Resources for Students and Teachers

Brooklyn History through Primary Source Materials

The Brooklyn Collection of the Brooklyn Public Library is a rich source for information on the history of Brooklyn and its people, from pre-colonial times to the present. We are excited about making these historical materials available for use by students and teachers. Our holdings include historical and contemporary maps and atlases, 19th and 20th century photographs and postcards, books and new clippings.

Through the analysis and interpretation of these primary source materials, students and teachers can trace the development and growth of Brooklyn, or focus on one unique aspect of Kings County. These resources will enhance and bring to life subjects such as:

• The Battle of Brooklyn
• The Beginnings of Coney Island
• Building the Brooklyn Bridge
• Colonial Brooklyn
• Neighborhoods – Then and Now
• Transportation 

Class Visits

Our Outreach Librarian can help educators add to or develop lesson plans on Brooklyn history that fit into curriculum goals as well as meet the NY State requirements for the use of primary documents.

The classes are free and take place in the Howard Golden Reserve Room of the Brooklyn Collection or teachers can arrange for a Librarian to visit your school.

In addition, the Brooklyn Collection offers professional development workshops for educators in using the Brooklyn Daily Eagle Online, Brooklyn in the Civil War, and Historic Photographs databases.

Brooklyn Connections

Learn more about Brooklyn Connections, our unique research project partnerships for 7th and 8th grade classes.

Contact the Brooklyn Collection

For more information, call June Koffi, Outreach Librarian, at 718.230.2708 or call the Brooklyn Collection at 718.230.2762.