Echoes of Epidemics Past:
Infectious disease has repeatedly shaped and challenged our city. In fact, before the 20th century, contagion was the overwhelming fact of life – and death – in New York.
Movements and Causes
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"A Future Worth Living?"
April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in New York City and nationwide. Learn more about the first Earth Day and how it has shaped environmentalism and informs our thinking today.
Beyond the Numbers: The 2020 Census and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Learn how historical and contemporary events and struggles shape the census.
#CovidStoriesNYC
We invite everyone to share photos—taken from an appropriately socially-distanced perspective—documenting personal experiences during this challenging time. Post those images on Instagram using the hashtag #CovidStoriesNYC, and tag @museumofcityny.
Germ City: How Past Epidemics Can Shape Our Knowledge of the Coronavirus
New York is a resilient city that has a long, complex, and fascinating history of battling infectious disease and epidemics. This was presented in the exhibition "Germ City: Microbes and the Metropolis," on view September 2018–April 2019. Take a look at these resources and see how they can put our response to the current coronavirus outbreak in context.
When Existence is Resistance
Take a closer look at new content on trans activism with Sarah Seidman, the Puffin Foundation Curator of Social Activism.
Climate Week NYC Wraps Up
As #ClimateWeekNYC wraps up, we’ve been revisiting past programs on climate change and current activities in the Future City Lab.
Reconsidering Feminist Waves through the Strike for Women’s Equality March
Take a closer look at new content on the women’s liberation movement with Sarah Seidman, Puffin Foundation Curator of Social Activism.
Jackie Robinson Day
On April 15, 1947, America's national pastime was finally integrated with the debut of Jackie Robinson as a Brooklyn Dodger. Explore Robinson's groundbreaking career in Major League Baseball and his legacy as a baseball and civil rights legend that lives on today.
Germ City: Epidemics throughout New York’s History
As this year's flu season begins, we reflect on the 1918 influenza pandemic and other contagious diseases the city has had to contend with.