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Joyce Gold History Tours of New York
141 West 17th Street
New York, NY 10011
Uber
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About Us
Public Tour Schedule
Testimonials
About Us
About Joyce Gold
“Joyce Gold... the doyenne of city walking guides.” - The New York Times
Joyce Gold is a recognized expert and educator in New York history for over 25 years, guiding New Yorkers and visitors alike to rave reviews.
After teaching English in NYC public schools, Joyce moved to the computer field and became a systems analyst.
While working at the Federal Reserve Bank in the Financial District, she came across a 100-year old book that opened her eyes to the layers of time visible as she walked the historic streets of Lower Manhattan.
Joyce first started giving weekend tours while she had full time job as a systems analyst and later as a real estate broker.
But as the demand for her tours grew and her interest in pursuing Manhattan history deepened, she made the leap, starting Joyce Gold History Tours of New York and becoming one of Manhattan's earliest independent full-time tour guides.
Today, in addition to her scheduled
public tours, Joyce leads many private tours for corporations, hotels, real estate developers, museums, universities, professional schools, alumni organizations, schools, religious groups, Junior Leagues, libraries and scores of individuals and families.
Joyce teaches Manhattan history at The New School and New York Universities.
She has published two guidebooks: From Windmills to the World Trade Center: A Walking Guide through the History of Lower Manhattan; and From Trout Stream to Bohemia: A Walking Guide through the History of Greenwich Village. She has contributed entries to The Encyclopedia of New York City, edited by Kenneth T. Jackson of Columbia University. Her article, "Learning on Foot: Walking Tours of New York City" appeared in the Parents League 2007 Review.
Joyce received a B.A. in English literature from Queens College and an M.A. in Metropolitan Studies at New York University.
Public Tour Schedule
Joyce Gold leads all public walking tours. Tour duration is noted next to each tour listing. No reservations are needed. Fee is $20 per person; $15 for seniors 62+.
Harlem History Walk
May 31, Saturday; 1 - 3:30 PM. Sugar Hill, Strivers Row, the Schomberg Library, and Abyssinian Baptist Church- highlights of Harlem’s history and renaissance. Meet: City College, 138th St. & Amsterdam Ave. Take #1 subway to 137th St. station; go to 138th St. & walk 1 block up the 138th St. hill.
The Flamboyant and the Bohemian- Greenwich Village and How It Became Famous
June 8, Sunday; 1 to 3 PM. Essentials of the Village-history, theater, culture, tragedy, architecture, and celebrated personalities. Meet: Washington Sq. Arch, Fifth Ave. 1 block south of 8th St.
Governors Island (additional $2/$1 for ferry tickets)
June 15, Sunday; 12:30 to 3 PM. Early 19th century forts and residences, wide-open lawns, and competitors vying to control its future-a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan. Open only in summer. Meet: Outside Gov. Island ferry building (light green,) 10 South St. in Manhattan, next to the Staten Island Ferry. Look for our yellow umbrella. Take #1 subway to South Ferry, or #4 or #5 to Bowling Green.
Gangs of New York and the Bloody Five Points
June 18, Wednesday; 5:30 to 7 PM. The infamous 19th century immigrant neighborhood of poverty, violence, and gangs. Meet: The Bowery & Bayard St. (1 block south of Canal St.) northwest corner at Bank of America.
Historic Diversity in the East Village- Dutch Bouwerie, Irish Ale House, and the Yiddish King Lear
June 21, Saturday; 1 to 3 PM. Ukrainian culture, a German maritime tragedy, and the flourishing Yiddish theatre. Meet: St. Mark’s Church, 10th St. & 2nd Ave.
Irish Hell’s Kitchen
June 28, Saturday; 10 AM to 12:15 PM. Once the lurid district of One-Lung Curran, bloody slaughterhouses, and Slaughter on Tenth Avenue. Meet: Ninth Ave. & W. 43rd St. southeast corner at The Bread Factory.
