Three generations of family took this delightful tour--from 11 years to 75 years. The kids love Broadway (looking at you, Hamilton) and the grandparents love history--the parents love for both of the other pairs to be happy. The walking wasn't too difficult for either end of the age spectrum--in fact we did lots of sitting in the shade, too. Bruce is a priceless New Yorker and completely fascinated us with a thorough and profound knowledge of revolutionary Manhattan. I think he absolutely under-charges for his tours. Very highly recommended! Yes, I did post this review on other platforms. Who is going to write different reviews every time? read more

Revolutionary Tours NYC - Hamilton's NYSE - Historical Tours Near Me

I love true-blue, real New Yorkers. They are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met in all of my years living there. Real New Yorkers are those who call the city their home, make her their home, and love her with all of their heart. Bruce is as New York in kindness of heart, deep thinking of mind, and generosity of spirit as they come. This is important to say because this tour is not only about Hamilton (and the monstrous success that is Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical) or Washington. This is a tour about New York and the influence these men had on molding her into who she has become. Almost analogous to Nora Ephron having NYC as a character in her films but just not corny (this coming from me who has watched You've Got Mail at least 25 times!). We took this tour in Sept 2017 and met in front of the US Customs House (today it's the home of the National Museum of the American Indian). This building is right opposite Bowling Green station. Bruce's website gives a nice overview of what you will see/discuss so I recommend reading the description so you have a general idea in your mind and then let the tour immerse you in history through his wonderful storytelling. I especially liked that Bruce walked us through a high-level chronological order of events. My personal favorite moments: -seeing a "3D" map of the city I would never have seen on my own -learning more about Eliza Schuyler Hamilton and her role in history and in Hamilton's life (the Smithsonian even published an article on her saying she is deserving of a musical of her own!) http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/why-elizabeth-hamilton-deserving-musical-her-own-180958214/ -Washington as a leader and his learnings from the Battle of Brooklyn/Battle of Long Island -Mother Nature's influence on helping the Patriots -the relationship between Hamilton and Burr. This tour is one of my favorites of all the ones I have taken in countless cities. Thank you Bruce for such a wonderful and knowledge-filled September 2017 day! read more

Revolutionary Tours NYC - The Hamiltons' resting site in Trinity Church Cemetary - Historical Tours Near Me

First, we are locals, meaning we are New Yorkers and from Brooklyn to be exact and I always want to know more about my hometown. I saw this pop up in Goldstar and thought it was very interesting because we are history buffs. I brought three tickets but the very last min I couldn't go so the following review is base on what my husband and my 16 yo son told me. " We were so intrigued and learned so much from the tour. We didn't think there's anymore we could learn but Bruce really gave so much knowledge to this tour that we were so happy that we came on this tour. Tbh, my wife bought the tickets and we were just going to tag along with her but at the last min she couldn't go so we went without her. She sure missed out on a wonderful tour and Bruce is top notch historian! We can't wait to take his other tours." read more

I live on the upper east side and decided to take this little adventure on my staycation. Brice is so knowledgeable and the tour was great. He showed us show real gems in the north part of Central Park. GREAT for someone like me who lives here!!! read more

Bruce is knowledgable and engaging and taught all of us so much about more than just the relationship between Hamilton and Washington. Fascinating stories about the spies, women, and African American heroes of the revolution gave this native New Yorker a fresh look at the Revolutionary history in downtown Manhattan. The time flew by! read more

It was far better than I expected! I learned so much. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and engaging!! I will recommend this to everyone I know! read more

If you like US history you will love it after taking the Hamilton Washington tour with Bruce. He is engaging, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and he makes this important history come alive. Bruce captured and conveyed the angst, wisdom, and elegance of Washington and Hamilton, and the dynamic and strained relationships Hamilton had with some of the other key founding fathers. You will be moved, touched and inspired from this tour as it provides the perspective of the founding fathers which is so relevant today. read more

