Napoleon Sarony: Celebrity Photographer
Before paparazzi and the celebrity media we all live with today, there were 19th century photographers, like Napoleon Sarony (1821-1896), who became internationally renowned for their celebrity portraits. Born in Québec, Sarony began his … Continue reading
Rufus King: Early New York, lawyer, diplomat and statesman
If you have found yourself wandering around the neighborhood of Jamaica, Queens, anytime in the last two centuries, you’ve possibly happened upon a farmhouse, situated between 89th Avenue, 150th street, … Continue reading
Myths surrounding the origin of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, designed by Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904), was a gift from France as a symbol of American freedom, and has watched over New York Harbor since its dedication … Continue reading
It’s a Hard Knock Life: The City as Playground
The image of a group of kids shooting craps in the street has for decades been a quintessential scene of growing up in New York. The history of street games … Continue reading
Marine Conservation at the Museum of the City of New York
Artifacts documenting the maritime history of New York have been a vital part of the Museum’s collection since its inception, a natural result of the city’s water-bound geography. In 1953, … Continue reading
Oysters: From Rags to Riches
Today, it’s hard to find an oyster for less than $2 a pop, but until the turn of the 20th century, oysters were so plentiful in New York, rich and … Continue reading
MCNY Blog: New York Stories 