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nyc 400 essentials THE EARLY DUTCH IN NEW YORK CITY A trip to NYC has always been an adventure—perhaps even more so back in 1609, when Henry Hudson and his crew aboard the Dutch vessel Halve Maen explored what became New Amsterdam (and later New York).They were a diverse group of traders in search of economic and personal liberty, and their legacy lives on in the optimism, freedom and innovation of today's New York. It's only appropriate, then, that NYC and the Netherlands have planned a number of exciting events to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Hudson's arrival. The festivities will begin in March and continue throughout the year, with a special emphasis on NYC 400 Week, September 8–13, and the New Amsterdam Plein & Pavilion, a gift from the Netherlands designed by Ben van Berkel, to be unveiled in Battery Park in late 2009. See a few preliminary highlights below, and remember to check back later for more extensive listings: Ongoing Dutch Masters • The Frick Collection Art in Frick's permanent collection includes works by Frans Hals, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, Anthony van Dyck and many more.
Ongoing Dutch Masterworks • The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Met's permanent collection contains more than 200 outstanding Dutch paintings—rich in landscapes, portraits and genre scenes—including 20 by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, 18 by Vincent van Gogh, 11 by Frans Hals, five of the 35 known paintings by Johannes Vermeer and other masterworks.This anniversary is the perfect time to see them for yourself.
Ongoing The Jan Martense Schenck House • The Brooklyn Museum The Jan Martense Schenck House, built in 1676, is a two-room structure that originally stood on Mill Island—known today as Mill Basin. It's Brooklyn's second-oldest example of Dutch-American architecture, a must-see for history buffs.
Ongoing 1690–1810: Buildings and Dutch Influence Historic Richmond Town New York's living history and museum complex features buildings constructed by Dutch settlers in the 1700s. During the 5 Dutch Days 5 Boroughs event in November, Historic Richmond Town will provide a hands-on opportunity for visitors to experience the types of domestic and commercial activities that supported families and communities three centuries ago.
Ongoing Celebrations at the Farm House • Lefferts Historic House Lefferts Historic House is one of a small number of farmhouses surviving from Brooklyn's Dutch settlement period.Today it serves as a museum, documenting Brooklyn family life during the 1820s. Period rooms are furnished to reflect the era, while craft activities and demonstration gardens and fields help visitors understand the changes in the borough's landscape since the 19th century.
Ongoing Exhibits in Permanent Collection American Museum of Natural History Exhibits in the permanent collection include dioramas of the Hudson River waterway, the Dutch purchase of the island of Mannahatta from Native Americans and animals that the Dutch would have encountered 400 years ago.
Ongoing Dyckman Farmhouse Museum You might not know it from looking at the island's iconic skyline, but Manhattan is still home to one Dutch colonial farmhouse; it was built around 1784 and opened as a museum in 1916. This anniversary is the perfect time to visit the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum and learn what life was like on a farm in what later became the big city.
Ongoing Old Stone House This reconstruction of a 1699 Dutch farmhouse is a vital educational resource for New Yorkers and visitors alike. It's a terrific place to learn about early American history. Subjects include the country's birth (the Revolutionary War's Battle of Brooklyn) and the early days of its national pastime (the Old Stone House's role as the field house for the future Brooklyn Dodgers).
Ongoing Queens County Farm Museum The Queens County Farm Museum—a working historical farm—is NYC's largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland. The complex's centerpiece: the restored Adriance farmhouse, built in 1772 by the farm's Dutch owners. Learn about the site from its Dutch origins to today, and enjoy a tour of the farmhouse or a hayride.
Ongoing Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum The original portion of the Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House was built around 1652, making it the oldest building in New York City. Come see demonstrations of household and farm activities and learn about the lives of NYC's early Dutch and English settlers.
March 1–December 2009 Tugboats Night & Day • The Noble Maritime Collection An art and history exhibition inspired by those beloved icons of New York Harbor, Tugboats Night & Day features a replica of the wheelhouse of the Susan A. Noble, a 19th-century vessel.
March 6–September 7 Fashioning Felt • Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum This exhibition includes historic examples and contemporary uses of felt in a range of fields, including product design, fashion, architecture and home furnishings. Featured Dutch designers include Claudy Jongstra, Soren Ulrik Petersen, Brigit Daamen and Inge Lindqvist.
March 15–August 2 Reclaimed: Paintings from the Collection of Jacques Goudstikker • The Jewish Museum Before World War II, Jacques Goudstikker was a successful Dutch art dealer. He died fleeing the Nazis, and the Third Reich looted his collection. Recently, his family recovered many of the missing paintings, and 40 of the most impressive will be on display, including rarely seen works by Jan van der Heyden and Salomon Jacobsz van Ruysdael.
