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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

Getting dressed in the 19th century was an elaborate affair. While working class women wore practical, easy to maintain clothing, elite and middle class women would have changed their clothing several times a day to suit the time and occasion. Kenna Liebs, Living History specialists, demonstrates how an upper-middle class, fashionable woman may have dressed in the winter of 1886. Learn more in "Real Clothes, Real Lives", The New York Historical's groundbreaking exhibition, which examines the everyday clothing of ordinary women, from hard-worn house dresses to psychedelic micro minis and modern suits to fast-food workers’ uniforms. On view from September 27, 2024 - June 22, 2025. *** 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

Experience 400 years of history through groundbreaking exhibitions, outstanding collections, immersive films, and thought-provoking conversations among renowned historians and public figures at The New York Historical, New York’s first museum. A great destination for history since 1804, the Museum and the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library convey the stories of the city and nation’s diverse populations, expanding our understanding of who we are as Americans and how we came to be. *** 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

Join us at The New York Historical to experience new and diverse perspectives on America’s past and present—and to come together to build its future through listening, reasoning, and talking. *** 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: October 10, 2024 Curators Anna Danziger Halperin and Keren Ben-Horin discuss the exhibition "Real Clothes, Real Lives: 200 Years of What Women Wore, the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection" on view September 27, 2024 - June 22, 2025. The groundbreaking exhibition examines the everyday clothing of ordinary women, from hard-worn house dresses to psychedelic micro minis and modern suits to fast-food workers’ uniforms. Showcasing items from the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection that will be on view in a museum for the first time, this exhibition traces how women’s roles have changed and evolved dramatically over the decades across the spectrum of race and class. *** For more about the New-York Historical Society, 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/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYHistory #newyorkhistoricalsociety #history

Recorded: September 26, 2024 The "From Paul Revere to Edward Hopper" exhibition (June 28, 2024 - October 27, 2024) presented more than 140 prints, drawings, and watercolors from one of the most admired collections of historical American works on paper. Bringing to vivid life two and a half centuries of the American experience, the exhibition featured a rich tapestry of artworks, including early 18th-century portraits of Indigenous leaders, picturesque views of towns and cities, inspiring landscapes, dramatic images of historic events, and popular prints. This special virtual program features the curators of "From Paul Revere to Edward Hopper: Treasures from the Leonard L. Milberg Collection of American Prints, Drawings, and Watercolors": guest curator, museum director emerita Linda S. Ferber, and co-curator Marilyn S. Kushner, curator and department head of New-York Historical’s prints, photographs, and architectural collections. *** For more about the New-York Historical Society, 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/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYHistory #newyorkhistoricalsociety #history

This special installation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the publication of Robert A. Caro's The Power Broker, the monumental work that has been called “surely the greatest book ever written about a city.” This groundbreaking book made known for the first time how Robert Moses, over more than four decades and without ever being elected to public office, amassed power so immense that with it, he shaped New York. The installation explores the story behind the book: how Caro uncovered the falseness behind the image that Moses had so carefully cultivated, and that the press and public believed, to reveal the extent of Moses’ power and the heartbreaking human cost behind his public works. *** For more about the New-York Historical Society, 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/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYHistory #newyorkhistoricalsociety #history

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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.


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