Although America is a young nation, it is steeped in history. Arguably New York is at the hub of it all, you can certainly feel the history as you walk around the streets and the many historical museums, buildings and museums will keep a history enthusiast entertained for hours if not weeks (I didn't even get half my historical list finished when I visited, there was just so much to see!)
New-York Historical Society Museum & Library in NYC
170 Central Park West, New York
Founded in 1804, the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library has been a part of New York City for 213 years, collecting and preserving the history of the city and nation.
It is the oldest museum in New York City, predating the founding of the Metropolitan Museum of Art by nearly 70 years. It holds an incredible amount of documents and art - more than 1.6 million works of art and documents.
The museum’s mission is to explore the political, cultural, and social history of New York City, the state, and even the nation.
With small exhibits, a comprehensive online database, and ground-breaking exhibits like Slavery In New York that promote “the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history.”
Monday - CLOSED
Tuesday – Thursday- 10 am – 6 pm
Friday- 10 am – 8 pm
Saturday- 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday- 11 am – 5 pm
Admissions - Adults - $21
Federal Hall
26 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
Federal Hall, built in 1700 as New York's City Hall, later served as the first capitol building of the United States of America under the Constitution, as well as the site of George Washington's inauguration as the first President of the United States under the Constitution. It was also where the United States Bill of Rights was introduced in the First Congress. The building was demolished in 1812. Federal Hall National Memorial was built in 1842 as the United States Custom House, on the site of the old Federal Hall on Wall Street, and later served as a sub-Treasury building. It is now operated by the National Park Service as a national memorial commemorating the historic events that occurred there.
New York City Hall
City Hall Park, New York, NY 10007
New York City Hall, the seat of New York City government, is the oldest city hall in the United States. It still houses its original governmental functions, such as the office of the Mayor of New York City and the chambers of the New York City Council.
Constructed from 1803 to 1812, New York City Hall is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Both its exterior and interior are designated New York City landmarks.
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
28 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
This is the boyhood home of the first U.S. president to be born in New York City. Raised in a townhouse at 28 E. 20th St., Theodore Roosevelt would grow up to be the 26th President and become immortalized on Mount Rushmore.
It is FREE to visit.
Tours on the hour.
Monday & Sunday - CLOSED
Tuesday – Saturday – 9 am – 5 pm
MEMORIALS AND GRAVES
Irish Hunger Memorial
North End Ave & Vesey St, New York, NY 10280
Dedicated to raising awareness of the Great Irish Famine where over 1 million Irish died. The Irish Hunger Memorial garden in New York City is a half-acre recreation of Irish countryside with recreations of existing Irish cottages and stones and vegetation from Ireland.
Green-Wood Cemetery
500 25th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
A century ago, this cemetery was considered one of greatest tourist attraction. Filled with Victorian mausoleums, cherubs and gargoyles, Green-Wood is the resting place of some half-million New Yorkers. But there’s more to do here than grave-spot: Check out the massive Gothic arch at the main entrance or climb to the top of Battle Hill, one of the highest points in Kings County and a pivotal spot during the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776.
Alexander Hamilton Statue
Central Park along the East Drive at 83rd Street
Alexander Hamilton is an outdoor granite sculpture by Carl Conrads, located in Central Park, Manhattan. Hamilton's son, John C. Hamilton, commissioned Conrads to sculpt this statue, which was dedicated on November 22, 1880 and donated to the city.
Hamilton Burial Site
Trinity Church Cemetery, 770 Riverside Dr, New York City
In 1804, Alexander Hamilton was famously and fatally shot in a duel with Aaron Burr. While his burial site has long been visited by historians and those who admired Hamilton, it is now relatively busy due to the overwhelming popularity of Hamilton the Musical.
Joan of Arc Memorial Riverside Drive and 93rd Street, New York City
The artist, Anna Hyatt submitted the statue in 1910. At first it was believed that the high quality of work could not have been created by a woman. A small copper box was placed inside the base containing letters including a letter from President Woodrow Wilson to George Kunz; several French and American coins, bronze medals and plaques; and a “fairy stone” that symbolized the tears of Saint Joan.