March 23–July 31 History Panorama: Salmagundians Illustrate Manhattan's 400Year Founding by the Dutch Established in 1871 as an artists' studio, the Salmagundi space showcases paintings, sculpture and photography, and offers art classes and lectures. This exhibition of 24 monumental panels, created by Salmagundi artists, depicts 400 years of Manhattan history ranging from Hudson's ship fording the River to New Amsterdam to a montage titled "Ellis Island,World Trade Center."
Spring 2009 Gateway to America National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy Offering a rich and layered perspective on the world's most significant harbor, this audio-guided boat tour features a sweeping narrative that explores the ways in which geography, defense, immigration and commerce have shaped the history and the future of New York. Narrated by Kathleen Turner, the tour features stories and commentaries by National Park Rangers and other experts. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are just two of the tour's highlights.
April–early May Annual Border • Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Annual Border, featuring 10,000 tulips representing 80 different species, is a vibrant display of brilliant ribbons of color that tourists and residents alike treasure every spring. In addition to experiencing the dazzling visual, visitors will also get to explore the remarkable history of the legendary flower. This year's Dutch theme celebrates Henry Hudson's arrival in New York 400 years ago.
April 4–September 27 Amsterdam/New Amsterdam:The Worlds of Henry Hudson Museum of the City of New York The Museum of the City of New York invites you to explore the Dutch influence on the City's history through documents, images and objects that shed light on the Dutch Republic's embrace of diversity, its complex relationship with the peoples of New Amsterdam and the enduring physical and cultural mark it has left on today's NYC.
April 16–October 8 The Hudson River—An Explorer's Legacy Museum of Bronx History,Valentine-Varian House Henry Hudson's arrival in 1609 paved the way for much of New York City’s history in general and the Bronx’s history in particular. Come learn about life in Dutch New Amsterdam and explore the Hudson River's influence on the borough's geography, politics and community.
May 1–June 7 The Glory of Dutch Bulbs:A Legacy of 400 Years New York Botanical Garden As NYC celebrates the 400th anniversary of Hudson's arrival, more than 50,000 bulbs will bloom in the Bronx in a display inspired by the great tulip and lily gardens of Holland.While you're there, be sure to explore the rest of the largest botanical garden in any American city.
May 6–July 27 Aernout Mik • Museum of Modern Art This exhibition presents a series of installations by Dutch artist Aernout Mik, whose work encompasses motion pictures, sculpture, architecture, performance and social commentary. The exhibition examines the nature of reality and subverts the traditional relationship between viewer and viewed.
May 7–September 6 Dutch Treats: Highlights from the Collection of George Way When you think of a Dutch treat, chocolate may come to mind, but this exhibition—put together by George Way (a native Staten Islander and a renowned collector of vintage items)—doesn’t deal with sugary snacks.The one-of-a-kind collection on display at Snug Harbor Cultural Center features 16th- and 17th-century Dutch paintings, drawings, furniture and etchings. As NYC celebrates the 400-year anniversary of the arrival of the Dutch, the exhibition is one way to get in touch with the City’s roots.
May 9 Hudson River Pageant • Earth Celebrations This ecological parade and performance-art event is meant to raise awareness about the restoration of the Hudson River as a vital urban waterway, and address the future effects of climate change on the river and our shoreline in New York City.
May 16 It's My (Waterfront) Park Day • Citywide The City's ideal natural harbor is what first drew Henry Hudson's notice as he sailed the Atlantic coastline, and its waterfront remains a huge asset for residents and visitors. It's My (Waterfront) Park Day is a chance to help spruce up New York's waterways, with free events at Governors Island, Brooklyn Bridge Park and the East River Waterfront.
May 17 Drums Along the Hudson/Shad Fest • Inwood Hill Park Celebrate Native American heritage and "the spirit of the drum" through music and arts and crafts at Manhattan's only open-air powwow (a celebratory gathering of Native American people). Or indulge in international foods, including the delicacy shad—the only fish that may be commercially caught in the Hudson River.
May 17 Farm Fest • Queens County Farm Museum Celebrate Dutch heritage and spring's arrival with sheep shearing demonstrations, Dutch crafts and cultural exhibits, a plant sale and other fun-filled farm festivities. Kids will love hayrides, pony rides and the petting zoo, while everyone will enjoy live country-western music and tours of the historic house and greenhouse.
May 19–Ongoing New York Dutch Room • The Metropolitan Museum of Art See the latest addition to the Met's impressive American Wing period room collection. It comes from a house constructed by Daniel Peter Winne in 1751. Though a thousand or more wood-framed houses may have been built in the distinctive Dutch style, only about a dozen or so still survive.The room will display furniture, silver, painted glass and early portraiture made and used in Dutch colonial New York.
