They’ve got the three ones on Brooklyn!
The publisher behind “111 Places in Brooklyn That You Must Not Miss,” also recently released a guide to the best museums across the five boroughs. Tour guide Wendy Lubovich selected “111 Museums in New York That You Must Not Miss,” from which we chose three of the lesser-known spots to check out in Kings County:
Collector’s items
The City Reliquary Museum started as a window display in former firefighter Dave Herman’s apartment. Now the collection of city artifacts — including Statue of Liberty paraphernalia, vintage seltzer bottles, and other curiosities — are crammed into a small Williamsburg storefront. Inside you will also find a shrine dedicated to the early 20th-centruy burlesque dancer Little Egypt, a bottle of toxic subway dust, and (until May 26) an exhibit on New York City psychics and fortune-tellers.
The City Reliquary Museum [370 Metropolitan Ave. between Havemeyer Street and Marcy Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) 782–4842, www.cityr
Safe Harbor
Located on the Fort Hamilton Army base is the Harbor Defense Museum, which tells the story of armed forces defending New York’s harbor, from the American Revolution to today. You will find old uniforms, muskets, and a 1,400-pound Flank Howitzer cannon, which could launch 48 iron balls in a single shot when it was used in 1864.
Harbor Defense Museum [230 Sheridan Loop at Fort Hamilton Army base, (718) 630–4349, harbor-defense-museum.business.site]. Open weekdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Government-issued photo identification required for all adults, foreign visitors should call Fort Hamilton Control Center (718) 630–4848. Free.
Hooked on history!
The Red Hook Waterfront Museum and Showboat is a century-old floating barge that serves as a museum, art gallery, theater, and family home for its curator. The rustic interior tells the history of the New York waterfront through this humble vessel, the last of its kind in the city. It also hosts frequent art shows and other events, and offers amazing views of the Statue of Liberty.
The Red Hook Waterfront Museum and Showboat [290 Conover St., near Reed Street in Red Hook, (718) 624–4719, www.water
