Talks and Tales -New York History Talks

Friday 6/18 - The Black Experience in NYC, 1625-1860

Our Talks & Tales are live, interactive, New York History presentations based on the areas of research of Big Onion Educator/Guides! Using historic and contemporary images as well as documents and discussion, we will lead you through the experience.  These are unique opportunities to learn about our new & often cutting-edge history projects! 

Our current Talks and Tales are:

  • From Slavery to Freedom: The Black Experience in New York City before 1860
    • Friday June 18, 2021 at 4 p.m.  – The day before Juneteenth!
  • From Water to Land to Skyscrapers: An Environmental History of New York City
  • The Harlem Renaissance: A Voice of Black America

  • Sanitary City: A History of Urban Pandemics & Public Health

Running approximately one hour, Talks & Tales are presented through Zoom and can be enjoyed from anywhere in the world. Each participant will receive an email with the secure Zoom meeting number and password before the Adventure.  As an interactive program, you can ask questions via the Zoom “raise your hand” and chat features.

Check out more of our Virtual Adventures

Tour Info

$15 adults / $10 students, seniors / $30 single-screen household

Health & Safety Guidelines
For our in-person walking tours, see our FAQs below for information regarding our Stay Well NYC Pledge.


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Public Tour
Private Tour
Tour Schedule
Tour Reservations

Big Onion requires all walkers to reserve and pay in advance. Prepayment helps us determine group size and appropriate guide numbers.

NOTE: You will select your date in the next step.

Reserve Your Spot
Refund Policy

For bigger groups, consider a private walking or virtual tour!

Whether you are looking to integrate a tour into your academic curriculm or entertaining out-of-towners, a Big Onion walking tour is a great way to experience the city.

For more information, or to arrange, please call (718) 499-3001 or email info@bigonion.com.

Meeting Location

FAQs for In-Person Street Walks

Health & Safety Guidelines
Due to Covid-19, Big Onion has proudly signed the Stay Well NYC Pledge and we ask that all of our customers follow these guidelines as well.

Masks Are Required
Big Onion Walking Tours adheres to all New York City and State mask and social distancing requirements.

Social Distancing
On in-person tours, Big Onion will follow the recommended outdoor social distancing protocols and will be using audio technology to aid with hearing. Details will be provided in your booking confirmation.

Contact Tracing
Big Onion will securely retain client contact information for one month, for contact tracing purposes, if necessary.

Guides
The finest group of tour guides anywhere. Most of us are full-time graduate students researching and writing doctoral dissertations in history passionate about the history, architecture and people of New York.
More about our guides.

Finding Your Guides
All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Big Onion Walking Tours”.

Time & Distance
All tours last approximately two hours. We start on time and walk between one and two miles at a moderate walking pace, stopping at various sites along the tour.

Rain/Inclement Weather
Big Onion generally presents tours rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather please check our home page for notifications or call our hotline [(888) 606-WALK (9255) ext. 1], to confirm our schedule.

Tips
Gratuities are always appreciated, but never expected.

Reschedule Policy
With 24+ hours prior to a walking tour, Big Onion offers a full credit for the value of the booking. Credits will be given as Gift Cards in dollar amounts. Gift Cards are good for two years and can be used on any Big Onion outing. Cancellations with less than 24 hours prior to the tour or no shows cannot be credited.

Walks are held rain or shine, but may be cancelled for severe weather or if museum is closed. In the event of a Big Onion cancellation or museum closure, full refunds or rescheduled tickets will be offered.

More Questions? Check out How it Works for more details.

Helpful Links
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