Joe-for-Facebook-2

Joe

Rosenberg

35 years of experience
New York
Afghanistan

Contact Options

About

Founder (1988) and President of V.I.P. Tours of New York

Architecture and Theatre Historian

NYC licensed tour guide.

One of the first graduates of New York City’s Advanced Tour-Guide Enhancement Course. 

Co-founder and former President of the New York Historic Districts Council.  During my tenure as President, I was in large part responsible for the NYC landmark designation of approximately 10 Historic Districts including SoHo, the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side, and Brooklyn’s Fort Greene, Prospect Park South, and Ditmas Park.

Former chair of the Landmarks Committee of the Brooklyn Heights Association, one of New York’s most powerful neighborhood associations — during my tenure I was responsible for the NYC Historic District designation of the Brooklyn artists’ neighborhood now called “Dumbo”

I guided “The Showpeople’s Committee to Save Radio City Music Hall,” in its quest to obtain the NYC Landmark designation of Radio City, thereby preventing its impending demolition.

I was in large part responsible for the NYC landmark designation of the New Amsterdam Theatre, which later was leased and renovated by Disney for the world premiere of “The Lion King” and most of its future Broadway shows.

Co-founder, with Actor’s Equity, of “Save Theatres, Inc.” which fought for the landmark designations of 35 Broadway Theatres

I was in large part responsible for saving the theatres on 42nd Street, along with the NYC landmark designations of the Beacon Theatre and Town Hall

Active member, with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, in the battle to save Grand Central Terminal, which was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court

Long-term Board member of the League of Historic American Theatres, dedicated to the restoration and re-use of historic theatres throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Recipient of The League of Historic American Theatres’ “Lifetime Achievement Award,” for contributions to the theatre preservation movement.

Long-term National Conference planner each year for both the Theatre Historical Society of America and for the League of Historic American Theatres

Original creator of “Discover Broadway,” the Official Tour of Broadway, sponsored by the League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc. (now The Broadway League).

Original co-creator of the Art and Architecture Tour for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

For more than 30 years, I’ve brought Board Members and Patrons of regional and historic theatres to New York for behind-the-scenes theatre tours which result in cultivating bonds between the theatre and its financial supporters.

These tours were expanded to include other cities, in particular London, San Francisco, Edinburgh for the Theatre Fringe Festival, and Havana.

I also do private architecture and behind-the-scenes theatre tours for families and groups of all sizes

PhD, Medical Biochemistry, Fels Cancer Research Institute, Philadelphia, followed by a post-doctoral research fellowship, Albert Einstein College of Medicine —- which brought me to New York —- It was love at first sight —- New York enabled and encouraged me to change my life focus.

 

Tours Offered & Destination Knowledge

Bus ToursCultural/Specialty ToursExperience HostGeneral Walking ToursLarge Group ToursLocal GuideMulti-Day Tour Director/LeaderPerformance Group ToursPrivate ToursTour Business Owner/Operator

New York Architecture

New York Behind-the-Scenes Theatre (Broadway and Off-Broadway)

 

 

Fun Fact!
I'm New York's only Theatre/Architecture expert with a PhD in Medical Biochemistry!
Hobbies & Interests
Everything New York!

Testimonials

“I just wanted to drop you a note of thanks now that we are settled back in Australia.  We were absolutely blessed that we engaged you as our tour operators for our week in New York.  It was a unique and fantastic experience to see so many aspects of New York that we otherwise wouldn't have even considered seeing.  It is a shame we had to leave just when you started to work out the Aussie sense of humour and understand our jokes!  Our week in New York was the start of a four-week trek across the United States, and many aspects of our week in New York were rated amongst the highlights of the tour when we had our farewell dinner in San Francisco at the end of the trip.” (Director, Laurel Oak Bloodstock Racehorse Owners, Australia)

“Words cannot begin to express my thanks for the once again amazing experience for my folks.  When I wasn’t feeling well, it was a gift, knowing you were in charge and feeling confident in your leadership.  As usual, everyone raved about you.  You are a special and unique individual who makes everyone feel treasured.  And your knowledge of NY and so much else astounds us all. NY owes you a lot, whether they know it or not.  You make the Big Apple come alive in many unexpected ways and we're all the richer for it.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.   (Executive Director, Grand 1894 Opera House, TX)

