IN 2016, IN HONOR OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE DUMBO IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, WE EMBARKED ON A PROJECT TO RECORD THE HISTORY OF DUMBO. WE INTERVIEWED THIRTY-TWO DUMBOBIANS – BUSINESS OWNERS, ARTISTS, RESIDENTS – ABOUT HOW THEY SHAPED THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND HOW IT'S SHAPED THEM.
Here are a few of these stories.
Have a story to tell? Let us know at dumbo@dumbonyc.org.
THE STORIES IN AUDIO
The 2016 Oral History Project, in podcast-esq form.
THE STORIES IN VIDEO
Individual stories, told here in the flesh.
BRUCE SILVERGLADE
Owner, Gleason’s Gym
Since 1983, Bruce and his world-famous Gleason’s Gym team have been training Olympians, movie stars, and locals in the art of boxing.
Watch his story here.
CARA LEE SPERRY
Co-founder, Superfine
Cara Lee Sperry moved to DUMBO as a part of a wave of artists in the 90’s and put down roots as one of the co-founders of neighborhood favorite, Superfine.
Watch her story here.
DAVID AND JANE WALENTAS & JANE’S CAROUSEL
Founders, Two Trees Management & Jane’s Carousel
In the early 1980’s, David Walentas bought 12 buildings in a vacant industrial district called DUMBO, starting the area on its road to major NYC destination. Jane Walentas added her own piece to the neighborhood: restoring an antique carousel still operating on the waterfront, Jane’s Carousel.
Watch their story here.
Watch the story of Jane’s Carousel here.
LARRY LEONARDI
Co-owner, Front Street Pizza
Larry Leonardi worked his way from delivery boy to owner of his family’s famous pizzeria, Front Street Pizza, a DUMBO staple since the 80’s.
Watch his story here.
SUSAN FELDMAN
Founder & Artistic Director, St. Ann’s Warehouse
Susan Feldmen brought the St. Ann’s Warehouse theater company from their namesake location to DUMBO in 2000, creating instant classics like Martin Scorsese’s “The Blues” and Broadway-transfer Oklahoma.
Watch her story here.
JAN BELL
Founder, Brooklyn Americana Music Festival
Resident Jan Bell has been the driving force behind DUMBO’s music scene since the Urban Cowgirl Cabaret of the 90’s, bringing the sounds of Americana to the stages and streets of DUMBO.
Watch her story here.
JOSH WISE & ETSY
Former Global Director of Workplace Ecology and Design, Etsy
Longtime DUMBO fan Josh Wise and e-commerce giant Etsy ushered in the era of tech in DUMBO.
TANYA RYND
Co-founder, Superfine
Tanya Rynd first visited DUMBO on an errand in the 90’s and hasn’t left since, bringing food, drinks, music, and more to neighborhood favorite, Superfine.
Watch her story here.
REGINA MYER
President (2007-2016), Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
Regina Myer is responsible for the beautiful, fun and diverse park that crowns the DUMBO waterfront, transforming it from empty shoreline to community highlight.
Watch her story here.
HERVÈ POUSSOT