May 20–October 13 Mannahatta/Manhattan:A Natural History of New York City The Wildlife Conservation Society and the Museum of the City of New York present a vision of New York City as Henry Hudson and early Dutch explorers encountered it in 1609.Through interactive, digital and photographic means, the exhibition will take the viewer on a virtual tour of the magnificent wooded area at the mouth of a great river—the freshwater wetlands, deep marshes, swamps and other natural features of this "island of many hills"—revealing the abundance and diversity of nature.
May 24 Pinkster! • Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum Pinkster is a colonial African and Dutch observation of Pentecost, when slaves had a rare opportunity to feast and gather with family and friends. Mark the occasion and reflect on an important part of history with music, food, crafts and more.
May 26–December 31 New Amsterdam Trail • Henry Hudson 400 Foundation Henry Hudson 400, the Dutch National Archives and the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy at Federal Hall have joined forces to create the self-guided walking tour titled "The New Amsterdam Trail." Entertaining and informative narration is provided by Russell Shorto, author of the bestselling history The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America.The history walk illuminates the presence of the Dutch in the landmarks, architecture, monuments and street names of lower Manhattan.
June 5–September 27 Scripture for the Eyes: Bible Illustration in Netherlandish Prints of the Sixteenth Century This exhibition showcases approximately 80 engravings, woodcuts and illustrated bibles and books, exploring the role of printed illustration in the dramatic religious and artistic transformation of 16thcentury Europe.
June 10–August 16 Dutch Seen: New York Rediscovered Museum of the City of New York Guest curated by Kathy Ryan, photo editor of The New York Times Magazine, this exhibit features stunning contemporary photography by modern Dutch masters working in New York City, most of which has been specially commissioned in honor of the Henry Hudson quadricentennial. The photographs on view will explore diversity, toleration and humanism—the values shared by New York City and its ancestral founder, Holland—while reflecting aesthetic traditions in Dutch art, from the old masters to the contemporary newsmakers.
June 13 Fishing Festival West Harlem Piers Park, 125th Street and Hudson River In addition to its considerable cultural and historical significance, the Hudson is home to its fair share of aquatic life. Bring your children so that they can sharpen their angling skills and learn about the fish that live in the river (you might learn a little something, too).While you're there, enjoy music, arts and crafts and even a boat-building demonstration.The festivities kick off a summerlong fishing program celebrating the Hudson quadricentennial. Rods and reels are provided.
June 13 Kinderdag:A Dutch Children's Day • Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum Why should adults have all the fun? Whether you're 4 or 400, celebrate the Dutch from a kid's perspective with food, games, entertainment, crafts and more all afternoon long.
June 18–January 10, 2010 CONTACT: 1609 • Staten Island Museum This exhibition features the work of seven contemporary artists reinterpreting the first contact between Native Americans and Europeans. In addition, the museum will also showcase 16th-century Dutch ceramic objects.
July 12 River Readings:Writing the Hudson: A Panel and Reading with Wayne Franklin, Presented in collaboration with Poet’s House, leading poets and scholars gather to discuss the cultural and environmental tributaries that have flowed through the literature of the Hudson River Valley, from Native American poetic traditions to the urban pastoral poetry of John Ashbery.
July 13–September 20 GlassWear: Glass in Contemporary Jewelry Museum of Arts and Design A major international exhibition of contemporary jewelry made of glass, this event features the work of eight Amsterdam artists and celebrates the marriage of glass and jewelry, two of the richest and most inventive areas in the decorative arts.
July 19–October 5 In & Out of Amsterdam: 1960–1976 • Museum of Modern Art Much like New York,Amsterdam was a vibrant center of the arts in the 1960s and 1970s. This exhibit features more than 100 works, including paintings, films and installations, by artists who spent time in Amsterdam during that period, including Gilbert & George, Charlotte Posenenske and Lawrence Weiner. It's a fitting tribute to the cultural exchange that is the hallmark of both cities.
July 28–November 1 Where New York Began:Archeology at the South Ferry Station New York Transit Museum In 2004, as the Metropolitan Transit Authority dug a subway tunnel for the new South Ferry subway station, archeologists discovered centuries-old artifacts shedding new light onto the beginnings of NYC.The exhibit tells their compelling story.
August 9 River Readings:Writing the Hudson:A River of Inspiration Wave Hill This ongoing series presents readings and discussion by novelists for whom the Hudson River has been a source of inspiration, and often serves as a locale for their fiction. Eminent novelist Edmund White and other writers to present excerpts from their latest works, often dealing with life along the Hudson River.
