The history of the Gowanus Canal–from its natural origins as a tidal estuary to its creation as a navigable, man-made waterway and sewer–can be viewed as a microscope for following the rise and fall of the industrial age in America, as well as the city of New York.

Joseph Alexiou will discuss some of the earliest uses of Gowanus land, how it became a site of controversy in the mid-19th century, and the parallels between the real estate issues of today.

A journalist and history nerd, Joseph Alexiou works as an Associate Editor at Time Out New York and is writing a book on the history of the Gowanus Canal. He also likes France, looseleaf tea, old buildings, and vocal harmony.

Event details: November 12, 2014, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM,  at FIND Furnishings (43 9th St., between Smith St. and 2nd Ave.) in Brooklyn.

The event is free, please register here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/lecture-the-rise-fall-of-the-gowanus-canal-tickets-13436622299