From Fraunces Tavern to Bowling Green, Lower Manhattan’s cobblestone streets are lined with Revolutionary War landmarks, but Northern Manhattan’s role in that definitive era of American history is often overlooked. Architect and A’Lelia Bundles Community ScholarGail Addiss is on a mission to spread awareness about Uptown’s significance during the American Revolution.
Through her Bundles project, Addiss is organizing walking tours, communal exhibitions, and public forums to highlight Uptown parks and sites connected to that chapter in history. Ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary, she shared a few landmarks hiding in plain sight. With stops like Morris-Jumel Mansion, Manhattan's oldest surviving residence, and Bennett Park,
a former central command post, this list is the perfect starting point for a summer self-guided history tour Uptown!
Ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary, Columbia News is reflecting on the University’s connection to different chapters in history. From digital archives and collections in Columbia University Libraries that offer a lens into the Revolutionary era to the stories of local modern-day preservationists, dive into this roundup of reads and resources.
Read more.
Embrace the warmth of community this summer! This July 2026 edition of the Columbia Neighbors bulletin boasts an exciting roundup of programming, including recreational activities for youth in Harlem and a women’s health fair in Washington Heights. Mark your calendars for these events and share the bulletin with a neighbor. Available in English and
Spanish.
Today, Jennifer L. Mnookin begins her tenure as Columbia University's 21st president. As she shared in her welcome letter
to the community: “I have long admired Columbia as a University of extraordinary intellectual energy: a place that asks difficult questions, pursues discovery across the full range of human inquiry, and draws strength from the dynamism of New York City, to which we are so deeply linked.” We'll share more in the coming weeks, but for now, you can follow along with the work of the new University president here.
Penned by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Beverly Gage (GSAS’04), the book This Land Is Your Land tells the story of the United States through visits to museums, theme parks, battle reenactments, and more.
Explore this Columbia University Press-curated list of reads and podcasts on the lived experiences of Americans, examining how our society adapts to change, responds to conflict, and builds communities.
World Cup Watch Party at George Bruce Library Stop by the George Bruce Library to soak up the energy and excitement surrounding the summer of soccer! The local branch is hosting family-friendly, live-stream viewings of upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup
matches. This week’s communal watch party will feature the highly anticipated match between Spain (the FIFA World Cup 2010 champions) and Austria’s national team. The library will also host match viewings on July 14. The watch party—open to all ages—is free and open to the public. Thursday, July 2, 3:00 pm
Summer on the Hudson: Sunset Yoga Tap into the power of communal wellness! Join NYC Parks for a serene summer evening of Sukhasana poses and sunset views along the Hudson River. During this edition of its Summer on the Hudson series, the Bronx-based wellness studio Sweet Water Dance & Yoga
will lead a yoga session rooted in movement and mindfulness. All levels are welcome, and attendees must bring their own mats. The event is free and open to the public. Thursday, July 2, 6:30 pm
Movies Under the Stars: ‘Elio’ Jumpstart the weekend with a Friday night feature! As part of its Movies Under the Stars series, NYC Parks will host an outdoor screening of the 2025 film Elio. The animated sci-fi adventure movie centers the cosmic chronicles of an 11-year-old space enthusiast named Elio Solís who is transported to an intergalactic world after being mistaken as Earth's ambassador. The film explores the themes of belonging, leadership, and connection. The family-friendly screening is free and open to the public. Friday, July 3, 8:00 pm
Uptown Shakespeare in the Park: “Othello” Make your way to the historic Marcus Garvey Park to join the Classical Theatre of Harlem, a local nonprofit dedicated to making the theatrical arts accessible Uptown, for its summer production of Othello.
This reimagined rendition of the Shakespearean classic—directed by Carl Cofield—chronicles a tragic love story that’s warped by manipulation, desire, and destruction. The al fresco play, which will take place at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater, is free and open to the public. Sunday, July 5, 8:30 pm
West Harlem Pop-Ups Join the Hamilton Heights Business Alliance as it kicks off its West Harlem Pop-Ups series. At the intersection of culture, community, and commerce, this weeklong lineup of outdoor events will feature demonstrations and giveaways from small businesses throughout the neighborhood—including a “mystery scoop” challenge curated by Avrilililly's Creamery—
plus the opportunity to learn more about local nonprofits, arts and crafts workshops for youth, communal gardening activities, and more. The pop-ups are free and open to the public. Starts Wednesday, July 8, 2:00 pm
Neighbors, please be advised that a heat advisory is in effect for the New York City area. Follow the official event listing pages for possible postponements.