The Civil War in Manhattan
July 5, Saturday; 1 to 3:15 PM. Terror reigned in the streets of New York. The city’s shipbuilders, manufacturers, newspaper publishers, and soldiers amid escalating ethnic and class tensions. Meet: Outside the entrance to Cooper Union, the brown Foundation Building (7 E 7th St., btw 3rd & 4th Aves.)
Crimes of the Fifth Avenue Gold Coast
July 9, Wednesday; 11 AM to 1 PM. Fraud, procuring, and murders most foul, all on the New York avenue of wealth and privilege. Meet: The Frick Collection, 1 E. 70th St. between Fifth & Madison Aves.
Crimes of the Fifth Avenue Gold Coast
July 13, Sunday; 1 to 3 PM. Fraud, procuring, and murders most foul, all on the New York avenue of wealth and privilege. Meet: The Frick Collection, 1 E. 70th St. between Fifth & Madison Aves.
Governors Island (additional $2/$1 for ferry tickets)
July 17, Thursday; 10:30 AM to 1 PM. Early 19th century forts and residences, wide-open lawns, and competitors vying to control its future-a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan. Open only in summer. Meet: Outside Gov. Island ferry building (light green,) 10 South St. in Manhattan, next to the Staten Island Ferry. Look for our yellow umbrella. Take #1 subway to South Ferry, or #4 or #5 to Bowling Green.
Jewish Colonial Manhattan
July 20, Sunday; 1 to 3 PM. In 1654, 23 Jewish men, women, and children arrived in Dutch New Amsterdam. Settling into their new life included adapting to restrictions imposed by the frontier town, and dealing with subsequent Jewish arrivals with traditions different from their own. Meet: Museum of the American Indian, south side of Bowling Green, at foot of Broadway Best subway: #4 & 5 train to Bowling Green.
Harlem History Walk
July 26, Saturday; 1 to 3:30 PM. Sugar Hill, Strivers Row, the Schomberg Library, and Abyssinian Baptist Church- highlights of Harlem’s history and renaissance. Meet: City College, 138th St. & Amsterdam Ave. Take #1 subway to 137th St. station; walk to 138th St. then 1 block up the 138th St. hill.
The Flamboyant and the Bohemian- Greenwich Village and How It Became Famous
August 1, FRIDAY; 11 AM to 1 PM. Essentials of the Village-history, theater, culture, tragedy, architecture, and celebrated personalities. Meet: Washington Sq. Arch, Fifth Ave. 1 block south of 8th St.
Gangs of New York and the Bloody Five Points
August 3, Sunday; 10 AM to 12 Noon. The infamous 19th century immigrant neighborhood of poverty, violence, and gangs. Meet: The Bowery & Bayard St. (1 block south of Canal St.) northwest corner at Bank of America.
Fifth Avenue Gold Coast
August 9, Saturday; 1 to 3 PM. Tycoons, Central Park, and great mansions created the New York avenue paved with gold. Meet: The Frick Collection, 1 E. 70th St. between Fifth & Madison Aves.
The Flamboyant and the Bohemian- Greenwich Village and How It Became Famous
August 17, Sunday; 1 to 3 PM. Essentials of the Village-history, theater, culture, tragedy, architecture, and celebrated personalities. Meet: Washington Sq. Arch, Fifth Ave. 1 block south of 8th St.
Testimonials
Read enthusiastic endorsements from Joyce Gold's clients and tour-takers:
Kelly Welles, New York, NY
I cannot recommend Joyce Gold’s History Tours enough. She is encyclopedic in her command of historic details, fascinating characters and hidden secrets. Joyce Gold is another Gotham Hidden Gem.
Lorraine S., Basingstoke, UK
Dear Joyce, I just wanted to drop you a line to say a big thank you for the inspiring talks you gave last week about NYC on the Queen Elizabeth transatlantic crossing. I found myself looking forward to every one of them. They were fascinating and I enjoyed the many photographs you used in your presentations. We stayed a couple nights at the Grand Hyatt right next door to Grand Central Terminal and we had fun looking for the things you had mentioned in your talk.
