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