Making History Matter: The New-York Historical Society's Vision for the Twenty-First Century

Abstract Much has changed since the New-York Historical Society9s founding in 1804, including the cultural landscape of New York City. In 2004, as part of its bicentennial celebrations, the N-YHS decided to return to its founding mission, which centered around “the history of the United States in general.” The main unoccupied niche among cultural institutions in New York was American history; the N-YHS would use New York as a lens. This change occasioned debate and discussion in many quarters. But most consequential of all, it led to a new strategic plan and a $100 million capital campaign. The result can be seen in the N-YHS9s breathtaking new setting for the story of New York and the nation, with visible evidence that history has the power to change lives.