University College at Fairfield University to host two New York Walking Tours | Press Releases

History buffs and New York-lovers interested in learning more about some of the city's important national landmarks, their histories and their architectural styles, are invited to participate in two New York Walking Tours this fall, presented by University College at Fairfield University.

The first tour, on Saturday, Sept. 25, will take participants on a stroll through the Central Park West neighborhood with stops at 11 New York City and five national landmarks. Starting at 2 p.m., the tour will wind through The Central Park Historic District and Strawberry Fields and past Art Deco and Art Nouveau landmarks. Participants will visit the Sheepfold in Central Park, enter The Dakota, and walk past The Majestic and learn their history. Stories about Dorothy Parker, Mae West, Walter Winchell and others will come vividly to life.

"We focus on the Art Deco apartment houses that make the Central Park West skyline and I talk about the development of Central Park West," said Arthur Pommer, the certified New York City Tour Guide who will host both tours.

The Roosevelt Island Walking Tour takes off on Saturday, October 2, at 2 p.m. A breathtaking view of Manhattan awaits participants, following a tramway ride to Roosevelt Island. They then walk from one end of the island to the other and enjoy 14 stops along the way. The landmark Chapel of the Good Shepherd, the Lighthouse, and the Welfare Island Bridge are just a few of the highlights on this tour. Attendees will hear about Nelly Bly, the first female investigative reporter, and learn the origins of the 1856 Smallpox Hospital.

"We focus on the history of the island, it's development, what it is today, what it was in the past," Pommer said of the Roosevelt Island tour. The tour will examine fascinating stories from the Island's past. "At one time there was a prison on the island and there was also an insane asylum and they had some prisoners taking care of the mental patients," Pommer said, recalling the story of Bly, who became famous for a scalding exposé she wrote after spending a week in the asylum.

The cost for each tour is $35. Comfortable shoes are a must. Transportation to New York is not included. Participants will meet their guide at a pre-determined location in New York for the tour. Tours last approximately three hours and are limited to 20 participants. To register by phone, call (203) 254-4288. For more information, call (203) 254-4307 or visit University College at www.fairfield.edu.