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I first profiled the City Reliquary of Brooklyn back in 2004, when, tipped by a short article in Time Out New York (little did I know I would write a cover story for the magazine someday), I journeyed out to Williamsburg to view a storefront at Grand and Havemeyer that featured an eclectic collection of artifacts, including silt from Dead Horse Bay in Brooklyn; devil's nuts, an aquatic fruit found in the East River; a souvenir coin distributed the day the Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883; a token collection; metal straps from Brooklyn subways; and on and on. Clearly, the curator, transplanted Floridan firefighter Dave Herman, was a FNY kindred spirit.

This, by the way, was before Williamsburg became the eastern capital of NYC nightlife, and was just beginning to embark on its cultural reinvention. Dave helpfully assisted neighborhood newbies by painting neighborhood highlights, and directions thereto, in his distinctive florid handwriting on the Reliquary wall.

After a couple of years, the sheer heft of Herman's collection of curious artifacts outstripped the storefront, and rental space on the ground floor of 370 Metropolitan Avenue just east of Havemeyer was obtained in 2006. An avid community supporter, Dave and the Reliquary have sponsored bike tours, candy festivals and beauty pageants (Miss G Train). As you will see, the small space is chocablock full of NYC artifacts, displayed beautifully, and the back room holds a featured exhibit that changes about every 3 months. $1.00 admission is charged, but donations are strongly encouraged; the Reliquary is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12-6 PM.

A tribute to Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson is juxtaposed against a seltzer bottle collection. RIGHT: an oak display case holds dozens of Statue of Liberty figurines.

Got enough Liberty? Dozens of carefully glassined postcards line a separate wall. RIGHT: in June 2009 the featured exhibit was co-curated by ForgottenFan and ESPN sports uniforms expert Paul Lukas of Uniwatch, who told a fascinating tale about the mysterious Moderne objects known as the Candela Structures -- relics of the second NYC World's Fair, held from 1964-1965, that can still be found on the walkway bordering Flushing Bay near Citifield.

ABOVE: this neon sign once hung on the 2nd Avenue Deli when it was located at 2nd Avenue and East 10th Street. RIGHT: vintage framed photos of NYC bridges.

The Reliquary's mission statement, from its website:

The City Reliquary Museum & Civic Organization provides a wide array of services to the community. As a certified 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, we are committed to serving the people of New York City -- natives, newcomers, and passersby. Our museum collection displays thoughtfully arranged artifacts of New York City's rich history, which entice viewers to learn more about the five boroughs. Some of the highlights of the collection include architectural remnants of city buildings, Statue of Liberty memorabilia, a geological display of New York's underground composition, and a 1939 World's Fair exhibit. The City Reliquary also celebrates local character by displaying the unique findings of New York-based collectors. Our "Community Collections" storefront window has proudly displayed collections such as, Fionula Ross's Vintage Thermoses, Christy Gastís Commemorative Presidential Plates, and the Zucker Family's Antique Pens. A central part of our mission is to plan and host public events, which provide neighbors and visitors with a place to meet, exchange ideas, and celebrate the diversity of our community. Some of our annual events include Bicycle Fetish Day, Collector's Night, and The September Tribute to Our City. We maintain a commitment to neighborhood beautification and restoration at and around the City Reliquary Museum as a way to provide a pleasant and safe place for people to gather, relax, disseminate information, and enjoy the camaraderie provided by a city of over eight million people.

ABOVE: 1939 World's Fair exhibit. RIGHT: a tribute to Manhattan newsstand owner Adam Petrella. He operated "Petrella's Point" on Canal St. and the Bowery for over 30 years when a new bank demolished his stand along with the former Diamond Exchange on that site. He fought back and forced the bank to rebuild his stand in 2005 but soon passed away in 2006 at age 85. Some of his original and newer stands are on display at the Reliquary.

The situation at the Reliquary has been clouded of late. Herman says the Reliquary requires $60,000 by the end of 2010 to stay afloat. The museum has been promised grants of $33,000 by City Councilwoman Diana Reyna, but red tape has prevented him from cashing them in. So, the money must be made up from donations and fundraisers.

The museum's goal is to raise $20,000 by March 31, which will cover the cost of a part-time assistant, with the long-term goal of raising $60,000 by the end of the year. Two fundraisers at The Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan Avenue) over the next two months, a Fire Sale on February 18, which will feature a date auction with NYC Firefighters, and a St. Patrick's Day Benefit Concert on March 17, will help, though Herman is asking for donations from the community. NY Post, article linked above

Your webmaster has a dog in this fight, since I intend to mount an exhibit on the hsitory of NYC lampposts (with lamppost king Bob Mulero) beginning in July. That aside, the Reliquary is something NYC can't afford to lose -- it is difficult during a recession, but chip in what you can next time you're on Met Ave on a weekend afternoon, or do it through its website ...

City Reliquary official website

Photographed June 2009; page completed January 28, 2010

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