The Boerum Hill neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, is named after the Boerum family who farmed land in the area in the 18th century.
Despite the implied historical connection, Boerum Hill is a relatively recent name, only coined in the mid-1960s by a new resident of the neighborhood, known as North Gowanus up to that point. Recognizing the architectural significance of the area’s 19th century Greek Revival and Italianate-style brownstone houses on tree-lined streets, she formed the Boerum Hill Residents Association with neighbors, and the new name gained wide acceptance.
Following campaigning by the Association, the Boerum Hill Historic District was recognized by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1973, and later placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
