National Archives at New York City

New York to the Nation: Exploring History through the Holdings of the National Archives

Press Release
February, 2016

On Thursday, February 11, 2016, the National Archives at New York City unveils the new panel exhibit, New York to the Nation: Exploring History through the Holdings of the National Archives, in the 2nd floor Rotunda of the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House.

New York to the Nation offers visitors an opportunity to view facsimile copies of photographs, petitions, letters, military records, and more from the holdings of the National Archives.

Discover the history of the Customs House and U.S. Customs Service. Learn about the story of New York from its days as a Dutch colony through its place at the heart of American immigration, finance and innovation. Explore the different types of records held by the Archives and how to access them for research.

Featured documents include:

  • Architectural Drawing of the Collector's Room of the Customs House, November 1904

  • George Washington's First Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789

  • Deed of Gift for the Statue of Liberty, July 1884

  • Susan B. Anthony’s Record of Conviction, June 28, 1873

The panel exhibit is viewable during public hours; 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily and until 8:00 pm on Thursdays.

About the National Archives at New York City

The National Archives at New York City maintains the historically significant records of Federal agencies and courts in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, dating from 1685 to the present. It also holds select microfilm publications of the National Archives and provides access to a variety of online historical resources. Since 2012, The National Archives at New York City has been located on the third floor of the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House. For more information about the National Archives at New York City, visit: www.archives.gov/nyc

About the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House

Designed by Cass Gilbert, and completed in 1907, the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in New York City sits at the tip of Bowling Green park. This beaux-arts masterpiece was built to house New York's Federal Custom Service to assess and collect duties and taxes on imported goods in one of the nation’s most prosperous ports. The building which is open to the public is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is designated as a National Historic Landmark and both public and interior spaces are landmarked according to New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission. Learn more about this historic building at: www.gsa.gov/hamiltoncustomhouse.

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