I live near NYC and have done a handful of Central Park tours, but this one is the BEST I've experienced. Despite the overcast, chilly day, our tour guide (and company owner) Bruce entertained and educated us on the history, and shard many stories, about the upper portion of Central Park. Bruce's knowledge is deep and his wonderful storytelling style kept our small group engaged. We peppered him with questions and enjoyed his commentary (and his amazing photographs) on the building/shaping of Central Park, its role in the Revolutionary War, little known facts about the park and its various occupants (sqatters, armies) and he divulged many "secrets" about the park that I didn't know (and I know a lot already!). Check out the gardens at the top of the park (105th St near Harlem Meer)--I never knew they existed and when spring comes they will be in full bloom. (I can't wait to return). There are lots of tours of Central Park--some are free--but this one really brought Central Park 'alive' for me. It's also a longer tour (2.5 hrs) so you can delve deeper into the history and the wonders of the upper park. Can't wait to do his DUMBO (Brooklyn) tour. read more

Revolutionary Tours NYC - Crabapple trees in upper Central Park, soon will bloom! - Historical Tours Near Me

If you want to know the real history behind the musical Hamilton, this tour is for you. Bruce is incredibly knowledgeable and considerate. You can tell that he is truly passionate about history and his job which makes the tour even more interesting. It takes about three hours but there are opportunities to sit down if you need to. I would love to take this tour again - I am so much more interested in the Revolutionary War now! Thanks Bruce!! read more

Took this tour today, and really enjoyed it. This tour is run by a very knowledgable historian named Bruce, a born and bred New Yorker who is absolutely passionate about history. I lived in NYC for five years more than a decade ago, and now that I recently moved back, am exploring some corners I didn't know very well. Downtown NY (Wall Street and south) is one of them - I knew it was the first capital of the US, but not much more. Now I understand so much more about not only NY history, but in particular about the early days of US history. I haven't yet seen the musical Hamilton, and to be honest, didn't know much about Alexander Hamilton. I learned so much, and am more eager than ever to see the show. I appreciated that Bruce was so enthusiastic about the subject of the tour. Highly recommend. read more

This was a fantastic tour of the Revolutionary War world of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Filled with information even for the most casual history fan. Bruce was thoroughly prepared and made history come alive. I recommend this tour highly read more

We live on the Upper East Side but decided to learn more about New York during the time of The Revolution and Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us about things in the city that we've walked by before without knowing their importance or history. For three hours we walked the downtown area and heard about the Battle of Brooklyn, saw where George Washington was inaugurated and even Trinity Church where many important figures are buried including Alexander and Eliza Hamilton. The tour was a great way to spend an afternoon whether you're visiting from out of town or just want to learn more about our wonderful city from someone who really knows what they're talking about! Thanks for the great afternoon Bruce! read more

I really enjoyed the Central Park walking tour led by Bruce Racond. He is super-duper knowledgeable about the park (and has a genuine passion for the beauty and history of the park), and showed us interesting photos and read us quotes by various influencers of the planning and building of the park. Plus, we got some great exercise since there were a few physically stimulating "hikes" up hills and through the woods and what-not. We got lucky on the day of my tour with gorgeous warm weather in early November. The pace of the tour was just about perfect. Everyone seemed satisfied, but I'm a shutter-bug, so I had to be quick with my camera as we moved along some areas. But hey, I can always go back (now that I know all of the secret places) and take all the time I want. Bruce is respectful of the group's time and does his best to adhere to the 2-1/2 hours for the tour. Bruce was especially responsive to the emails I sent to him confirming the location of the meeting place (his contact info is included in the confirmation once you reserve your ticket(s). He's a real gem and I'll likely go on his other tours too. read more

Thanks to Bruce, Washington and Hamilton have a few less secrets! A New Yorker whose humor and story telling made history come alive. I would do it again in a New York minute!! Sherrie T. read more

Did the "Through the Eyes of Hamilton and Washington" tour with Bruce as guide .. Thought I kind of knew my history but learned sooo much .. hung on his every word... Have been on many tours.. this is one of my favorite of all time ! read more