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After three years of construction, the New-York Historical Society’s redesigned landmark building is reopened for business. With spacious new interiors, this once fusty site, the society’s home since 1804, has completed the physical and intellectual transformation promised by its acclaimed “Slavery in New York” exhibition in 2005. Its new exhibits reflect its ambition, breadth and verve. “Revolution!: The Atlantic World Reborn” (through April 4) tracks the interconnected paths of popular uprisings in America, France and Haiti; one featured artifact is the original 1765 Stamp Act. “Making American Taste” (through April 1) offers mid-19th-century artworks from the NYHS collection. “Freedom Now: Photographs by Platon” (through April 15) showcases unforgettable images from the postwar civil rights struggle. Seasonal highlights include “A New York Hanukkah” and “It Happened Here: The Invention of Santa Claus” (both through January 8). And the all-new DiMenna Children’s History Museum focuses on telling history via the kids who lived it in a host of inventive, interactive ways.

 

Originally published in the February 2012 issue of American History. To subscribe, click here.