This tour explores the history of New York City’s infrastructure by focusing on the East River and its islands, shores, tunnels, and bridges. Our tour begins by illustrating the history of electricity in the city and how industry consolidation led to over 170 companies becoming…Consolidated Edison! We then board the NYC Ferry Soundview route for a better look at the current and former electricity, steam, and gas plants along the banks of the East River and its infamous Hell Gate. As we traverse by U Thant, Roosevelt, Mill Rock, Randall’s, North and South Brother, and Rikers Islands, we examine the role they have played in New York City’s development. On the way back down, we take a look at the power infrastructure in Astoria Yard and DUMBO and their clean energy future.
Cullen Brown is an energy professional who specializes in bringing people into closer contact with the infrastructure that makes our lives easier. He is passionate about learning from the long-term visionaries and the working people who worked to make power, gas, steam, and water plentiful and dependable in our modern society. With experience in the private and public sector, he focuses on commercial/industrial energy users who are looking to use energy more efficiently.
100% refund up to 24 hours prior to the start of your tour.
When canceled less than 24 hours before the start of your tour, we will do our best to reschedule you or issue you a credit to use on any of our upcoming tours. This credit won’t expire until you use it!
The group meets at the Excelsior Power Building, 33 Gold St, NYC, NY 10038
By Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5, J, Z, R, A, C to Fulton Street
How long is the tour?
This tour is 3 hours long. The majority of the tour will be spent aboard an NYC Ferry, the Soundview route.
Where does it end?
It ends at Pier 11 in Manhattan.
How strenuous is this tour?
This tour is easy and most people can participate.
Is this tour ADA accessible?
Yes, it is! You can email us at [email protected] in order for us to best prepare your visit.
Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?
This tour is mostly outdoors.
