The Coney Island History Project is pleased to announce the upcoming photo exhibit “Abe Feinstein: 50 Years of Coney Island Photography.”

Photographing Coney Island became Abe Feinstein’s passion after he moved there with his family in 1962. For the next half century he documented the neighborhood’s fast changing streetscape on a daily basis. Part archaeologist, part photojournalist, Feinstein presents a body of work that is not overly sentimental or nostalgic. His vision is an unblinking yet optimistic look at how the “People’s Playground” was transformed by politics, disasters, and urban renewal. From the last days of Steeplechase Park to the City’s recent controversial redevelopment, Abe Feinstein documented it all.

Abe worked in Manhattan’s Camera Barn, and had access to equipment ranging from small half frame cameras to the best Leicas. Eighty-three-year-old Feinstein is still a prolific shooter who is always experimenting and his photographs of the neighborhood, especially his unique night shots, capture the magic of Coney Island as no one else can.

Feinstein photographed Muhammad Ali’s 1980s visit to Coney Island and his image of young boys chasing Ali’s limousine in front of the Thunderbolt Roller Coaster is a classic. His documentation of popular attractions including Shatzkins Knishes, Cavalcade Skooter, Silvers Baths, The Animal Nursery, Ravenhall, Faber’s Sportland, and the World of Wax show a Coney Island that exists in memory only.

“Abe Feinstein: 50 Years of Coney Island Photography” will be on view from June 2 through July 1, Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon- 6 p.m. Admission is free of charge. The Coney Island History Project’s exhibition center is located under the Wonder Wheel’s iconic entrance sign at 3059 West 12th Street, just a few steps off the Boardwalk.

The History Project’s free exhibit center is open weekends from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. View historic artifacts, photographs, maps, ephemera and films of Coney Island’s colorful past and special exhibits. The center is also open year-round by appointment for schools and groups, and is the starting point for the Coney Island History Project’s popular walking tours of the amusement area. Visit our website or Facebook page or follow us on twitter for event news and updates. For additional info, e-mail events@coneyislandhistory.org or phone 347-702-8553.

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