New York 50 Objects

New York 50 Objects

New York is a city that prides itself on the people it welcomes and the events it hosts. Millions of individuals and thousands of objects have graced “The Big Apple,” forming its rich and diverse history. It is impossible to condense the history of the city through just 50 objects without being subject to debate. However, there are those objects that carry such significance that can allow them to be preserved for future generations. At the heart of anything lies its’ roots and origins and as we grow older, we will never forget our roots. The Schaghenbrief will allow future generations to recognize the original inhabitants of New York and how civilization has progressed. Preserving this object will show the importance of trade and how the Europeans came to settle, as it documented the sale of Manhattan Island for $24 in 1626 from the Indians to the Dutch. Additionally, the purpose of any map is to help individuals travel easier and one is certainly used in a city as vast as Manhattan. John Randel’s proposed street grid of Manhattan will help future tourists understand the design of the city and how it has changed or remained the same. Preserving this object will show the major avenues in New York in 1811, which helped to increase the city’s immigrant population, as foreigners were able to assimilate more easily and with more knowledge. Also, in a “city that never sleeps,” electricity is paramount. Edison’s Dynamo will allow future generations to appreciate the work it took and takes to keep New York powered and understand the origins of electricity, as this 1882 machine helped to generate enough current to power 800 light bulbs, which gave birth to the city’s electrical age.
When one thinks of the symbols of New York, the Yankees are usually on that list, as they represent success and dominance. Preserving the First Yankee Stadium Program will show that sports are an integral part of the cultural aspect of any city and help make the city more...

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