10 Ways to Explore the New-York Historical Society and Museum in New York City

The oldest museum in New York City (it predates even the Met by 50 years!), the New -York Historical Society opened in 1804 on New York’s Upper West Side, across the street from (what is now) the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park. Founded by eleven local merchants and politicians who wanted to preserve historical documents and artifacts post American Revolution and British occupation in New York, the museum now boasts a library of millions of archives, three floors of permanent and rotating exhibits, a devoted children’s museum, and a robust calendar of engaging programs and activities throughout the year to celebrate New York’s (and America’s) rich history.  

Travel Tips:

• The Historical Society and Museum are open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am-5pm (with extended hours on Friday). Up to date information on hours, timed tickets, and admission fees (kids under age five receive free admission) here.
• There is limited street parking around the complex (West 76th, West 77th, and Central Park West) and several parking garages on surrounding streets- more info here. 
• The two dining facilities on site, Clara and Cafe on 77, are currently closed (as of summer 2024)- check here for up to date information regarding reopening. There is a wide variety of restaurants and quick service spots on nearby Amsterdam Avenue.  
• Restrooms are available on every floor and the museum is handicap accessible via an elevator. 
• The New York History Store is open during museum hours and located on the first floor. Museum admission is not required to visit the store.
• Check the calendar for a variety of free, guided tours (1pm and 2:30pm daily), programs, and family focused events. 
• Plan on at least two hours to explore the museum exhibits; a good map of exhibits here. 

10 Things to Do at the NY Historical Society Museum: 

1. Grab a History Detective Briefcase from the membership desk in the lobby to use while exploring the museum exhibits (society membership is not required to borrow a briefcase). The briefcase includes a scavenger hunt for kids to complete while touring the museum exhibits 
2. Watch an introductory film in the Robert H. Smith Auditorium on the main floor. The films We Rise and New York Story (both under 20 minutes) offer important historical context about New York City and its role in the shaping of America.
3. Explore the DiMenna Children’s History Museum, which spans the entire lower level. Interactive exhibits follow the lives of children from various decades, spanning from the late 17th century through the 20th century. Activities include casting a vote, comparing a reproduction of a 19th century baseball and bat to a 2011 ball and bat, practicing penmanship, attempting to cross stitch, and reading in the Lipman Children’s Library book nook.  The Children’s Library also has tons of digital family guides for the museum’s exhibits. 
4. Learn about the Appel Pillars of Democracy in the Frederick Douglass’ America exhibit (1st floor lobby). Displays replicating the site of Douglass’ speech explain the pillars (Absolute Equality, Composite Nationality, Religious Liberty, and Hope) and showcase artifacts from Douglass’ lifetime.  Kids can follow along with this Digital Family Guide. 
5. Watch for 11 lamps that are illuminated on the hour every hour in the Schaffer Gallery’s Enchanting Imagination: The Objets d’Art of André Chervin and Carvin French Jewelers exhibit (2nd floor). On display through early 2025, the exhibit showcases lamps, clocks, figurines, and decorations created with gems and stones by one of the world’s most famous jewelry makers, André Chervin.  

6. Design your own Tiffany lamp in the Gallery of Tiffany Lamps exhibit (4th floor). The exhibit includes 100 unique and one of a kind lamps created by Louis C. Tiffany and head of the Women’s Glass Cutting Department, Clara Driscoll, and is one of the largest collections of Tiffany glass in the world. 
7. Count the animals in the miniature Noah’s Ark in the Objects Tell Stories exhibit (4th floor). Check out other items from the permanent collection such as sporting equipment (1820s ice skates, a 1935 baseball glove, a 1900 bicycle), a collection of wartime uniforms and medals, and George Washington’s camp cot from Valley Forge. 
8. Grab a Family Guide and complete the activities in the booklet while touring the Women’s Work exhibit (on display through summer 2024).  (4th floor)
9. Sit at a replica Oval Office desk (decorated to mirror Ronald Reagan’s office decor) and listen to excerpt from Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon in the Meet the Presidents and Oval Office exhibit (4th floor)
10. Check the calendar for tons of family focused activities like Little New Yorkers and StoryTimes (twice a week in the summer!) and special event celebrations. 

Bonus: Take a peek inside the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, which is currently open to the public to check out library exhibits, and will reopen in fall 2024 for research appointments. 

Looking for other adventures in New York City? Check out our index of dozens of posts here.  And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and X.

Disclosure: Our family was given a media pass to explore the museum. All opinions expressed are my own.