“Thank you so very much for making our Broadway Celebration Trip for the opening of “Memphis” such a wonderful experience.  All of our folks on the trip have told me what a wonderful time they had.  It was so great to work with you and Rey.  I look forward to doing another trip with you next year.  Thanks again for everything (Director of Development, 5th Avenue Theatre, WA)

“Our group had a really wonderful week; they are all rapturing over all the events.  Thank you so much for making it so enjoyable. Your entertainment/discussion was excellent and of course, they loved meeting one of the real Billy Elliotts, along with the other cast members.  It was really special. The group so enjoyed your intimate knowledge of NY history, architecture, who lives where, and love of the theater. It is contagious!   (Group Leader and Travel Agent, Santa Rosa, CA)

“I would like to personally thank you for being a great host and for making our trip to New York very memorable one.  Below I am attaching a memo received from one of my participants but I have also received 16 more from all the others – each one stating the same sentiments:  I can't stop thinking about New York. What a great trip. I didn't think this year’s trip to New York would compare to last year’s trip to London. How wrong I was. I can't get the sights and sounds of New York out of my head. Joe our guide turned out to be a diamond in the rough. His knowledge of New York and personal opinions made for very interesting tours of New York. Joe was very patient and seemed to know something about everything. Thank you for putting together with such care a great and very memorable trip. (Meeting Planner, Moores Clothing/Men’s Wearhouse, Toronto, Canada)

“Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for making our National Trust Theatre tour absolutely fabulous! It was such a memorable time! Never have I experienced the city like I did during our tour. We feel that you were most professional in your demeanor and made every effort to show off your “adopted city”. I truly saw New York differently than I had ever seen it. You were wonderful!   (Tour participant, National Trust for Historic Preservation)

“Outstanding, Extremely knowledgeable, Joe speaks distinctly and was always audible, Joe has humor and describes events interestingly, Great Presentation, Really an advocate for NYC, Great mix of information, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, great historical details/anecdotes/background info, kind/witty/very helpful/charming, events were well chosen and represented a good picture of NYC architecture and art, the best Smithsonian tours I have taken, fantastic, a jewel of a tour."(Compiled by the Director of Travel for the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, from a post-tour questionnaire)

“Words cannot express the extreme satisfaction I feel for the stupendous New York Theatre Tour you created for Steppenwolf Theatre Company.  Your love for your work, your generosity of spirit, your knowledge, your attention to detail and your creativity made for a never to be forgotten experience for all of our participants.  The tour was just fabulous and we can't wait to plan our next one.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all of the love and care you put into this program."  (Director of Special Events and Sponsorships, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago)

“We have been savoring the memories of our trip to New York City.  I can’t imagine a finer first trip.  It was beyond wonderful.  Happiness is having a New York tour with you as our knowledgeable Commentator and guide.  Thanks for caring and sharing with us.” (Tour Organizer, Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Iowa)

“I am still so excited about all I learned of New York: its history, info about all the buildings, theatre history!  Thank you for sharing with us your vast knowledge about everything! It was just a top notch tour.  We were so lucky to have you for our tour guide!!! Thank you.” “This has been a fantastic tour—thank you so much for sharing all the interesting tidbits that make NY come alive.” “Your low key and knowledgeable tour has sent us to the ‘stars.’  More delightful than I could have hoped for.” “You are a fountain of knowledge—I have enjoyed every moment of my New York experience thanks to you.”  “Thanks especially for your smile and dealing with old and younger equally.  You made it fun and informative.” (Tour Participants, Tampa Theatre, Tampa, FL)

“My husband and I were so impressed with your caring concern about so many things; but your desire for people to love and appreciate all things..nature, people in history who made good things happen, music and theatre as well as caring about individuals.  We have been on many trips; but your touch was extremely exemplary.  We also greatly appreciated the cast members who entertained us and also gave us an inside view of what it take to make it.  And then we saw on of them in action the next day.  Awesome!  Thanks for all you did for us; and do for many.”  (Tour Participant, OH)

 

Details

Gateway Airport(s)

JFK, LGA, EWR

Licenses

New York City (NYC)

Training

NYC Advanced Tour-Guide Enhancement Course

Language(s)

English

Additional Education

Graduate, NYC Advanced Tour-Guide Enhancement Course

General Availability

I am available 24/7, whenever I do not have scheduled programs for my V.I.P. Tours of New York clients.

Photo Album