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New-York Historical Society

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 120 min.

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The New-York Historical Society in NYC is an ideal destination for tourists seeking to explore American history and culture. Founded in 1804, it is the oldest museum in New York City and has an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and art that reflects the city's rich history. The museum's permanent collection includes more than 1.6 million works, ranging from ancient to modern times. The New-York Historical Society offers several exhibitions, educational programs, and events that cater to a wide range of interests. One of the most popular exhibitions is the History Makers exhibit, which celebrates the achievements of notable figures from American history. The museum also hosts lectures, films, and family programs that are designed to engage visitors of all ages. In addition to its exhibitions and programs, the New-York Historical Society is also home to the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, which contains over 3 million documents, manuscripts, and maps related to American history. The library is open to the public and is a valuable resource for researchers and historians.

170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024 Get Directions





New-York Historical Society Videos

Recorded: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Anne Lessy, Assistant Curator of History Exhibitions and Academic Engagement at The New York Historical discusses the timely exhibition, "Blacklisted: An American Story," which originated at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, examines the intersection of politics, art, culture, commerce, and social dynamics during the Hollywood Red Scare of the 1940s and ‘50s. The New York Historical’s presentation expands this story even further, looking at the impact of the Red Scare on Broadway and New York’s theater community. Tune in to learn more about this consequential period in American history and ask our curator questions about the exhibition! Learn more about the exhibition: https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/blacklisted-an-american-story *** For more about The New York Historical, visit our website: https://www.nyhistory.org/ *** Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our full video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyhistory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nyhistory Twitter/X: https://x.com/NYHistory

Recorded: Monday, October 6, 2025 Nina Nazionale, Director of Library Curatorial Affairs and Research at The New York Historical talks about "Dining In Transit," an exhibition that showcases the innovative ways ocean liners, trains, and airplanes catered to passengers’ appetites and expectations during the first half of the 20th century. Featuring distinctive objects from the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library collection—such as souvenir menus, promotional recipe books, employee handbooks, and collectible tableware—"Dining in Transit" explores how travel dining evolved—from hiring French chefs to crafting signature dishes to unveiling the deeper stories of race and gender that shaped the industry. Tune in to learn more about this consequential period in American history and ask our curator questions about the exhibition! Learn more about the exhibition: https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/dining-in-transit *** For more about The New York Historical, visit our website: https://www.nyhistory.org/ *** Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our full video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyhistory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nyhistory Twitter/X: https://x.com/NYHistory

Presented May 29, 2025 Deborah Hamer, the director of the New Netherland Institute in Albany, New York, talks to Sarah Mallory, the Annette and Oscar de la Renta Assistant Curator of Drawings and Prints at the Morgan Library & Museum, about Mallory’s new edited volume, a collection of essays titled "Art Museums and the Legacies of the Dutch Atlantic Slave trade: Curating Histories, Envisioning Futures." *** For more about The New York Historical, visit our website: https://www.nyhistory.org/ *** Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our full video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyhistory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nyhistory Twitter/X: https://x.com/NYHistory

Presented April 17, 2025 Russell Shorto, author and Director of the New Amsterdam Project, and Allyson Schettino, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, explore how we share New Amsterdam's legacy with the public through education, primary sources, and stories. *** For more about The New York Historical, visit our website: https://www.nyhistory.org/ *** Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our full video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyhistory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nyhistory Twitter/X: https://x.com/NYHistory

Presented March 27, 2025 NNI director Deborah Hamer talks to Tom Ruller, the former New York State Archivist, about the archives of New Netherland, how the State Archive has preserved these records, and what they have done and continue to do to make these records accessible to the public. *** For more about The New York Historical, visit our website: https://www.nyhistory.org/ *** Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our full video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyhistory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nyhistory Twitter/X: https://x.com/NYHistory

Presented February 20, 2025 NNI director Deborah Hamer talks to Russell Shorto, director of the New Amsterdam Project at The New York Historical and senior scholar at the NNI, about his book "Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events Created New York and Shaped America." *** For more about The New York Historical, visit our website: https://www.nyhistory.org/ *** Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our full video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/c/nyhistory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyhistory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nyhistory Twitter/X: https://x.com/NYHistory

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New-York Historical Society Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to New-York Historical Society

The closest subway stops to the New-York Historical Society at 170 Central Park West are:

1. 81st Street-Museum of Natural History Station: This station is served by the B and C trains. It's just a short walk from the museum, making it a convenient option. [Click here for subway updates](http://www.mta.info)