Connie M., The University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL
Dear Joyce, Thanks, thanks, thanks for a most interesting and delicious (noshing) tour of New York’s (Lower) East End. I so enjoyed that day and tell everyone of our experience. Dr. Holland ranks your tour as one of the highlights of our 2013 New York trip. I look forward to working with you again next year! Fantastic experience!
Nell R., Santa Clara, CA
Hi Joyce, I wanted to send a quick email thanking you once again for a wonderful tour on Saturday! My parents looooooved every minute of it and are still talking about it. I feel good about a very much appreciated and enjoyed 60th birthday present! Cheers!
Kelly W. N, New York, NY
...you were thoroughly captivating today! I think your Sunday morning Macabre (Greenwich Village) tour is one of the most engaging ways to learn about NYC history and get in the spirit of Halloween. My out of town friends "hung" on every word. I will sing your praises to all. Brava!
Regina T., Pleasantville, NY
Joyce, Your tour was just great! I can't get over the ease of recall you have. It is incredible to me that a few city blocks can be so rich with history. You know how to keep an audience rapt! This [Joyce’s NYU course] has been a fun break from the work week and well worth the train ride in.
Dana C., New York, NY
Here's a "hats off" to Gothamite Joyce Gold for a wonderful history walking tour last weekend on the Civil War in Manhattan. It was informative, enlightening, and great fun! It was a big group of us trailing after Joyce but we hung on her every word because she has so much information - no one wanted to miss a syllable! I recommend Joyce's tours wholeheartedly!
Sandra A., New York, NY
Joyce, I was one of the 5 women you escorted on that unbelievably cold day around Washington Square for the Immigrant, Radical, Notorious Women tour. I just wanted to take a moment to share my thanks and appreciation. I have taken a lot of tours, here, there and everywhere. You are exceptional in your respect for the subject, your in-depth knowledge, the rich details which add such color to the stories that you toss in. Your stories pulsate with life and resonate with one long after the tour. You clearly love what you are doing and I for one loved sharing the morning with you. I will be back.
Mimi S., Los Angeles, CA
Joyce -- We had a wonderful time!! Thank you so much for such an informative and entertaining tour [Chinatown/Five Points/Little Italy]. We will definitely be back for more -- next time perhaps with slightly fewer children! (That said, they really did enjoy it as well and were talking about things they heard you say well until the evening. My older son, Eli, thought it was an incredible experience.)
Laura M., New York, NY
Joyce, Thanks so much for a truly excellent tour of the Washington Square area earlier this week. It really helped me to understand some of the things I've been reading about and gave me a much better picture of the Village scene at the time my aunts were living there. The rest of the group loved it, too, and we're already planning to schedule one of your "noshing" tours. Thanks again, and we'll be back in touch.
Sally W., Rochester, NY
Hi Joyce, We all wanted to thank you again for such an interesting tour of the Financial District. Fran says he'd take any tour you offered, you were so engaging and it was so good! I'm sure you hit another homerun on Sat. with the Macabre Greenwich Village tour.
Alexis T. (daughter), New York, NY
Joyce, Thank you so much for the wonderful tour (Financial District) on Saturday! We had a fantastic time and learned a lot about our new neighborhood. The rest of the weekend, my dad kept saying "Wasn't Joyce great!" and "That was the best birthday present!" so its safe to say that I think he liked it. We will definitely be in touch with you to continue our tour north of Chambers next time he visits. Thank you again.
Tom T. (father)
Joyce, The tour on Saturday was great ! It was one of the best birthday presents I ever received, and I attribute that to your knowledge and presentation. (I give Alexis credit for the idea). Thank you again, and in the future we plan to continue moving north (up Manhattan island).
Nella Dawn Casalino, Facilities/Commercial Management, BEAZLEY GROUP
I love NYC history, and Joyce Gold is the closest I have come to actually going back in time and really feeling like I am there. I cannot recommend her tours highly enough, or often enough!
