The New-York Historical Society is a prominent cultural institution located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Founded in 1804, it is the oldest museum in New York City. The society’s mission is to explore the richly layered political, cultural, and social history of New York City, New York State, and the nation.
The society's headquarters, designed by York and Sawyer, opened in 1908 and features a distinctive Beaux-Arts style. It underwent a significant renovation in 2011, which included the addition of the acclaimed DiMenna Children’s History Museum.
The Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, part of the New-York Historical Society, is one of the oldest research libraries in the United States. It holds over three million books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, prints, photographs, and architectural drawings. Among its notable collections are the original handwritten draft of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and George Washington’s farewell address.
The society is also known for its remarkable collection of Hudson River School paintings. The Hudson River School is recognized as America’s first significant art movement, and the society holds works by leading artists such as Thomas Cole and Asher B. Durand.
One lesser-known fact about the New-York Historical Society is that it houses the Center for Women’s History, the first of its kind in the United States within the walls of a major museum. This center aims to highlight the integral role women have played in American history through exhibitions, programs, and scholarship.
The Henry Luce III Center for the Study of American Culture reopened in 2017 after extensive renovation. It showcases more than 700 objects from the society’s permanent collection, including George Washington’s camp bed from the Revolutionary War and the draft wheel used during the New York City Draft Riots of 1863.
The New-York Historical Society also features the Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery of American History, which presents the evolution of New York City and its impact on the nation. A highlight of this gallery is the Tiffany lamp collection, one of the largest in the world, showcasing the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany and the remarkable contributions of Clara Driscoll and the “Tiffany Girls.”
The New-York Historical Society's film series, "New-York Historical Films," offers screenings of classic and contemporary films with historical themes. Each screening is accompanied by expert commentary, providing context and fostering a deeper understanding of the historical periods depicted.
In addition to its permanent collections and exhibitions, the society organizes a variety of public programs, including lectures, discussions, and family activities. These programs often feature prominent historians, authors, and public figures, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the past and its relevance to the present and future.