The Archive Project was treated to a remarkable after hours tour of the New-York Historical Society’s Patricia D. Klingenstein Library. One of the oldest and most distinguished libraries in the United States, their collection contains more than 350,000 books, three million manuscripts, and distinctive collections of maps, architectural drawings, photographs, prints, and ephemera documenting the history of America from the perspective of New York City. In addition, the Library holds materials related to the City’s nationally-significant historic preservation movement, including the diaries of Harmon Goldstone’s years at New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission (1968-1974); the papers of Margot Gayle, best known for her work on behalf of the Jefferson Market Courthouse, the Victorian Society in America, and the Friends of Cast-Iron Architecture; and the papers of Shirley Hayes, active in Greenwich Village and vigorous opponent of Robert Moses. Preservationists will also know the library as the home of the records of some major architects and architectural firms, including McKim, Mead & White, Cass Gilbert, and George B. Post.

In an exclusive tour with Michael Ryan, Vice President and Director of the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, Nina Nazionale, Director of Library Operations, Edward O’Reilly, Head of the Manuscript Department, and various other curators, attendees were guided through an in-depth exploration of the venerable library’s diverse collection. From breathtakingly-rendered drawings from McKim, Mead & White’s designs for the Morgan Library and Pennsylvania Station to brochures for the World Trade Center, and from advocacy fliers for preservation efforts in Greenwich Village to original handwritten letters from significant New Yorkers, this proved to be an unparalleled opportunity to view what lies within the stacks of one of the greatest keepers of New York City history! 

Location:
New-York Historical Society
170 Central Park West
New York, NY 10024
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