The Center for Brooklyn History (CBH) is Brooklyn Public Library's nationally recognized research library and public history institution.
Free and open to all, CBH provides visitors with dynamic ways to connect with Brooklyn's story through its historical collections, enlightening programs, educational resources, and wide-ranging exhibitions.
Currently on View
The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered
In August of 1776, the first and largest battle of the American Revolution took place in what is now Brooklyn, NY.
People Making Power: Politics in Brooklyn
People Making Power: Politics in Brooklyn explores the history of politics in the borough of Brooklyn.
Explore our Resources and Collections
Search our Collections
The Center for Brooklyn History makes its collections available to all researchers. Browse our books, photographs, oral histories, maps collections and more.
Attend a Public Program
CBH hosts a wide range of free weekly programs to delight and engage our many audiences. See what's happening next, both virtual and in person.
Visit the Othmer Library
Located on CBH’s second floor, the Othmer Library and its reading room are home to special collections and archives for public use. Researchers are encouraged to make appointments in advance.
Learn about CBH Education Programs
The Center for Brooklyn History education department connects students, educators, and archivists in New York City and beyond to unique collections, programs, and events that bring the history of Brooklyn to life.
Read Brooklynology and Photo of the Week
Fascinating Brooklyn stories from our local history archivists, featuring our popular Photo of the Week posts.
Rent CBH for a Private Event
The Center for Brooklyn History is a perfect blend of a national historic landmark featuring timeless architectural details and state-of-the-art modern facilities to meet all your event needs.
Upcoming Events
The Battle of Brooklyn: Local History in Archives and…
Thu, Jun 4 8:30am
Center for Brooklyn History
Exhibition Tour, The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and…
Fri, Jun 5 3:00pm
Center for Brooklyn History
Public Address: A Reading
Mon, Jun 8 6:00pm
Columbus Park
CBH Talk | Confronting Climate Change Part 3: Solutions
Mon, Jun 8 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History
CBH Talk | The Battle of Brooklyn Revisited: A Screening…
Wed, Jun 10 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History
CBH Talk | Puerto Rico at a Crossroads
Thu, Jun 11 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History
CBH Talk | Queer Modernism and “The Little Review” - How…
Tue, Jun 16 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History
CBH Talk | Black Brooklyn’s Fight for Community Control:…
Thu, Jun 18 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History
CBH Talk | An Unfinished Revolution: Dialogues on Freedom…
Tue, Jun 30 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History
CBH Talk | Building Access: The History and Future of…
Thu, Jul 9 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History
CBH Talk | An Unfinished Revolution: Dialogues on Freedom…
Wed, Jul 22 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History
CBH Talk | An Unfinished Revolution: Dialogues on Freedom…
Wed, Aug 12 6:30pm
Center for Brooklyn History
Staff Picks
- Brooklyn History
- Family Genealogy
- The Bridge
- Brooklyn Literary Walking Tour
- Brooklyn Documentaries
Get Social with CBH
Become a CBH Supporter
Whether through membership or a one-time gift, your support helps connect the past to the present and makes Brooklyn's vibrant history tangible, relevant, and meaningful for today's diverse communities—and generations to come. Support us here.
Subscribe to Our Emails
Sign up to start getting our weekly programming updates, plus our popular Photo of the Week series.
Contact Us
For general inquiries regarding the Center for Brooklyn History, you can call us, email us, or submit a research request.