Lower East Side History Month Event at Essex Market

In honor of Lower East Side History Month, Essex Market will be screening long-lost documentary footage from the 1980s, shedding light on an often overlooked, yet pivotal, era in the expansive history of New York City's most iconic public market.

Through newly digitized archival footage, documentary film, and firsthand accounts, we'll explore how community activism and dedication helped preserve this vital Lower East Side landmark during challenging decades and its successful transition into a new era.

Ken Reardon, Ph.D., UMass Boston (retired), will share his unique perspective and experiences from working alongside Essex Market vendors during the 1980s as part of Cornell University's public service internship program, The Big Apple. Ken’s research, along with others from the Pratt Institute, skillful community organizing and advocacy by merchants, community leaders, and local elected officials, prompted the Koch Administration to abandon plans to hand over management of the market to a private firm. His presentation will feature never-before-seen documentary footage that capture the spirit of a burgeoning era of vendor activism that continues in the market today.

Nina LoSchiavo, Chief Operating Officer of Lower East Side Partnership, will provide insights into the market's recent history, including the 2019 transition from the historic 1940-era Essex Street Market building to Essex Crossing, and how collaborative advocacy between vendors, community members, and city officials made this successful move possible.

Food bites & drinks from Essex Market vendors will accompany our program. Space is limited, please RSVP to reserve your spot.

Essex Market's Lower East Side History Month programming is made possible in partnership with FABnyc's LES History Month. To learn more about FABnyc and LES History Month, .

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