Founded in 1863, the Brooklyn Historical Society, BHS, is a nationally renowned urban history center dedicated to the exploration and preservation of documents, artwork and artifacts representative of Brooklyn's diverse cultures past and present. BHS provides access to its unparalleled collection through extensive educational programs, exhibits, neighborhood history guides, community outreach and its distinctive Brooklyn Walks and Talks series. BHS's board and staff are dedicated to creating programming that helps Brooklynites young and old develop pride in their own cultural traditions while fostering an appreciation for their neighbors' differences and similarities.