Monday, June 25, 2018

HIdden Gem #2



This is the second in a blog series about hidden (or sort of hidden) gems in New York’s crowded list of places to visit. All right, the New-York Historical  Society is not exactly hidden. It's pretty famous. However, in a city packed with even more famous museums, it’s easy to overlook. I am here to promise it is fascinating and it is fun.

A major renovation several years ago added exhibits that are a wonderful introduction to New York, and it starts with the statues greeting visitors at the two entrances. Who can resist taking a photo shaking hands or having a friendly chat with these two giants of history? 






As you come in, you find scattered around the lobby are small exhibits, each one telling something about what makes New York its own, unique self. Here are just a few. Some of these bits of history are still meaningful.





















But look down! They have cleverly inserted into the floor artifacts found -  down -  in the New York ground by archaeologists.  What a fun treasure hunt if you are visiting with children.  Actually it’s fun for adults too.  Don't tell!






There is a short free film bringing history to life. It changes from time to time:





Erica Donato, my historian protagonist , says, “History is happening every day.” And this museum is right on it, with exhibits of artifacts from current events.



















I promised fun. An exhibit on fashionable shoes? Well, why not? New York is a world fashion center, built to a degree on the fashion business.




A large collection of toy trains is displayed in style at holidays.  The museum has all 435 original Audubon bird watercolors, and a whole gallery of dazzling Tiffany lamps. Stunning! A renowned library for avid historians.  A children’s museum.  A women’s history center.

And always, a few great changing exhibits that are worth a couple of hours. Last time I was there: Rockwell, Roosevelt & the Four Freedoms. You'd have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by the history of the posters and the historic period beautifully explained. 
 

 



 

If I am in Manhattan with some extra time, I just drop in. There is always something special to see. And by the way? It is across Central Park West from that park, and across 77th St from the (very, very) renowned Museum of Natural History. So it’s easy to find. 


Next time, a gem from right down my street in Brooklyn.

 

 





3 comments:

Shizuka said...

Triss, these posts are so much fun. And now I want to go to the historical society. I've passed it several times and have never been inside because it seemed too serious.

Triss said...

Thanks for commenting, Shizuka. I just saw it-forgot to check. :-(

Ann Parker said...

Thanks for mentioning this museum Triss... We visited when we were in NYC in July for ThrillerFest and it is GREAT! I've put it on my list to re-visit in the future.