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August 2020
Digital Discussion: Processing the Museum’s Archives
Archival collections in museums can include documents about an institution's history, collections, and exhibitions. With approximately fifty archival collections acquired each year, the New York Transit Museum's Collections Committee makes decisions about what to collect. From there, the Archives team determines the order and timeframe for processing, as well as research and conservation needs. Once a collection has been acquired, Processing Archivists work to make the materials accessible through finding aids, catalogs, public programs, and exhibitions.
Join New York Transit Museum Processing Archivist Katherine Sorresso for an inside look at what goes into working in a museum archive and explore the details of processing a collection at the New York Transit Museum.
Limited spots available! RSVP here >
Digital Discussion: Take the A Train!
Constructed by the city-owned Independent Subway System (IND), the A train, known then as the 8th Avenue System, opened in 1932 as a 12-mile subway line running from 207th Street in Upper Manhattan to Chambers St in Lower Manhattan. By the 1950s, the line had grown to be the longest line in the New York City subway system, running 31 miles across three boroughs and traversing diverse communities along the way. It is also known for having been immortalized in Billy Strayhorn’s song ‘Take the A Train’, a song which has become a celebration of the subway itself.
Join Museum Educator Kate Lanceley for a digital discussion that will explore the history of the A train line. Discover unique features of the line and the history of its construction, including the individuals who helped build it and stories about some of the communities it serves.
Limited spots available! RSVP here >
Digital Discussion: The Fifth Avenue Coach Company
Long before subways transported straphangers across the city, street level transportation dominated. Throughout the 1800s, several omnibus and horsecar companies competed for line rights and access to technological innovations. Unique among them was the Fifth Avenue Coach Company, who, despite being barred from laying trolley tracks along the fashionable two-way thoroughfare it is named for, emerged as a leader in motorbus transportation.
Join Educator Sonya Ochshorn for a digital discussion that explores the history of the Fifth Avenue Coach Company from horse-drawn Omnibuses to early motorbuses. Discover how the Fifth Avenue Coach Company overcame financial and legal difficulties and eventually became well known for their double decker models.
Limited spots available! RSVP here >
Old City Hall: A Virtual Experience
In 1904, New York City’s very first subway ride left from the City Hall station amidst great civic pride. Designed by renowned architects Heins & LaFarge, the station featured innovative vaulted tile ceilings by master artisan Rafael Guastavino. Its elegant chandeliers, leaded skylights, and graceful curves inspired awe among visitors.
Join us online as we dive into the creation of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company, early subway construction, and the City Beautiful movement that led to that momentous day. In our new virtual experience, we'll look closely at the decorative flourishes of the decommissioned station with historic photographs from the Museum's collection, maps, architectural drawings, and photos of the station today. Education Coordinator Marie Fazio will guide us through the storied history of the station.
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