In collaboration with the New-York Historical Society, the Bryant Park Reading Room presents a series of free lectures to stimulate your mind on popular topics including biography, Civil War history, politics, and more.
This program has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you very much for your interest in and support of New-York Historical Society's public programs.
Explore the unsurpassed Civil War collections of the New-York Historical Society in another lively, vividly illustrated look inside history through rare pictures, one-of-a-kind relics, bizarre curiosities, and iconic talismans of the rebellion—including prison art and soldier diaries, secret de-coding devices, home-front charity fair souvenirs, political tokens, and unique, first-hand testimony about the Lincoln assassination.
Few know that our 16th President, the man who saw the Union through the Civil War, did not have the chance to properly attend school. He went “by littles”, increments that amounted to fewer than 12 months of formal education over several years. Noted historian and author Lewis E. Lehrman follows Abraham Lincoln’s incredible life, highlighting key moments that give insight into how he went from the poor son of a frontiersman with little formal education to one of the most celebrated leaders in American history.
The epic Battle of Gettysburg did not end the Civil War as Abraham Lincoln had hoped. In fact, the conflict lasted another two years, and more soldiers died after Gettysburg than before. Three Civil War historians explore what Union and Confederate commanders East and West, land and sea did next—and what they should have done.
Beginning his remarkable political career as personal secretary to Abraham Lincoln and ending it as secretary of state to Theodore Roosevelt, John Hay witnessed and, at times, orchestrated some of the most momentous events in American history. Biographer John Taliaferro, in conversation with Harold Holzer, provides a long-overdue look into the life and work of this unparalleled figure.
Straddling the geographical line between the North and South, Washington, DC’s position was never as precarious as during the Civil War. In conversation with Harold Holzer, Lincoln biographer Kenneth J. Winkle examines how Lincoln and his administration managed to mold a town rife with ideological and political division into a beacon for the Union’s cause.
The New-York Historical Society offers a variety of exceptional group tours of our special exhibitions. Now individuals also can enjoy an in-depth exploration of the exhibition The Civil War in 50 Objects with one of our curator-trained docents. For one low price you will receive a tour ticket and all-day museum admission!
The New-York Historical Society offers a variety of exceptional group tours of our special exhibitions. Now individuals also can enjoy an in-depth exploration of the exhibition The Civil War in 50 Objects with one of our curator-trained docents. For one low price you will receive a tour ticket and all-day museum admission!
The New-York Historical Society offers a variety of exceptional group tours of our special exhibitions. Now individuals also can enjoy an in-depth exploration of the exhibition The Civil War in 50 Objects with one of our curator-trained docents. For one low price you will receive a tour ticket and all-day museum admission!