Nella Dawn Casalino, Facilities/Commercial Management, BEAZLEY GROUP
Hi Joyce! Please let me say again how ABSOLUTELY amazing you are! Of course I knew that already, but still! It was just an extraordinarily good time to me (West Village tour). Truly, you are a wealth of knowledge. I drink up every word that drops from your mouth! Everyone enjoyed it so much, and just raved about you.
Ronni K., New York, NY
Dear Joyce - The tour of Chinatown was really delightful. I really look forward to doing lots more tours with you! You are very delightful and entertaining and informative! I would recommend your tours to anyone interested in having this kind of engaging and enjoyable experience. It's a great way to spend a few hours. And, you can quote me!
Rachel H., Office of International Affairs, Teachers College, Columbia University
Hi Joyce, Thanks for an excellent (city-wide) tour. Our (international) group has repeatedly commented on how much they enjoyed the program. I truly appreciate the effort you made to provide information about education in the tour. We had a great day.
Jill W., Washington D.C. Charter School
Joyce, It was an extraordinary tour and you are a brilliant storyteller! We are all still talking about Mabel Dodge, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and the 1970 explosives. Thank you for a memorable morning in Greenwich Village.
Bill W., Stamford, CT.
If you think you know all about New York City or even if you don't, Joyce Gold's Walking Tour of "Crimes of the Fifth Avenue Gold Coast" was an absolute delight. My wife and daughter joined me this past Sunday to learn all about how some New Yorkers made their fortunes or their booty and ended up on or near Fifth Avenue. As we walked Joyce shares her vast knowledge of the area. It was fascinating!
Lucas M., Stamford, CT
Yesterday, my wife and I went on (Joyce Gold’s) fabulous “Crimes of the 5th Avenue Gold Coast” walking tour. Joyce is a wonderful storyteller who provides historical context, and a delightfully wry sense of humor and irony that held the fifty or so participants spellbound. What I enjoyed most about the tour was that it appealed not just to tourists, but also to native New Yorkers like me. And I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who so clearly adores her work as much as Joyce does. Folks, this is an inexpensive, fun-filled way to spend a couple of hours on a weekend afternoon learning about history and events that you won’t hear anywhere else.
Lisa R., California
Joyce! My husband Steve used to enjoy your tours, and in fact you inspired a long love affair within him, with New York architecture and history! So THANK YOU FOR THAT! We’ve moved to California now, but Steve’s sister just moved to New York City and has heard all about you. For Christmas, we’d like to buy her a gift certificate from Joyce Gold tours. Can you help? Thank you for all that you do! We loved your tours and we are madly in love with NYC because of them. (And frankly we don’t trust anyone who doesn’t love New York!)
Natalie H., Maryland
Hi Joyce That was so fantastic today (City Overview) --- better than any tour I have ever taken--- anywhere. Just superb!!! I can't believe your wealth of knowledge and I loved every moment of it!!! As did everyone.… You were all things wonderful and I am going to get you for ALL your tours before I die!!!
Chris S., New York, NY
Hi Joyce, Your tour last week (Ground Zero Neighborhood: First Ten Years) was so enlightening. I couldn't wait to share the information with my family and friends along with your contact info as the tour with you was pure joy! Yesterday, I was back at Old St Peter's and was able to make a visit. What a beautiful church. I hope to join you this Saturday for the Italian Greenwich Village tour if family visitors are all squared away. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Dierdre O'Grady, Dublin, Ireland
Joyce is an outstanding cultural historian, guide and a mine of information on all things concerning New York. She was my guide for four days: her knowledge knows no bounds, her enthusiasm is contagious, and her pleasure in communicating her subject makes a visit to her city a memorable experience.
Dee V.
I want to thank you for an amazing tour (Gangs of New York) last Saturday. I learned so many interesting facts and have been talking about it to all my friends, family and co-workers. Right now I'm enjoying your appearance on the TV show, Mediums. You are one of the most knowledgable people I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Thank you again.
Ginny G., Grand Rapids, MI
I just wanted to let you know how much everyone enjoyed your tour of historical New York (Lower Manhattan). You provided so much information and insight into the early settlement of the city. In fact everyone later said that they really would have enjoyed spending the whole day with you. So. thank you for a truly delightful morning.
