A powerful new visual narrative of the American immigrant journey is now on display in the heart of Manhattan. The New York Historical Society has launched a significant exhibition that charts the profound impact of immigration on New York City, told through a compelling collection of more than a hundred photographs and artefacts.
A Century of Arrivals in Focus
Curated by Briana Ellis-Gibbs, the exhibition presents a diverse range of viewpoints, revealing how successive waves of newcomers have continuously shaped the city's identity. The collection spans from the late 19th century to the late 20th century, offering a panoramic look at the struggles, communities, and daily life of those who arrived from across the globe.
The visual journey begins with historical glimpses like Hester Street circa 1898, a bustling scene from the Lower East Side, and Jacob A. Riis's poignant 1894-96 image of the Children's Aid Society 'Going West'. These are contrasted with mid-century moments, such as Alexander Alland's 1940 portrait of Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew holding a Torah scroll.
Modern Mosaics and Enduring Stories
A substantial portion of the display is dedicated to the work of photographer Eugene Gordon, who documented the city's evolving ethnic enclaves in the 1980s. His images provide a vivid snapshot of a later generation of immigrant life.
Visitors can see Gordon's 1985 shots of a Chinatown playground, a Sikh Gurdwara in Flushing, Queens, and the cramped conditions of a Chinatown sweatshop. His 1984 photo of the Nuevo Principe Restaurant in Jackson Heights speaks to the emerging Latin American influences. These are displayed alongside other works, like Jack Margolin's 1994 subway scene 'Side by Side', illustrating the city's enduring role as a melting pot.
Legacy and Closing Date
The exhibition serves as a direct testament to the fact that New York's global character is not a recent phenomenon but the foundational result of its immigrant history. Each photograph acts as a window into the personal stories of work, faith, family, and community building.
This major display is open to the public and will run until 29 March. It draws primarily from the institution's own Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, including the Alexander Alland and Eugene Gordon photograph collections.
