May is lower east side history month!

Celebrating Our Neighborhood’s Diverse History

Essex Market has been a fixture on the Lower East Side since the 19th century when it began as a covered market on Grand Street between Essex and Ludlow streets. The market’s identity has always shaped by the Lower East Side’s history as an immigrant neighborhood, and people from all over the world have served as both the vendors and the customers. Beyond its intended purpose as a fresh food destination, the market has also become a gathering place where Lower East Siders can come to connect and build community.

We are proud to be part of the Lower East Side for the last 100+ years, and for many more years to come. Though in a new home at Essex Crossing, Essex Market continues to be a public market, allowing vendors the same opportunity to continue serving residents – old and new – with fresh, high-quality and specialty foods. Please join us in celebrating the Lower East Side by attending one of our free virtual programs throughout the month of May.

EVENTS

ABOUT LES HISTORY MONTH

Lower East Side History Month is an annual celebration of the rich and diverse history of the Lower East Side.

Each year in May, Lower East Side cultural and community groups, small businesses, and residents come together to create a variety of public events, exhibits, tours, and learning opportunities. Conceived and launched in 2014 by Downtown Art and FABnyc in partnership with LES-based cultural and community groups, LES History Month aims to connect our present to our past, exploring how our history can inform and inspire our future.