Ben Rubin holds a bachelor's degree from Hanover College, a Master's from Western Carolina University, and is completing his Ph.D. at Drew University. He is also a graduate of the Cornell School of Criticism and Theory at Cornell University. His work has been published in the Journal of Backcountry Studies and in Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution. In addition to academic experience, Ben worked as a docent at the Biltmore House in Asheville, and as a whitewater raft guide on the Nantahala River.

Michele is an accomplished writer and film producer. She has written about famous New Yorkers including Dorothy Parker, Evelyn Nesbit, and Mae West. Her documentary film work has included topics ranging from the silent movie era to World War II to the Olympics. An authority on the 1920s, she is currently working on a feature documentary about the first Hollywood scandal. Michele also teaches film history classes at the New York Public Library. She received a master’s degree in English literature from Simmons University.

Francesco was born in Sicily and grew up in New York. He graduated with a Master's degree in Architecture and worked professionally in that field for his entire career. Once he retired, Frank began leading tours of his city as a way to share New York with visitors from all over the world. By leading tours on the history, architecture and food scene in NYC, Frank is introducing visitors, or new friends, to this intriguing city, revealing its hidden and sometimes forgotten past, in order to better understand its present. A true “Cicerone,” storytelling is at the center of Frank’s tours. He introduces visitors to the characters from New York’s rich history, from his Sicilian grandmother to Emily Roebling, a little know contributor to the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. Frank’s passion for all things New York shines through on his tours all over Manhattan.