Joan K., New York, NY
I really enjoyed your East Village tour yesterday as I have others in the past. For one thing, I always knew I was a Stuyvesant direct descendant, but never bothered to think about it much. So seeing the area and churchyard for the first time, and realizing that all that family DNA was underground, was awesome. I don’t use “awesome” much.
Eloise A., New York, NY
Dear Joyce, Thank you so much! We had an amazing time on my husband's birthday tour - he loved it. We will definitely be calling you in the future for other tours (next time we'll get a group of our friends together.) We were so impressed by your encyclopedic knowledge of NY--it seemed as though you had interesting tidbits to share about every corner we passed.
Millie W., Thousand Oaks, CA
Hi Joyce...... My sisters, Jo, Alice, Katy, Mary, Sharon, and I had a private tour with you of the Lower East Side in late July. I FINALLY finished a little digital 'scrap' album for all of us (as I've done for our other trips) and I printed an extra for you. We thought you'd get a kick out of it, too. We ALL so enjoyed our time with you......and we learned so much. We hope to make another trip to NYC and will figure out another area to cover with you.
Vicky C., Baltimore, MD
Dear Joyce, What a fascinating tour--we very much enjoyed the story of the Dutch and the British in NY, and walking among--and through!-- the great buildings of the financial giants was eerie and stunning. I loved that we could take advantage of the moment and explore a bit. You are wonderfully informative and your responses [to questions] were great. Thank you for a terrific morning.
Phyllis R., Civil War Forum of Metropolitan New York, Jamaica Estates, NY
Good Morning Joyce: Participants of the Civil War Forum of Metropolitan New York and I would like to thank you for the excellent job you did in bringing the Civil War era in NY to life. I realize how difficult it is to go back 150 years in a city that reinvents itself in a New York minute. However, with your knowledge and skill, you did it. You managed to bring the personalities, the locations and the period to "life", and for this I'd like to thank you.
Barbara L., Virginia Beach, Virginia
Joyce, What a pleasure meeting you today! Your expertise and delivery were much appreciated. Thank you so much for the historical, architectural tour filled with colorful notes of your historical data.
Carol G., New York, NY
Dear Joyce, We Vassar alums loved your High Line tour. Some had been there before but had no idea of the history, the design, the art or the anecdotes. You brought it all together for us. And your enthusiasm was contagious!
Nancy H. E., Senior Editor, major publishing house, New York NY
Dear Joyce, I really enjoyed the morning walk Saturday (Women of Washington Square). Thanks so much... I sent this email message to our department this morning!! "I'd like to recommend Joyce Gold, who gives historical walking (and vehicle) tours of various parts of NYC. Joyce is intelligent and witty. The outing was thoroughly enjoyable, and I'd recommend her to all of you! You can arrange a private tour [a friend gave her husband a tour as a birthday gift!] or join a public one."
Caren B. ‘68, New York, NY
Joyce, What a wonderful morning in Washington Square for Smith ‘68! Your knowledge and love of sharing was amazing. You were articulate, organized and funny! I came away with such a better feeling for the area.
Millie R., Thousand Oaks, CA Long Island, NY
Hi Joyce, We all got home safely and are still reeling from all of our adventures in New York. All my sisters, Jo, Alice, Katy, Mary & Sharon loved our tour (Lower East Side) and time with you. They didn't know what to expect of our tour and were AMAZED with all we saw and learned in such a short time. Thank you again for being a very special part of our New York adventure. We were talking about another city for next year but now we're talking about a return to NEW YORK! We'll definitely contact you about another tour!
Barbara R., Long Island, NY
Hi Joyce, I just want you to know that your (High Line) tour was a big hit with our bus travelers and we will certainly be informing the rest of our (garden club) membership about all that they missed!
John C., Morristown, NJ
Joyce: Thanks again for a great tour today (Central Park). Amelia and I really enjoyed it. I guarantee, you will be seeing the "11 year old with the red hair" many more times in the future. I will definitely send a note out to all of my friends and co-workers to let them know about your tours.
