from the demands of local topography, but rather from careful planning by well-connected property owners. Come along on a leisurely walk through Audubon Park’s architecture gems and learn about the family who guided the area’s rapid evolution from suburb to city at the turn of the 20th century.

Friday, May 4 at 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, May 5 at 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Meeting Location: Audubon Monument
Trinity Cemetery (550 West 155th Street)

Audubon Mural Project is an exciting effort by National Audubon Society and Gitler Gallery to create murals of 314 birds in northern Manhattan. As all the birds painted are threatened by climate change, the project is designed not only to portray the beauty of the birds, but also to make us aware of the challenges they face. In addition to seeing about 30 murals, we will visit Audubon’s impressive grave site in Trinity Cemetery at 155th & Broadway.

Friday, May 4 at 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, May 5 at 9:00 a.m.

Sunday, May 6 at 9:00 a.m.

Meeting Location: Hamilton’s Bakery, 3570 Broadway
(between 146 & 147)

Lost Carmansville: Manhattan’s Last Village will explore parts of the village along the Hudson in what is now Hamilton Heights. We’ll find a few almost-hidden relics from the village days and learn about the history of the place and the village founder, Richard Carman. Please note: walk includes steep hills and staircases. We will visit a cemetery, where pets are not allowed.