Henry Street Settlement in Manhattan stands as a beacon of social service and community development, with a rich history spanning over 125 years. Founded on the principles of compassionate care and social reform, Henry Street has been at the forefront of addressing the needs of the Lower East Side and beyond. This timeline explores the remarkable journey of this institution, highlighting its pivotal moments and enduring impact on individuals and communities.
The Early Years: Settling In and Setting the Standard (1893-1909)
The story of Henry Street Settlement begins with Lillian Wald, a nurse with a profound commitment to social justice. In 1893, Wald “settled in” on the Lower East Side, driven by a desire to provide care for the impoverished residents of this densely populated immigrant neighborhood. This marked the inception of a philosophy that would define Henry Street: a holistic approach to community service, prioritizing the well-being of children, families, and the underserved.
Two years later, in 1895, Wald’s vision took a more permanent form when she moved to 265 Henry Street. This pivotal moment was made possible by philanthropist Jacob Schiff, who gifted the property, recognizing the significance of Wald’s work. Schiff ensured the building was repaired and furnished, providing a stable base for the burgeoning settlement.
As the 20th century dawned, Henry Street’s influence expanded. By 1902, the Settlement incorporated additional buildings at 299, 301, and 303 Henry Street, demonstrating its growing reach and the increasing demand for its services. This expansion included the addition of a gymnasium, recognizing the importance of physical well-being alongside social and health initiatives.
Henry Street Settlement buildings at 265-267 Henry Street, national historic landmarks, showcasing the Settlement's original buildings.
Understanding the crucial role of safe spaces for children in crowded urban environments, Henry Street opened one of New York City’s earliest playgrounds in its backyard in 1902. This innovative initiative provided a refuge for children who were otherwise relegated to the dangerous city streets for recreation.
Further demonstrating its commitment to community health, Henry Street pioneered public health nursing in New York City. In 1902, the Settlement funded the salary for the city’s first public school nurse. The resounding success of this initiative quickly convinced the Board of Education to formally establish school nurses within the public education system, a testament to Henry Street’s impactful advocacy.
Expanding its reach beyond the immediate neighborhood, Henry Street launched its first summer camps in 1908-9. Camp Henry for boys and Echo Hill Farm for girls offered underprivileged children opportunities for respite and recreation outside the city, further embodying the Settlement’s dedication to holistic child development.
Expanding Services and Cultural Impact (1915-1946)
The second decade of the 20th century saw Henry Street deepen its cultural and community engagement. In 1915, the Lewisohn sisters, prominent supporters of the arts, established The Neighborhood Playhouse. This “Little Theater,” one of the first in New York City, became a cultural hub, showcasing works by influential playwrights like Shaw, Joyce, and Dunsany between 1915 and 1927. Now known as the Harry De Jur Playhouse, this theater remains an integral part of Henry Street, continuing to host a wide array of arts programs.
Music education gained prominence in 1927 with the opening of the Henry Street Music School. Over the decades, the school has become a celebrated institution, hosting countless concerts and operas and nurturing thousands of musicians, enriching the cultural landscape of the city.
In 1930, Lillian Wald, after decades of visionary leadership, retired from her position and became Director Emeritus. Her successor, Helen Hall, formerly of the University Settlement in Philadelphia, took the helm in 1933, continuing the Settlement’s commitment to community service and innovation.
Addressing economic vulnerabilities within the community, Settlement members initiated the Credit Union in 1937 to combat predatory loan practices. This initiative provided a vital financial resource for neighborhood residents, issuing over $3 million in loans over the years and fostering financial stability within the Lower East Side.
The Homeplanning Workshop, established in 1940, emerged as an innovative program within the newly constructed Vladeck Housing projects. It offered residents and community members a space to learn practical skills like furniture and appliance repair, clothing making, and shoe mending. This program, one of the earliest of its kind in public housing facilities in New York City, continues to serve the community today, empowering individuals with self-sufficiency.
As Henry Street’s impact grew, so did its specialized services. In 1944, the Visiting Nurse Service of the Settlement, which had originated from Lillian Wald’s initial work, separated to become the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, evolving into an independent organization with a city-wide reach.
Recognizing the growing need for mental health support, Henry Street established the Mental Hygiene Clinic in 1946, now known as the Community Consultation Center (CCC). This pioneering clinic was among the first in the nation to bring psychiatric care directly to the community. Today, the CCC serves over 500 individuals annually, providing crucial mental health services.
