New-York Historical Society

The New York World’s Fair opened in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens in 1939. Around five million visitors got a chance to behold a towering sculpture by Augusta Savage. ⁣What is the tragic story behind the work? ⁣ See more lost—but not forgotten—sights that once defined New York City. Learn more in our special exhibition “Lost New York.” https://bit.ly/4aBuX5B

“I wanted to envision the Dutch colonial era from a different timeline, starting with a Lenape perspective," said artist-in-residence Beatrice Glow. Learn more about the special exhibition "When Our Rivers Meet." https://bit.ly/4cRwa9R

⭐ Mary Cassatt was the *only* American to exhibit with the Impressionists. Cassatt first displayed prints with the group in 1880. "The Banjo Lesson" (1894) showcases Cassatt’s continued interest in printmaking. She was often inspired by Japanese woodblock prints and admired the ethereal quality of delicate dry point lines. This work relates to a panel of her now-lost mural for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The mural's theme was “Modern Woman” and featured a banjo-strumming woman as an allegory of music. (Banjo playing became quite popular at the time among middle- and upper-class women.) See this stunning etching alongside another print by Cassatt, "The Bath" (1891), in the special exhibition "From Paul Revere to Edward Hopper: Treasures from the Leonard L. Milberg Collection." https://bit.ly/3XMl29R 🎨 1-2) Mary Cassatt, The Banjo Lesson, 1894. Multiplate color drypoint and soft ground etching. Collection of Mr. & Mrs. Leonard L. Milberg. 3-5) Installation views of Cassatt's prints.

🎤 We've got jokes! 😆 Join us this Friday night for a roster of acclaimed stand-ups. Host Tom Delgado—a comedian, actor, writer, and tour guide—leads a night of laughs with a NYC spin featuring Leclerc Andre (The Tonight Show and Conan); Katie Hannigan (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert); and Todd Barry (Comedy Central). Stop by our New-York Historical Summer! series for a cocktail and jazz before you settle in for some stand-up. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Y09yjl

The Civil War Draft Riots began #OnThisDay 161 years ago. It was the largest civil disturbance in U.S. history—and it took place in New York City. A mob of more than 50,000 people voiced their opposition to the Civil War Draft in a violent outburst that took place over the course of four days and targeted African American residents. Rich men could buy their way out of the draft for $300 (about a year’s salary), leaving mostly working class men—many Irish immigrants—to shoulder the burden. They wreaked havoc across the city and targeted Black civilians. (African Americans were exempt from the draft, as they were not yet considered citizens.) When this draft wheel was donated to the New-York Historical Society at the end of the Civil War in 1865 it still contained more than 3,600 unread draft cards—some of which you can see on display in the Museum's 4th floor. The mob also zeroed in on the Colored Orphan Asylum on 43rd Street and Fifth Avenue. Thankfully, the 250 orphans who lived inside were evacuated, but the orphanage was never rebuilt in the same location. Before the crowd torched the orphanage to the ground, one young girl was able to save this family Bible from the dining room and it's on display in our Objects Tell Stories gallery.

Last chance! Explore our special installation commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Dutch founding of New Amsterdam. On view is the Castello Plan, a map depicting New Amsterdam at the peak of its settlement circa 1660, just before the English took control. Through documents and objects, the installation explores how settlers, Indigenous people, and enslaved Africans experienced the world illustrated in the Castello Plan. "New York Before New York: The Castello Plan of New Amsterdam" closes this Sunday, July 14, 2024. Learn more: https://bit.ly/43fYq27

“Who lives, who dies, who tells your story.” On this day in 1804 Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr faced off in the most famous duel in U.S. history. Click through for related objects from our collection.

"Popular understanding of New York history is about to get even more robust, with three new niche exhibits to debut at the New-York Historical Society this fall." Explore women’s history through everyday clothing, Robert Caro’s life and publication of The Power Broker, and three centuries of New Yorkers and their pets. Read more about what's coming up from Forbes! https://bit.ly/45WVvNe

"New York’s lost landmarks live again in an engaging museum show." Read the latest on our special exhibition Lost New York. https://on.ft.com/3LfR3Qc

A certificate of freedom 😮 In 1649, Manuel d’ Spanje, an enslaved African man, purchased his freedom from Dutchman Philip Jansen Ringo. Five years earlier, the West India Company had begun granting “half freedom”—freedom with conditions—to some of its enslaved workers. Some were given land so they could farm and earn income, a portion of which would go to their previous enslavers. In this 1651 document, Peter Stuyvesant grants “Manuel de Spangie Negro” property in an area north of New Amsterdam that would become known as the Land of the Blacks (today’s Greenwich Village). The deed vowed that this grant was “permanent, immutable, unbreakable and irrevocable.” "New York Before New York: The Castello Plan of New Amsterdam" explores how settlers, Indigenous people, and enslaved Africans experienced the Dutch colony of New Netherland. 🚨 Visit before the installation closes on July 14, 2024. https://bit.ly/43fYq27