New York History

From the Archives

A century and a half of New York, retold from clippings, ledgers, photographs and memory.

15 reports · Updated continuously · RSS available

Photograph illustrating the Brooklyn Bridge's opening in 1883 in New York City, showing residents and workers in a street-level scene. — Scenes from New York City as the Brooklyn Bridge's opening in 1883 moves toward a decision this season. Photograph for The New York Journal

From the Archives

Inside The Brooklyn Bridge's Opening in 1883

A Journal examination of the Brooklyn Bridge's opening in 1883 — what the records show, who carries the cost, and what the coming vote would change for New York City.

By Priya Raghunathan · December 1, 2026 · Video

Photograph illustrating Ellis Island's busiest year in New York City, showing residents and workers in a street-level scene.

History Bureau

After Months of Delay, Ellis Island's Busiest Year Moves

A Journal examination of Ellis Island's busiest year — what the records show, who carries the cost, and what the coming vote would change for New York City.

By Maren Ostrowski · May 22, 2026

Photograph illustrating the Great Fire of 1835 in New York City, showing residents and workers in a street-level scene.

Archives Desk

The Great Fire of 1835, Explained

A Journal examination of the Great Fire of 1835 — what the records show, who carries the cost, and what the coming vote would change for New York City.

By Daniel Ayodele · April 25, 2026

Photograph illustrating the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City, showing residents and workers in a street-level scene.

History Bureau

On the Ground: The 1969 Stonewall Uprising

A Journal examination of the 1969 Stonewall uprising — what the records show, who carries the cost, and what the coming vote would change for New York City.

By Clara Nguyen-Hart · March 1, 2026

Photograph illustrating wartime shipbuilding in the Navy Yard in New York City, showing residents and workers in a street-level scene.

Archives Desk

Inside Wartime Shipbuilding in the Navy Yard

A Journal examination of wartime shipbuilding in the Navy Yard — what the records show, who carries the cost, and what the coming vote would change for New York City.

By Theodore Blaise · February 4, 2026

Photograph illustrating the 1919 harbor strike in New York City, showing residents and workers in a street-level scene.

History Bureau

The 1919 Harbor Strike: What Changes Now

A Journal examination of the 1919 harbor strike — what the records show, who carries the cost, and what the coming vote would change for New York City.

By Imani Rutherford · January 7, 2026

Photograph illustrating Coney Island's amusement empires in New York City, showing residents and workers in a street-level scene.

Archives Desk

The Long Argument Over Coney Island's Amusement Empires

A Journal examination of Coney Island's amusement empires — what the records show, who carries the cost, and what the coming vote would change for New York City.

By Samuel Okonkwo · December 10, 2026

Photograph illustrating the World's Fair of 1939 in New York City, showing residents and workers in a street-level scene.

History Bureau

A Closer Look at The World's Fair of 1939

A Journal examination of the World's Fair of 1939 — what the records show, who carries the cost, and what the coming vote would change for New York City.

By Lena Faraday · November 13, 2026

Photograph illustrating the fiscal crisis of 1975 in New York City, showing residents and workers in a street-level scene.

Archives Desk

The Fiscal Crisis of 1975 Reshapes the Week Ahead

A Journal examination of the fiscal crisis of 1975 — what the records show, who carries the cost, and what the coming vote would change for New York City.

By Marcus Whitfield · October 16, 2026