History , Arts

Mapping New York's Shoreline, 1609-2009

Outlook Google

Location
The New York Public Library
D. Samuel and Jeane H. Gottesman Exhibition Hall (First Floor)
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street
New York, NY

Mapping New York's Shoreline celebrates the Dutch accomplishments in the New York City region, especially along the waterways forming its urban watershed, from the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound to the North
(or Hudson) River and the South (or Delaware) River. Inspired by The New York Public Library's collection of Dutch, English, and early American mapping of the Atlantic Coastal regions, this exhibition exemplifies the best early and growing knowledge of the unknown shores along our neighboring rivers, bays, sounds, and harbors. From the earliest mapping reflecting Verazzano's brief visit to gloriously decorative Dutch charting of the Atlantic and New Netherland, illustrating their knowledge of the trading opportunity Hudson's exploration revealed, the antiquarian maps tell the story from a centuries-old perspective. We are brought up to date with maps and text exploring growing environmental concern for this harbor, and the river that continuously enriches it.

From paper maps to vapor maps, those created with computer technology, the story of New York Harbor in its 400th year is told. Mapping New York's Shoreline will feature maps, atlases, books, journals, broadsides, manuscripts, prints, and photographs, drawn primarily from the Library's Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division, augmented by items from other New York Public Library collections. A half-dozen objects, including globes and navigational instruments, will be on loan from the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam.

New York Public Library