A public garden & cultural center

Historical Studies

Historical Studies

Time: 10–11:30am
Maximum class size: 30 students
Program fee: $105

These walk-and talk programs look at Wave Hill in the larger context of the history of the
area, from its time as home to the Lenape people to its official designation as a public garden and cultural center in 1965.

  • Walk through Time

    Grades: 4 through 6Program Details ›

    Learn about the rich history of this corner of the Bronx, beginning with its use as hunting and fishing grounds by the Lenape people, then later as farmland cultivated by the Dutch. Wave Hill became a key part of the development of New York City in the 18th and 19th centuries, eventually serving as a millionaire’s retreat in the early 20th century and finally becoming a public garden and cultural center in the mid-20th century. Through discussion, observation, primary source analysis and storytelling, students discover how Wave Hill came to be.

    Download the Walk through Time Extension (PDF)

  • Plants through Time

    Grades: 4 through 6Program Details ›

    Wave Hill’s grounds contain a treasure trove of plants, both native—such as oak, hemlock and mayapple—and introduced, including porcelain berry and garlic mustard. Learn their stories and discover some of their uses over time as sources of food, medicine, perfume and even poison.