Serving New Generations and Addressing Evolving Needs (1952-1970)
The post-war era saw Henry Street adapting to the changing needs of the Lower East Side community. In 1952, Henry Street alumni founded the Good Companions Senior Program, driven by a desire to provide companionship and activities for the elderly. This program became a federal pilot project in 1967, demonstrating the effectiveness of multipurpose senior centers. Its success directly contributed to federal legislation that funded nutrition centers for seniors nationwide, showcasing Henry Street’s influence on national social policy.
The arts continued to flourish at Henry Street. In 1954, a young choreographer named Paul Taylor presented his first public performance, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Settlement. Taylor, who would become a leading figure in American modern dance, began his celebrated career on the Henry Street stage, highlighting the Settlement’s role as an incubator for artistic talent.
Addressing social challenges of the time, Henry Street played a key role in creating the experimental Mobilization for Youth program in 1957. This initiative brought together Lower East Side resources to combat juvenile delinquency, laying the groundwork for federal poverty programs in the 1960s and demonstrating Henry Street’s proactive approach to social issues.
Operation Athlete, founded in 1967, focused on expanding opportunities for young people through education and sports. This program helps young men and women gain access to college through academic preparation and athletic scholarships. To date, over 1,000 young people have benefited from Operation Athlete, reflecting Henry Street’s commitment to youth empowerment.
In the same year, the UPS Community Internship Program began, bringing managers from across the country to live and work at Henry Street. This immersive program provided corporate leaders with firsthand experience of urban issues, fostering a deeper understanding of community challenges.
Leadership transitions continued as Bertram Beck succeeded Helen Hall as Director of Henry Street Settlement in 1967, bringing new perspectives to the organization. The Day Care Center opened in 1968, catering to the diverse families of the Lower East Side and providing early learning and enrichment for young children, further expanding the Settlement’s family-focused services.
The Henry Street Oldtimers, the Settlement’s alumni group, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 1968 with a gala honoring songwriter Sammy Cahn, a former Settlement participant. This event, emceed by Jack Benny and featuring prominent guests, showcased the deep connections and lasting impact of Henry Street on individuals’ lives.
The Pioneer Counselor in Training Program at Camp Henry was also established in 1968, focusing on leadership development, community service, and job skills for young men, reinforcing the Settlement’s dedication to comprehensive youth development.
Expanding its services to vulnerable populations, Henry Street launched the Housekeeping Service in 1969 to assist frail elderly and disabled individuals in maintaining their independence at home. This program, which later expanded to serve people with HIV/AIDS in 1991, underscored the Settlement’s commitment to inclusive and responsive care.
A significant milestone was reached in 1969 when Henry Street received its first housekeeping contract from the New York City Department of Social Services. This allowed the Settlement to provide homemaker assistance to Medicaid clients in Manhattan, solidifying its role as a key provider of essential social services in the borough.
The New Federal Theatre, a vital force in American theater, was founded in 1970 by Woodie King, Jr., with initial funding from Henry Street Settlement and the New York State Council on the Arts. Launching its first season in the basement of St. Augustine’s Church on Henry Street, the theater’s administrative offices remain there today, marking another significant cultural contribution of the Settlement.
Addressing Homelessness and Expanding Arts and Community Engagement (1972-1993)
The 1970s saw Henry Street tackle emerging social challenges, particularly homelessness. The Urban Family Center (UFC), established in 1972, became one of the first transitional housing facilities for homeless families in the nation. To date, UFC has assisted over 5,000 families in securing permanent housing, demonstrating its profound impact on combating family homelessness in New York City.
The Arts for Living Center, now the Louis Abrons Arts Center, was dedicated in 1975. Attended by First Lady Betty Ford and other dignitaries, the Center was groundbreaking as one of the first arts facilities designed specifically for a predominantly low-income population, reinforcing Henry Street’s commitment to accessible arts and culture.
Henry Street Settlement buildings at 265-267 Henry Street, national historic landmarks, showcasing the Settlement's original buildings.
In 1976, a significant recognition of Henry Street’s historical importance occurred when 263-265-267 Henry Street, the Settlement’s original buildings, were declared national historic landmarks, preserving its physical legacy for future generations.
Addressing the critical issue of domestic violence, one of New York City’s first publicly funded battered women’s shelters opened under the auspices of the Urban Family Center in 1977, further expanding the Settlement’s social safety net.
