Step back in time for a good cause

Two very forward-thinking (or backward, if one chooses to look at it that way) New York City cultural institutions will be pouring some vintage spirits this month in celebration of a simpler time. Whether you find yourself in uptown Manhattan or deep in Brooklyn this August, head over to toast an old-fashioned in support of these fantastic locales.

The Speakeasy at 1220 Fifth Avenue
The Museum of the City of New York
on Wednesday nights, 6 – 9 p.m. through August 18th. Enjoy cocktails on the Fifth Avenue terrace and a special installation on the fictional 1920s character Flapper Jane. Visitors will be treated to tours of current exhibitions, live music, DJs, an antique car show, and other special events throughout the summer. Admission includes one FREE drink and access to the Museum’s first- and second-floor galleries. Tickets sold online and at the door. 
Rain or shine!
Where: Museum of the City of New York
Details: Museum Members: $10 • Non-Members: $15

Garden Party Like It’s 1910
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Croquet 6:30 – 7:45 PM; cocktails 8:00 – 10:00 PM
In 1910, milk was 32 cents a gallon, average life expectancy for men was 48, the Ziegfield girls earned $75/week, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden was transformed from an ash dump to a glorious urban sanctuary. BBG and Brooklyn Based invite you to celebrate the Garden’s centennial with a one-of-a kind affair organized by the Garden’s Linnaean Libation League.
Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Enter at 1000 Washington Avenue, near Eastern Parkway; take 2/3 train to Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum or B/Q to Prospect Park. Call 718-623-7200 for more information.
Details: Strictly 21+. Advance ticket purchase required; vintage attire encouraged.

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3. Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island