David S. and Marilee M., Philadelphia, PA
Hiya Joyce ... Just a note to let you know we received your summer tour brochures, here in Philly, and plan to walk around with you for several over the next few months. And, if we can, we'll be sure to schlep several others along who've heard us praise you, and your tours, for some time. (By the way, your tours make unique and memorable birthday gifts and stocking stuffers at Christmas.) Your tours really are a delightful way to spend an afternoon in New York, relaxing and stimulating at the same time. Always nice to (do) something like that -- legally!
Deborah W., New York, NY
Dear Joyce, “On behalf of our group yesterday, I want to thank you for a terrific tour (Women of Washington Square). You are not only incredibly knowledgeable, you're funny and you inspired all of us to read more and learn more. We hope to see you again and are referring you to friends as well.”
Jesse & Steve B., New York City
Dear Ms. Gold, Thank you so much for the phenomenal walking tour! I really enjoyed every aspect of it and learned so much. I speak for my brother & his family as well, when I tell you how much we enjoyed the tour. You truly succeeded in making tourists out of 5 native New Yorkers! We look forward to touring with you in the future.
Nancy B., Tony B
Joyce: I should tell you that when my husband and I talked about what we most enjoyed on our long weekend trip to NYC, we both picked the same three things. Lunch at Jean Georges Nougatine. Getting to see "A Steady Rain" with Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig. And going on your walking tour of Greenwich Village! The weather was exquiste and your stories were fascinating. We'll always remember your history tour. We are coming back to NYC for a Memorial Day visit and were wondering when you might have your 2010 schedule up on the website. Any info you might have would be of interest. We've raved about you to our friends who would like to experience one of your tours!
Chester B., New York, NY
Dear Joyce Gold, Your tour of Grand Central Terminal was absolutely marvelous. I learned a great deal, and my wife and I enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Thank you surpassing our expectations. I should mention that more than 50 years ago, I wrote a CBS Television documentary program on Grand Central Terminal, so you can see how impressed I am with you fine work.
Cory Fabian Borenstein, Program and Administrative Associate
Dear Joyce, On behalf of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, I would like to thank you for your lecture on the Women of Washington Square you gave this past Thursday. The lecture was absolutely riveting, your speaking style wonderfully enthusiastic and animated, and your knowledge extremely impressive. Everyone I spoke to gave us nothing but effusively positive feedback. It was extremely nice to see you again and I look forward to working together again soon!
Ellen G.
Dear Ms. Gold, I had always wanted to hear you lecture. I am an alumni of NYU and you were famous then. I was not disappointed at your lecture on the Notorious Women of Greenwich Village. You spoke about a wide range of people and events that lived/occured right near by but are very little spoken about in context. You held your own with difficult questions on obscure parts of history and illuminated your answers with amazing detail. I wrote all this on the comment sheet and requested a bigger hall for you to speak in next time.
E. A. (A garden club in NYC)
Dear Joyce, Our thanks to you for giving us such a splendid experience yesterday (on the High Line)! We all enjoyed your expert knowledge and how you communicated your enthusiasm about the area. Everyone was still singing your praises at today's meeting. Several women said it was the best tour they had ever been on! You are a wonderful tour guide and we look forward to having you take us on another tour in the near future.
L.L.A (A garden club in NYC)
Dear Ms. Gold, I attended your fascinating High Line Tour on Tuesday, October 6th. The women of (a garden club in NYC) were spellbound by your narrative, knowledge and charm, including myself. Next year, I would like to reserve your time on Wednesday, October 6, 2010, for an Afternoon Tour of the High Line. Guests will be members of the Class of '62 at (her college). I am very enthusiastic about sharing your expertise on the occasion of our Pre-50th Reunion!