Danny Kronenfeld was appointed executive director of Henry Street Settlement in 1985, continuing the tradition of strong leadership. The Shelter Management Training program, now the Center for Training, was launched in 1986, leveraging the Urban Family Center’s expertise to train workers in shelters, and later expanding to serve managers of public housing facilities in 1991.
As the AIDS crisis emerged, Henry Street was designated the official provider of AIDS Mental Health Services for the Lower East Side by New York City’s Department of Mental Health in 1987, demonstrating its responsiveness to urgent community health needs.
Henry Street became the New York City sponsor of the national Senior Companions program in 1988, further strengthening its services for the elderly. In 1989, the Urban Family Center gained international recognition when Diana, Princess of Wales, visited and commended it as a highly effective program for homeless families, bringing global attention to Henry Street’s work.
In 1992, then-Governor Bill Clinton visited Henry Street, highlighting the Settlement’s significance on a national stage. He later referenced his visit during his presidential nomination acceptance speech, further amplifying the organization’s profile.
Henry Street Settlement celebrated its centennial, 100 years of service and innovation, in 1993, marking a century of commitment to the Lower East Side community.
Continuing Innovation and Community Partnership (1994-2010)
The Settlement entered its second century with renewed vigor and continued adaptation to community needs. The Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) program, Vladeck Cares NORC, was established in 1994. It provided case management, nursing services, and group activities to elderly residents of the Vladeck Houses, enabling them to age safely in their homes, demonstrating a proactive approach to senior care within public housing.
In 1997, Henry Street assumed management of the Boys’ Brotherhood Republic, renaming it Boys and Girls Republic (BGR). Originally founded in response to juvenile delinquency in the 1930s, BGR’s youth-led self-governance model empowered young participants to shape their own community, reflecting Henry Street’s commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.
The Housekeeping program expanded to Brooklyn in 2000, extending services to Russian-speaking clients and hiring bilingual staff to better serve this growing community, demonstrating the Settlement’s adaptability to evolving demographics.
Henry Street became a subcontractor for the Children’s Aid Society in 2000, facilitating enrollment in Child Health Plus, New York State’s health insurance program for children, further broadening access to healthcare for underserved families.
The Community Consultation Center received the William Charet Award in 2000 from the New York City Department of Mental Health, recognizing its excellence and leadership in mental health services. In 2001, Larraine Ahto, CCC clinic director, received the New York State Office of Mental Health Lifetime Achievement Award, further highlighting the center’s significant contributions.
In 2002, the Arts in Education coordinators received the Coming Taller Award from the President’s Committee of the Arts and Humanities for the Abrons Arts Center’s Architecture and Design/Community Arts Project, showcasing the national recognition of its arts education programs. Verona Middleton-Jeter was named executive director of Henry Street Settlement in 2002, bringing new leadership to the organization.
The Workforce Development Center, a state-of-the-art facility offering comprehensive employment services and adult basic education, officially opened in 2003 at 99 Essex Street. This center became a vital resource for job seekers in the Lower East Side, equipped with modern technology and resources.
The Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC), a walk-in service at the Community Consultation Center, opened in 2004 to serve clients impacted by 9/11 and to provide accessible housing, financial, legal, crisis counseling, and advocacy services, demonstrating the Settlement’s responsiveness to community crises.
In 2005, Henry Street partnered with the State University of New York Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking (ATTAIN) labs to provide free, comprehensive computer lessons to the community, bridging the digital divide.
The Settlement implemented its first Strategic Plan in 2006, a five-year plan designed to strengthen infrastructure, invest in staff, and streamline services, demonstrating a commitment to organizational excellence and sustainability. Henry Street reorganized its services into four clusters: Health and Wellness, Youth and Workforce Development, Transitional and Supportive Housing, and Visual and Performing Arts (Abrons Arts Center), enhancing program coherence and focus.
The Lower East Side Employment Network (LESEN), a partnership between Henry Street Settlement, University Settlement, and Community Advisory Board 3, was founded in 2006 to enrich the local economy by connecting local job seekers with employers, fostering community-based economic development.
Henry Street opened a new supported permanent housing residence at 290 East Third Street in 2007, providing 52 efficiency apartments for single adults, primarily for individuals with a history of homelessness and mental health challenges, expanding its supportive housing capacity.
In 2008, The Art Show, a vital fundraiser for the Settlement, celebrated its 20th anniversary, raising over $1.5 million to support Henry Street programs, underscoring the importance of arts philanthropy for the organization’s sustainability. Henry Street and Lillian Wald were featured in The Jewish Americans, a PBS documentary, highlighting their significant contributions to American history and society.