2. 79th Street Station: This station is served by the 1 train. It's also within walking distance of the New-York Historical Society. [Click here for subway updates](http://www.mta.info)

While you're in the area, here are a few recommendations:

1. Central Park: Take a stroll through one of the most iconic parks in the world. You can enjoy a leisurely walk, rent a bike, or have a picnic. [Central Park website](https://www.centralparknyc.org/)

2. American Museum of Natural History: Located just a block away from the New-York Historical Society, this world-renowned museum is a must-visit. Explore fascinating exhibits, including the famous dinosaur fossils. [American Museum of Natural History website](https://www.amnh.org/)

3. The Dakota: This historic apartment building is located across the street from the New-York Historical Society. It's famous for being the former residence of many notable people, including John Lennon. Take a moment to admire its beautiful architecture.

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring the area and visiting the New-York Historical Society!


What's the best way to get to New-York Historical Society by bus?

The closest bus stops to the New-York Historical Society at 170 Central Park West are:

1. Central Park West/W 77 St: This stop is served by the M10 bus. You can check for updates on the M10 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400001).

2. Central Park West/W 81 St: This stop is served by the M10 and M79-SBS buses. You can check for updates on the M10 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400001) and the M79-SBS bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400079).

Please note that bus schedules and routes are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates closer to your visit.


How much time should I plan to spend at New-York Historical Society?

The ideal length of time to plan to spend at the New-York Historical Society in New York City depends on your level of interest in history and the specific exhibits you wish to explore. On average, visitors spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum. However, if you have a deep passion for history or plan to thoroughly explore all the exhibits, you may want to allocate more time. It's always a good idea to check the museum's website or inquire about any temporary exhibits that may be of interest to help you plan your visit accordingly. Enjoy your time at the New-York Historical Society!


Can I bring food and drinks into New-York Historical Society?

The New-York Historical Society is primarily a museum and does not have a dedicated food and drink policy. However, please note that food and drinks are generally not allowed in the exhibition areas to help preserve the artifacts and maintain a clean environment.

If you're looking for a bite to eat before or after your visit, there are plenty of dining options in the vicinity. The Upper West Side, where the New-York Historical Society is located, offers a diverse range of restaurants and cafes to suit various tastes and budgets. Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack, a casual meal, or a fine dining experience, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings nearby.

Additionally, Central Park is just a short walk away from the museum, and it's a fantastic spot for a picnic if weather permits. You can grab some takeout from a nearby deli or restaurant and enjoy a leisurely meal in the park while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Remember to check the opening hours and availability of any dining establishments you plan to visit, as they may have specific COVID-19 guidelines or restrictions in place.


Does New-York Historical Society offer luggage storage?

The New-York Historical Society in New York City does not have a luggage storage facility on its premises. However, there are several options available nearby for storing your luggage while you explore the museum and its surrounding area.

One convenient option is to use a luggage storage service such as Vertoe or LuggageHero. These services provide secure storage locations throughout the city where you can drop off your bags for a few hours or even a full day. Simply book online or through their mobile apps, and you'll receive a unique tag for each bag that you can use to retrieve your belongings later.

Another alternative is to check with your hotel if they offer luggage storage for their guests. Many hotels in New York City provide this service, allowing you to store your bags before check-in or after check-out.

Lastly, if you're traveling with larger items or need long-term storage, there are various self-storage facilities in the city that offer lockers or units for rent on a daily or monthly basis.

Remember to plan ahead and check the specific policies and prices of these services to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Enjoy your visit to the New-York Historical Society and have a wonderful time exploring the city!


Is New-York Historical Society a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Yes, the New-York Historical Society is a great destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. While English is the primary language used in the museum, there are many visual displays and exhibits that can be enjoyed by all visitors, regardless of language proficiency. The museum offers audio guides in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin, which provide detailed explanations of the exhibits. Additionally, the museum staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always ready to assist visitors in any way they can. So, whether you are a history buff or simply interested in exploring New York City's rich past, the New-York Historical Society is definitely worth a visit.


What ages are appropriate for New-York Historical Society?

The New-York Historical Society in New York City is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages! While it may be particularly interesting for history buffs and older children, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The museum offers a range of exhibits and interactive displays that cater to various age groups. Younger children can explore the DiMenna Children's History Museum, which is specifically designed to engage and educate kids about American history through hands-on activities and games. Additionally, the New-York Historical Society often hosts special events and programs for families, making it a great choice for a day of fun and learning for visitors of all ages.


Videos