New York Historical Society Museum & Library

Located on the corner of 77th Street and Central Park West, the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library is home to exhibitions, research, and public programs that delve into the history of New York state and its place in the nation. This was New York’s very first museum, founded in 1804. The beautiful building features Roman Eclectic architecture designed by York and Sawyer. Over the years, the museum has renovated and evolved to better serve the public and include interactive experiences and activities for children. And today, you can see this exceptional museum on our Uptown and Harlem Tour.

Some of the museum’s most notable exhibitions include the two-year exhibit Slavery in New York, the first exhibit on this topic. The museum’s president is Louise Mirrer, who was previously employed by the City University of New York.

The New-York Historical Society Museum & Library generally focuses on the developing city center on Manhattan Island, leaving more broadly focused efforts to the Brooklyn Historical Society, which was founded as the Long Island Historical Society in 1863. The BHS also has materials pertaining to the city as well as the larger region it sits within.

The Manhattan museum is full of educational opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Kids and teens can enjoy a variety of programming focused on history and art. Teachers should check the workshop calendar for professional development opportunities and other unique seminars for educators. The museum also offers The Citizenship Project, a program designed to help immigrants become citizens through a variety of American history and civics courses. Children can enjoy movies, events, and other programs. The museum even hosts birthday parties.

Museum events and exhibitions are always changing, so you can be sure that each visit to the museum is fresh and exciting. No matter when you visit, you’re sure to find an exhibit to grab your interest.

The New-York Historical Society Museum & Library features traveling exhibitions, special installations, women’s history exhibits, a children’s museum, and many other educational opportunities. The Luce Center features a gallery of Tiffany lamps, the women’s history center, and a tech commons. The library is home to two million manuscripts, 500,000 photographs, and 400,000 prints. At the historical society museum, NYC visitors will find a perfect destination for those with an interest in the city’s culture and history. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays but offers accessible hours throughout the rest of the week. Explore their site for more information about current events and exhibitions, then plan on stopping here during your hop-on hop-off tour with us.