In 2009, Henry Street’s Expanded Horizons program achieved a remarkable milestone: all of its nearly 100 high school seniors were admitted to college, many to their first-choice schools with financial aid, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in college preparation and access.
David Garza, chief administrator of Henry Street’s Workforce Development Center, was named the new executive director in 2010, succeeding Verona Middleton-Jeter and bringing new leadership to guide the Settlement into its next chapter.
Landmark Recognition and Continued Community Growth (2011-2022)
The 2010s and early 2020s brought further recognition and expansion for Henry Street Settlement. In 2011, the Harry De Jur Playhouse was designated a New York City landmark, solidifying its cultural and historical significance. The New York Times hailed the Abrons Arts Center as a “contemporary performance hotbed,” acknowledging its contemporary artistic impact.
In 2012, Henry Street played a crucial role in restoring city funding that had been proposed for cuts, ensuring the continuation of vital programs, demonstrating its advocacy for community resources. Henry Street and Lillian Wald were featured in Activist New York, an exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York, highlighting their roles in shaping the city’s social landscape.
The Urban Family Center marked its 40th anniversary in 2012, celebrating four decades of service as America’s first family shelter. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 presented significant challenges, but Henry Street responded by providing extensive relief efforts, distributing meals, water, and blankets, opening warming centers, and offering crisis counseling and financial assistance, reinforcing its role as a community anchor during crises.
In 2013, Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio announced his appointment of Gladys Carrión as commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services at a press conference held at Henry Street Settlement, acknowledging the Settlement’s historical and ongoing importance in addressing the needs of children and families.
The Lower East Side Employment Network (LESEN) continued its work in 2014, prioritizing local residents for job opportunities in new Lower East Side developments, strengthening community economic empowerment. The Abrons Arts Center won a prestigious Obie Award in 2014, recognizing its excellence in Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway theater and nurturing of innovative new plays and artists.
Ruth Taube, director of the Home Planning Workshop, gained wider recognition in 2015, being profiled as a “New Yorker of the Week” and featured on the Cooking Channel show My Grandmother’s Ravioli, showcasing the diverse talents and contributions within Henry Street. The Abrons Arts Center celebrated the 100th anniversary of its Playhouse in 2015, marking a century of cultural impact and innovation.
First Lady of New York City Chirlane McCray visited Henry Street twice in 2015, touring its headquarters and Workforce Development Center, and visiting a School Based Mental Health Program, highlighting the Settlement’s continued relevance and partnerships with city leaders.
Henry Street launched the Community Advisory Board (CAB) in 2015 to directly respond to the needs of program participants and Lower East Side residents, fostering community voice and participation.
In 2017, Henry Street received $8.4 million from the Manhattan District Attorney to create a Youth Opportunity Hub on the Lower East Side, aiming to prevent youth involvement in the criminal justice system through comprehensive support services. The Settlement also received a competitive grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to support The House on Henry Street, a multi-platform project exploring social activism, urban poverty, and public health through Henry Street’s history.
Henry Street joyously marked its 125th anniversary throughout 2018, opening The House on Henry Street exhibition and launching various community engagement initiatives to commemorate this milestone. In 2019, a newly recovered guestbook belonging to Lillian Wald, featuring inscriptions from prominent figures, was returned to Henry Street and highlighted in The New York Times, further enriching the Settlement’s historical narrative.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered operations, but Henry Street quickly adapted, reimagining programs to operate safely and launching emergency initiatives like cash assistance, food access programs, and a helpline, demonstrating its resilience and commitment to community support during crisis.
In 2021, Henry Street received one of its largest donations ever, enabling the expansion of youth programming during the pandemic, underscoring the critical need for youth support during challenging times. The New York State Historic Preservation Office designated Henry Street Settlement as an LGBT historic site, recognizing Lillian Wald’s significant relationships and their role in the Settlement’s history.
In 2022, Henry Street launched “Hope & Resilience on the COVID Frontlines,” an oral history project documenting the experiences of frontline staff, program participants, and residents during the pandemic, capturing a crucial chapter in the Settlement’s history. The Urban Family Center celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, marking five decades of service as a pioneering family shelter.
Henry Street Settlement continues to evolve and innovate, remaining a vital anchor in the Lower East Side community. From its origins with Lillian Wald to its current leadership and diverse programs, Henry Street’s unwavering commitment to social justice, community empowerment, and accessible services ensures its enduring legacy in Manhattan and beyond.
