June Museum of the Month: The New York Historical Society
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A couple years ago I visited the New York Historical Society on a field trip. As any teacher knows when leading a group of children, you spend more time looking at the kids than you do at the place you are visiting. Of course I wanted to go back to the museum to take it all in at my own pace. Two weeks ago I was finally able to do so and during the pay as you wish period on a Friday night as well!
The New York Historical Society is a fairly large American History museum that focuses on the history of New York. While there are some ongoing exhibits, most of them change so you can visit the museum multiple times and learn about different topics. Here is a look some of the various exhibits. With a variety of content covered, all interests will be piqued.
Ongoing Exhibits at the New York Historical Society
Objects Tell Stories
If you are looking for a general history of New York, this exhibit should be one of your first stops at the museum. The themed displays with artifacts and information cover a variety of topics, such as slavery, education and 9/11.
Collector’s Choice: Highlights from the Permanent Collection
DiMenna Children’s History Museum
On the lower level of the museum is a history museum dedicated completely to children. I didn’t visit it on my most recent trip to the museum, but when I took children on a field trip we spent a lot of time in this area. They loved learning about history through a diverse range of children who lived in NYC from the 17th century to the 20th century.
Current Exhibits at the New York Historical Society
Stonewall 50 at New-York Historical Society
One of the most popular exhibits at the museum now is about the history of gay rights and the Pride celebration. The exhibit commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. I visited on June 28th, which was exactly 50 years from when the NYC police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club, in Greenwich Village. “The Letting Loose and Fighting Back” section explains LGBTQ nightlife before and after Stonewall. The mafia owned clubs served as places of community activism.
A large timeline shows some of the most important milestones in LGBTQ history in the last 54 years. It was inspiring to see the progress made, yet discouraging to know the struggles and the decisions still being made in opposition of the community. You can see these exhibits for yourself until September 22nd, 2019.
LIFE: Six Women Photographers
This exhibit displays photographs from six female photographers who worked for LIFE magazine between the 1930s and the 1970s. The photographs cover what the magazine’s founder & editor and chief called the “American Century”. They include major events in history and women’s’ roles in these national and international celebrations & crises. Until October 6th you can see the photographs on display.
Visiting the New York Historical Society
Where
The Upper West Side of Manhattan
170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
How to Get There
Take the C or B to the 81st St-Museum of Natural History subway stop. You can also take the 1 to the 79th St subway station.
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 10am – 6pm
Friday: 10am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Tickets
Adults $22
Friday from 6 – 8pm is pay what you wish (check the website for other prices and discounts)
With the New York City Explorer Pass, the New York Pass, and the NY Freestyle Pass you receive free admission at the museum! If you are planning on visiting several museums and attractions within NYC, buy one of the passes and save money.
Toilets
Toilets are available on every floor.
Food
The Italian restaurant, Storico, is located inside the museum. It closes in between lunch and dinner so make sure to check the hours.
The parallel avenues, Columbus Ave & Amsterdam Ave, are full of restaurants so you can easily find something that appeals to you!
If you are looking for something quick and healthy, Chopt and Sweetgreen are both on Amsterdam Ave. If you want a picnic in nearby Central Park they are great for getting food to go.
Alice’s TeaCup is a cute themed cafe with sandwiches, scones and tea. Patsy’s Pizzeria is a local pizza chain with good classic pizzas at reasonable prices. Sarabeth’s is a popular upscale NYC restaurant. The food is good, but be prepared to pay $20 + for pancakes.
Cafe Lalo, Levain Bakery, and Magnolia Bakery are all iconic NYC spots for desserts within 10 – 15 minutes walk of the museum.
FYI
There is a free coat and bag check.
More About NYC
BOOKS
BROADWAY
CHRISTMAS
ITINERARIES
LIFE IN NYC
MUSEUMS
TOURS
WHERE TO STAY
For more museum ideas check out my museum of the month pages.
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18 Comments
Soumya Gayatri
I have been to New York so many times yet I have never visited the New York History Society. Seems like I have missed a great deal. I would start with the general history section. It is wonderful to know that they have ongoing exhibits and one can go multiple times and learn something new. My kid would love the children’s section too.
admin
Yes, it is great museum to visit multiple times. I hope you get a chance to visit whenever you are back in NYC!
Shaily
Being a history buff and art lover, New York Historical Society is a place for me. The exhibit section looks great and you are correct – every object here tells a story. Changing the ongoing exhibits is a great idea. It makes the place interesting and worth multiple visits. I would also love to see all those fascinating paintings from different eras.
admin
As a history buff and art lover I am sure you would enjoy the New York Historical Society!
Clarice
I love New Year Historical Society. We were lucky to visit a few months ago. It was very nice that they had a section for kids that my children also enjoyed the visit.
We will definitely consider the NYC explorer pass next time.
admin
Glad you were able to visit!
Chloé Arnold
I’m embarrassed to admit I lived a few blocks from here and never made it! We now live downtown but might have to go back uptown to visit this. It looks so cool! I had no idea it was even here!
admin
Wow I am jealous you got to live on the UWS! If you get a chance you should visit on a Friday night 🙂
Bhushavali N
That’s an interesting series. As someone who likes to visit museums, I’m gonna follow your blog series.
I’m yet to visit USA and as a history buff, I’ll definitely visit this museum.
It would be interesting to know about the 6 women photographers belonging to the era when feminism & women’s rights wasn’t big!
admin
Thanks, I have quite a few museum reviews on my site now. I hope you check them out! There are a lot of great museums in the USA.
Yes, it was rare for women to be photographers for a major magazine at that time.
Amrita
New York Historical Society seems to be the right place to know about the history and timeline of the city. The current exhibits are quite interesting with details of gay rights and women photographers. I would love to visit the museum and know more about the city. And it is so great that they have dedicated a section for the children too. Usually museums often get boring for the kids. I am sure the kids you went with for the first time had enjoyed there.
admin
Yes, some museums can get really boring for children. I really like the NY Historical Society has a dedicated children’s museum.
Daniel
What a great idea for article series. As someone that’s a big museum fan, I’m definitely looking forward to reading about more museums on your blog. As for this particular museum, I’ve been to NYC several times but never got the chance to visit but when I go there again, it’s on the top of my list.
admin
Thank you! I hope you get to visit the NY Historical Society on one of your next visits to NYC 🙂
Yukti Agrawal
I loved New York Historical society during my visit to NYC. It was great to see all exhibits with many of them depicting rich historical importance. Also the location of this museum is great as it is near to Central Park, afterwards I had a nice time in this park. It is good that you listed all nearby eating options.
admin
Yes, the location of the NY Historical Society is great for eating out and exploring Central Park!
Jas
Can’t believe I’ve never heard about this museum until now! I could easily spend an entire day here just browsing through the exhibits and I love how the coat and bag check are free of charge. Can’t wait to check it out next time I’m back in NY!
admin
I hope you get to visit the New York Historical Society sometime!