September 2009–November 2009 Hudson River Concert Series • Wave Hill As a waterway to northern industrial cities and the Erie Canal, the Hudson River has historically served as a performance route for numerous cultural giants.This four-concert series will include three concerts that revive historical programs presented at opera houses along the Hudson.
September 6–November 29 The Muhheakantuck in Focus • Wave Hill Hudson's voyages paved the way for the establishment of New Amsterdam and New York City. European settlement, though, displaced the native peoples who lived there at the time.This exhibition features the creations of visual artists who worked with the National Museum of the American Indian to capture the native people's relationship with the Muhheakantuck ("the river that flows both ways," aka the Hudson River).
September 7–January 3, 2010 Dutch New York Between East and West: The World of Margarita Van Varick • Bard Graduate Center This exhibition features a re-creation of the inventory of a Flatbushbased merchant named Margarita Van Varick, who lived in Brooklyn in the 17th century.Through exotic goods from the East, precious metal and stone objects, paintings, textiles and furniture, visitors can see into the everyday lives, roles and opportunities available to the young women in the colony of New Amsterdam.
September 10–13, 17–20 Island Festival • Governors Island For the run of the New Amsterdam Festival, a collaboration between the world-famous Oerol and De Parade festivals, Governors Island, located in the heart of New York Harbor, becomes a stage for renowned Dutch and American musical artists. Free ferry service will be provided.
September 12–January 7, 2010 National Archives of the Netherlands Take a look back at a time when New Amsterdam was, well, new. Presented by the Dutch National Archives, the exhibit includes the 1626 letter that notes one of the best real estate deals of all time— the purchase of Manhattan for goods worth 60 guilders.Also, examine rare maps, plans and watercolors of what would become New York City, many of which have never before been seen in the United States (such as Johannes Vingboons' original illustrations of the City).
September 12–13 Historic House Festival • Historic House Trust As NYC celebrates 400 years since Henry Hudson's arrival, the Historic House Trust marks its own 20th anniversary. Honor both occasions by exploring 22 sites in parks throughout the five boroughs. From modest farmers' cottages to grand mansions, each one is a tribute to NYC's rich cultural and architectural heritage, and to the City's roots as a Dutch settlement.
September 13 Harbor Day • Citywide Ride a bike, take in the beauty of the City on a free ferry ride and help support parks programming that will keep New York's waterfront bustling for years to come. Even four centuries after Hudson's arrival, New York Harbor is still the place to be, and this event will help keep it that way.
September 25–June 26, 2010 Mapping New York's Shoreline, 1609–2009 New York Public Library, Henry Hudson and his crew gathered important geographic information about the Hudson Valley—alerting the Dutch to its tremendous value. Drawing upon the New York Public Library's collection of historical maps, atlases, books, journals and manuscripts, the exhibition celebrates the vital Dutch contributions in mapping New York's once-unknown shores. It includes materials ranging from early maps reflecting Giovanni da Verrazano's brief visit to the most recent, technologically advanced efforts to understand humankind's environmental impact on the City's waterways.
October 2–3 Justice in New Amsterdam and the Dutch Rattlers New York City Police Museum This event will feature family and school programming and a Friday-evening history lecture about the first Police Officers of New York— the Dutch Rattlers.
November 2009 5 Dutch Days 5 Boroughs • Various locations Anchored by Dutch-American Heritage Day on November 16, these events celebrate the impact of Dutch arts and culture on NYC— from the City's enterprising, multicultural origins as a Dutch colony to today's influential Dutch artists and designers.
November 1–29 Sewing the Threads of New York: The 400 Year Anniversary of Henry Hudson's Voyage The 18th Annual Prospect Park Quilt Exhibit, hosted by the Quilters' Guild of Brooklyn, features work inspired by Hudson's journey, the river valley landscape, contact between explorers and natives and other historical events and changes that have taken place around the harbor and river in the 400 years since.
November 11–January 2, 2010 Faster Than Fiction by Jenny Marketou • Chelsea Art Museum This sound and video installation showcases the Hudson River's considerable industrial, cultural and natural influence. Innovative elements include a feed of video streams and images triggered by the river's flow and mobile phone–based eavesdropping from the waterway. The project explores landscape, identity, memory, imagination and, fittingly, the intersection of technology and art.
December 2 Kathleen Supové • Chelsea Art Museum The Dutch influence on NYC culture didn't end when New Amsterdam became New York—it continues to this day.Take in the music of contemporary Dutch composers including Louis Andriessen and Jacob Ter Veldhuis, all expertly performed by NYC's own groundbreaking pianist Kathleen Supové. For information on celebratory events taking place across New York State, visit exploreny400.com. © 2015 TLC Magazine Online, Inc. |