M.F., VP Strategic Marketing, Tourism Ireland
Joyce, I want to thank you so much for agreeing to organize a tour of Historic New York for the visiting members of (an association) of Ireland. We gave you only short notice, but you were able to tailor make a tour to serve the groups' exact needs and interests. The feedback from the group is that you were excellent in every way. They were delighted at the level of information you were able to provide on the connections between New York history and Ireland - especially Northern Ireland. All in all, your skill in managing the group, the depth of knowledge you displayed and your ability to deliver on the groups' specific needs were tremendous. We are extremely grateful to you and assure you that we will recommend your services to any other visiting groups that contact us. It was great to work with you.
Howard S., New York, NY
Hi Joyce - You are awesome! Just a quick "thanks" for our (private) Greenwich Village tour. I really enjoyed it and my out-of-town guests did as well. You are a fantastic guide to this wonderful city. I hope we'll work together again. All best,
Jane M., Melrose, Mass.
Dear Joyce, I thoroughly enjoyed myself last Saturday and plan to take your other tours whenever I visit. Getting inside (Gramercy) Park for just a few moments was an unbeatable and unrepeatable treat! Lucky us. I just wanted to let you know that I'm reading Time and Again on your recommendation. What a fun and fascinating read. And the Red Map I used all last weekend is at my elbow.
John C. (Tour Company)
Joyce: Just a short note to tell you how much everyone enjoyed the Harlem tour on April 23. I had many people who went out of their way to tell me how much they enjoyed the itinerary and the commentary. You obviously enjoy what you do and are very knowledgeable about the various neighborhoods in New York City.
Beth P., Seattle, Washington
Joyce, I want to thank you for another great tour of a NYC neighborhood. My girl friends and I had a great time on the Central Park tour, and it was a great way to end my birthday weekend in New York. We always look forward to our tours with you as they are informative and enjoyable. Thank you for being a regular part of our New York experience!
Tricia F., Little Rock, Arkansas
Hi Joyce, Thank you again for your fantastic (private) tour of Grand Central. Everyone absolutely raved about you, your knowledge and your wonderful presentation! I am looking forward to my next tour with you. With much appreciation and gratitude from not only me, but also all the other GCA zone chairmen!
Jenneta W., Utah
Hi Joyce. First and foremost, I am completely thrilled with your tours. My friends and I went with you on the haunted tour (Macabre Greenwich Village) and had a blast. I was wondering, however, if you happen to have your summer schedule out. I live in Utah and will be there at the first of June. If not, I will happily await the arrival of the summer schedule, it would just be nice to plan. Thank you so much.
C. M., NY, NY
I'm a great fan of yours, having taken your NYU classes and many public tours. Thanks for all you have given me...I have a love of NYC history that knows no bounds because of you.
L.T., NY, NY
Dear Joyce, A couple years ago, I began taking part in your (public) walking tours and you ignited in me a love and appreciation for NYC history. I am currently an assistant 2nd grade teacher at (a private school in NYC) and we are about to begin our immigration unit. ... I was wondering if you lead tours for children. ...(A) tour ... would ideally serve as a way to celebrate the end of our unit. ..
L.R., NY, NY (national academic organization)
Joyce, Just a note to say how much everyone enjoyed the (private) tour of Washington Square. I had such positive feedback and all want to know what we are doing next. We will have to see what plans the group makes at the January yearly planning meeting. It was great and all appreciated how interesting you made it- wonderful! Lunch at Gene's was perfect. Everyone loved it and some are planning a return trip, so thanks for that great tip. Hope the rest of the season goes well for you.
B. S. (national philanthropic organization)
Hi Joyce, I just wanted to let you know how much my group enjoyed the (private) tour of the Gramercy area this afternoon. I'm sure we will be back for some more of your tours. We all commented how impressed we were with your ability to provide great information and add some humor and "fun" facts...i.e, Whoopie G. and Joy Behar, etc., along with all the history of the area...
N.R., NY, NY
Hi Joyce, First I would like to thank you for a most interesting and thrilling afternoon you provided while leading a recent 'History of Harlem' (public) tour I was fortunate enough to attend. I think there are very few people I've spoken to since then who have not had to listen to my exciting experience learning such intricate details previously unknown to this life long New Yorker.
