Manhattanville: Hidden in Plain Sight

A conversation with two Bundles Community Scholars, Eric K. Washington and John Reddick about “Manhattanville: Hidden in Plain Sight,” a spirited public history exhibit not seen publicly in over two decades.

Originally on view for six months in 2004 at The City College of New York’s Morris Raphael Cohen Library, the exhibit was guest-curated by Eric K. Washington, drawing from his 2002 book, Manhattanville: Old Heart of West Harlem.

The result is a striking visual narrative: roughly two dozen vertical vinyl panels — resembling window shades — pair contemporary photos with historic images and documents. Together, they uncover the layered, often-overlooked history of Manhattanville on the Hudson River — an unincorporated gateway village to Harlem on
the Harlem River — that once pulsed with commercial, civic, and cultural life that fostered New York City’s growth.

Now, twenty-one years later, the West Harlem Arts Alliance (WHAA) happily returns the panels to public view and Eric and John will discuss fresh perspectives on a storied but obscured past.

Light refreshments will be served.