New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Museum · Upper West Side · on 2 of my lists

The New-York Historical Society.

Worth it, says Antonina. The New-York Historical Society was founded in 1804, making it the oldest museum in NYC.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best museums in New York

The New-York Historical Society, in my photographs

11 frames from my visits
  • Exterior street view of the New-York Historical Society building with taxis passing on Central Park West.
    Fall
  • The New-York Historical Society building stands on Central Park West with a taxi passing by.
    Fall
  • The exterior of the New-York Historical Society building on Central Park West.
    Fall
  • A bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln stands on the entrance steps of the New-York Historical Society.
  • A bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln stands on the steps of the New-York Historical Society.
    Summer
  • A street corner view of the New-York Historical Society building with autumn trees overhead.
    Fall

The New-York Historical Society by season

Where The New-York Historical Society appears on New York Dearest

It's on 2 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.

Best museums in New York

No. 13 on that list4 min from the subway
Worth it
  • SubwayB, C to 81 St-Museum of Natural History, 4 min
  • Address170 Central Park West, New York, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

The New-York Historical Society was founded in 1804, making it the oldest museum in NYC. This yet another great activity for history buffs in search of the best museums in New York City. Located right next to Central Park, the museum strives to keep the city’s history alive.

Home to fascinating artifacts (like the calf brace worn by Franklin Delano Roosevelt), make sure to check the current exhibits to see if anything sparks your interest. Also worth mention, The New-York Historical Society hosts interesting talks and weekly events, check the schedule here. We’ve seen a number of interesting folks speak here including Ray Dalio, David Rubenstein, Thomas Friedman, and more.

Read it on the list
Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
Worth it

The New-York Historical Society was founded in 1804, making it the oldest museum in NYC. This yet another great activity for history buffs in search of the best museums in New York City. Located right next to Central Park, the museum focuses on keeping NYC’s history alive.

Home to fascinating artifacts (like the calf brace worn by Franklin Roosevelt), make sure to check the current exhibits to see if anything sparks your interest. Also worth mention, The New-York Historical Society hosts interesting talks and events weekly, check the schedule here. This yet another great activity for history buffs in search of fun things to do on the UWS.

Read it on the list
The New-York Historical Society

Nearby, from my lists

Worth it, within a ten-minute walk
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The New-York Historical Society

Upper West Side