After it became a canal in the mid-19th century, the Gowanus turned into an important manufacturing hub. A new exhibit at the Brooklyn Historical Society, “Gowanus Transformations,” celebrates 150 years of Gowanus manufacturing, which continues today despite many changes in the neighborhood.

We hear from two Gowanus manufacturers: Danny Maldari makes pasta at Maldari & Sons; Jeremy Chernick is manager of J & M Special Effects. Also: Phaedra Thomas of Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corp.