Corsets Begone: Women’s Fashions of the Roaring Twenties
The decade that gave rise to the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, the speakeasy, and the big band also brought with it soaring hemlines, breast-freeing bandeaus and the “uplift” brassiere, … Continue reading
An American Pioneer in Photojournalism: Jessie Tarbox Beals
March is Women’s History Month, a time when we celebrate women’s contributions to our history, culture, and society. This month provides the perfect opportunity to highlight some of these female … Continue reading
Folded and Feathered: bringing hand fans to the Collections Portal
Long before air conditioning was a common amenity in most residences and buildings, high society New York women established their “cool” with an opulent, yet useful accessory: the hand fan. … Continue reading
Brides and Debutantes: White Dresses all Around
The start of summer brings with it the beginning of wedding season. As a bride-to-be myself, I couldn’t help but take a closer look at the numerous wedding invitations that … Continue reading
![Mabel E. Johnston. [Bow dress from unidentified musical.] ca. 1925. Museum of the City of New York. 77.106.20.](https://mcnyblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/77-106-20-e1433425044337.jpg?w=155&h=110&crop=1)
The mystery of Mabel E. Johnston, who drew beautiful costumes
In 1978, the Museum received a collection of costume design renderings that featured the work of well-known theatrical designers such as Boris Aronson, Charles Le Maire, and Vincent Minelli. Also … Continue reading
Alfred E. Smith – the people’s politician?
This week, we have a guest post from one of the interns who worked with us over the summer, Karis Raeburn, who has since returned to Dayton, Ohio, where she … Continue reading
Relaxing with a summer cocktail – it wasn’t always so easy.
Just because this August has been cooler than usual (or perhaps it just seems that way after July’s heatwave), doesn’t mean those New Yorkers of legal drinking age are any … Continue reading
Art Deco Treasures
Art Deco architecture flourished in Europe and the United States during the 1920s and 1930s. Spurred by the 1925 Paris exhibition Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes which … Continue reading
The Restoration of a Pilot House
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cargo containers coming into New York Harbor were loaded from ocean-going vessels onto large barges with railroad tracks on the deck. Vessels like … Continue reading
![Otto Sarony Co. [Maude Adams as Peter Pan]. 1905. Museum of the City of New York. 32.290.9.](https://mcnyblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/32_290_9.jpg?w=155&h=110&crop=1)
Peter Pan: over 100 years of the boy who wouldn’t grow up
Wendy Darling: Boy, why are you crying? Boy: What’s your name? Wendy: Wendy Moira Angela Darling. What is your name? Boy: Peter Pan. Wendy: Is that all? Peter Pan: Yes. … Continue reading
![White Studio (New York, N.Y.). [David Kessler in "Got fun nekome"]. ca. 1912. Museum of the City of New York. 66.22.16](https://mcnyblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/66_22_16.jpg?w=155&h=110&crop=1)
“The God of Vengeance”: Is the Play Immoral?
A father lives with his wife and teenage daughter above the brothel that he owns. It’s a simple story. A young girl is drawn to a world forbidden her. A … Continue reading
A Trip Up Broadway
From 1916 to 1921, Arthur Hosking photographed Broadway, from its southernmost leg at Bowling Green all the way north to Yonkers. Here are some highlights, all taken in 1920 unless … Continue reading
