Riley is a native-born, lifelong New York City resident, and has always had a passion for the city's history and culture. She holds a BA with Honors from Hunter College of the City University of New York and an MA from Columbia University; she currently teaches History at Queens College CUNY, and has taught Religious Studies at Hunter College CUNY, and Social Justice at Bloomfield College in NJ. Growing up as an actress on the New York stage she learned the joy of entertaining and discovered a flair for storytelling, and she continues to find these pleasures in guiding both visitors and residents in exploring her city. Riley will share with you the "must-see" attractions of the city, and introduce you to its hidden, less-known treasures and stories. Explore the city with her by foot, bicycle, subway, car, or coach. New York City is an immeasurably rich resource for visual and performing art, social and political history, and popular culture. Choose one of her tours, or design your own based on your passions and interests. Whether this is your first visit or your fiftieth, Riley will help you discover more of the many facets of this great City.
I am happy to design custom tours according to your needs and interests. Some of my special interest tours:
The Gymnasium of the Mind: Chess in New York
Central Park: It's For the Birds!
Queer Village: LGBTQ history in Greenwich Village
The High Line and Environs: A unique slice of old and new New York
Let me design one just for you!