L.D. Pert, Western Australia
Hi Joyce I have been meaning to email for some time to give you some feedback about the (public) walking tour you guided through Harlem back on May 3. My friend and I enjoyed it very much and found it the best tour we attended whilst in the US. We would definitely highly recommend your tours to any of our friends headed to New York. I particularly liked your willingness to field questions of a general nature - as a first time visitor to New York, this was very helpful. Also, on your recommendation, I read Erik Larson's "Devil in the White City" and loved it so much I've also read "Isaac's Storm" and "Thunderstruck" by the same author.
J.D.
Hello. My mother, husband, and I took your (public) tour of Grand Central Station. I will definitely come back to one of your tours and also recommend you on Fodors.com. My mother (83 years old) was so interested in the quote you gave about Grand Central that she remembers hearing on the radio. ...
B.B. Albany, NY
Hello Joyce, I am one of the gals from the (group of friends) writing to thank you for the superb (private) tour you gave us yesterday. I had never heard of "Hell's Kitchen" prior to your tour but now, thanks to your history and geography lessons, I am going to venture forth and speak to a co-worker who lived in NYC for several years about the area. I'm sure I'll have some stories and items of great interest to share with her... We want to do a Soho tour in the Fall and we're looking forward to seeing you then.
M. L., NY, NY
Thanks for a wonderful (public) tour of Harlem on Sunday. I had taken two Harlem tours before yours, and I still learned a great deal.
E. V., New York, NY
Good Afternoon Ms. Gold, I just wanted to take a quick moment to thank you for taking good care of Mr. & Mrs. A.last Friday. They absolutely loved the (private) tour of Harlem. Mrs. A.even told me that she wants to return to New York and take another tour with you. When she does return I will make sure to set it up for her. I want you to know that we at (high-end time share company) are going to make you our number one preferred vendor for tours. I work with 4 other Hosts here in New York and I am going to give them your website/email and other contact information for future tours. At our home office ... we are going to list you as our first choice for all future members visiting to New York who want a walking tour...
Recommendation to networking group members
Janet A. (metropolitan networking group)
Joyce is a wealth of information about the City we love. She has both public and private tours and last evening she wet our appetite with wonderful old slides in Fred's office. Go to her website www.joycegoldhistorytours.com and while the weather is nice treat yourself to a lovely day with Joyce.
From Gotham City Networking
Dr. Gerry G.
Tonight was one of those Gotham magical moments. Joyce Gold (led) several hearty Gothamites and their guests on an amazing tour of Greenwich Village. Her tour literally flew by, leaving us all wishing for another hour or two. Not even a short downpour could dampen our spirits.
Phyllis Anne N.
Joyce you made my husband and I look really good to our guests as they were very grateful that we invited them to join us. I am sure we will be joining other tours and that our friends will also be recommending you to their many associates and guests.
Cayce C.
I must chime in and join the crowd to say what a wonderful experience my sweetheart & I had last night with Joyce Gold. The stories of Larry Kramer yelling at Ed Koch (deservedly so), Eleanor Roosevelt on the 5th Avenue bus, a man living in the Washington Sq. arch, the significance of 1911 & 911, walking on a grave yard, the hanging tree, and on and on. Joyce is a repository of interesting, historic, and amusing tales of the city and we could have listened for many more hours. And let's not forget the "villager" who told us all we were idiots and should go "F#$% ourselves!" You could fall in love with New York again & again...
Buzz & Beth P., Bellevue, WA
Thank you for another great walking tour! We always look forward to our time with you, learning so much about the neighborhood we are visiting. We look forward to seeing you again!
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About Us
Joyce Gold History Tours of New York offers exceptional walking tours and vehicle tours of Manhattan’s famous and historic neighborhoods. These tours are fun, insightful, and memorable experiences. You can join a scheduled Public Tour or plan your own Private Tour. Either way, you'll discover how the city's fascinating past illuminates its vibrant life today. Joyce Gold, a recognized expert and historical raconteur of New York history, has been guiding New Yorkers and visitors alike for over 25 years.