Colored illustration of New Amsterdam viewed from the water, from the Stokes volume collection.
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Woodcut illustration of a 17th-century Manhattan Indian village depicting longhouses.
Bike gifted to Mayor Rudolph Giuliani in 1995 promoting Copenhagen’s bike share program, a precursor to NYC’s Citibike initiative.
Watch Malcolm X speaking at a Nation of Islam rally, less than a year before his split from the organization to form Muslim Mosque, Inc and the Organization of Afro-American Unity.
President John F. Kennedy speaks at the 1964 World’s Fair site in Queens in 1962, ahead of the event marked by innovation and protest.
Video of Shirley Chisholm announcing her 1972 presidential campaign, becoming the first Black candidate under the Democratic Party.
Explore footage of David N. Dinkins’ historic 1990 inauguration as New York City’s first Black mayor, featuring his speech, performances, and the official oath.
San Juan Hill community members gather to celebrate jazz musician and composer Thelonius Monk during the dedication of Thelonius Sphere Monk Circle at West 63rd Street in Manhattan.
Early 1990s Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) campaign videos encouraging subway ridership and featuring interviews with riders and workers amid concerns about safety and service.
In 1936, the NYPD held a traffic safety parade on Riverside Drive to raise awareness of rising traffic deaths, with precincts competing for best design.
Map showing farmland owned by formerly enslaved New Yorkers, with each plot labeled with the owner’s name.
Sample 2025 Democratic primary ballot showing ranked choice voting for Mayor, Comptroller, and Borough President.