One Crown Heights Brings Community Leaders on a Joint Tour of Weeksville Heritage Center and the Jewish Children’s Museum

One Crown Heights, a coalition of local organizations and residents, recently hosted community leaders, educators, clergy, and residents for a day of shared learning and dialogue at the Weeksville Heritage Center and the Jewish Children’s Museum.

The day began at the Weeksville Heritage Center, a sometimes-overlooked but vital part of Crown Heights’ history. Founded in the 1830s, Weeksville was one of the nation’s first free Black communities, established by formerly enslaved African Americans. At a time when slavery was still legal in much of the country, Weeksville’s Black community thrived with its own homes, schools, newspapers, and civic institutions. Participants toured the historic Hunterfly Road Houses and learned how Weeksville’s legacy of resilience and self-determination continues to influence Crown Heights today.

Following the tour, participants gathered for lunch before touring at the Jewish Children’s Museum, where their interactive exhibits highlighted Jewish culture, traditions, and daily life. The visit offered insight into the lived experiences of Jewish families and the role the museum plays as an educational anchor in the neighborhood.

“The Museum is excited to be part of this important initiative in collaboration with One Crown Heights,” said Chaya’le Strassberg of the JCM. “The Jewish Children’s Museum is a setting for visitors of all faiths and backgrounds to gain a positive perspective of the Jewish heritage, fostering connection and education.”

The program also included a presentation from the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Mobile Museum of Tolerance, which shared that it can visit schools for free upon request. The Mobile Museum of Tolerance made its Crown Heights debut this summer at the One Crown Heights Festival.

“So many longtime Crown Heights’ers have never visited these learning centers that exist right in our own backyard,” said One Crown Heights Director Simcha Baez. “By walking through each other’s institutions and learning each other’s histories, we create space for understanding and trust to grow.”

The tour is part of One Crown Heights’ ongoing efforts to mitigate bias and antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hate through education and dialogue. The initiative is funded by NYC’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes and hosted by the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council.

One Crown Heights is proud to help facilitate similar tours for shuls, schools, youth programs, and community groups interested in exploring Crown Heights’ rich cultural institutions.

For more information or to coordinate a future visit and/or subscribe to our newsletter, please contact: simchabaez@onecrownheights.com

To learn more about One Crown Heights:
Follow us on Instagram @och_festival
Subscribe to our newsletter: http://onecrownheights.com/subscribe/