LinkNYC, DoITT, the Museum of the City of New York and Urban Archive Launch Historic NYC: Photography from NYC History Displayed on Links Across the City
The Museum of the City of New York’s historic photos showcased on Links in all five boroughs
NEW YORK – LinkNYC and the Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications (DoITT) today launched Historic NYC, which brings historic photography of New York City landmarks and streets to all Links across the five boroughs. In partnership with the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) and Urban Archive, historic photos from the MCNY archive will be featured on the Links’ 55-inch digital displays within a couple hundred feet of the photo’s location of capture, which is made possible by Urban Archive’s mapping technology. This dynamic campaign will highlight MCNY’s rich collection of historic photos and surface thousands of them across the entire Link network.
“With an expansive five-borough network, LinkNYC is giving New Yorkers and visitors alike the ability to travel back in time with historic photography of the neighborhoods where we live, work and visit. Thanks to the rich archive and mapping technology from the Museum of the City of New York and Urban Archive, we are providing a way for all of us to feel more connected to the city and its history,” said Ruth Fasoldt, Link’s Director of External Affairs.
“This mapping technology creates an exciting new way for New Yorkers and visitors to see historic photography of the streets they’re walking on just by passing a LinkNYC kiosk,” said Samir Saini, Commissioner of the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications. “We are thrilled to partner with MCNY to demonstrate the value of data visualization through this unique experience that everyone walking down the street can enjoy.”
“Our expansive collection of more than 750,000 objects, including photography, documents New York City’s history dating back to the 17th Century,” said Whitney Donhauser, Ronay Menschel Director and President, Museum of the City of New York. “Working with LinkNYC, DoITT, and Urban Archive enables us to provide content beyond the walls of the Museum while creating unique experiences for New Yorkers and tourists alike.”
“Our partnership with LinkNYC and MCNY is a perfect example of what can be done when technology, open city data and history are combined. The LinkNYC integration showcases MCNY’s digital collections in relevant locations while encouraging the exploration of city history,” said Tim Bradley, Urban Archive’s Director.
Some of the new photography includes Staten Island’s Richmond Club in 1895, the Forest Hills Inn in Queens from 1916, the Williamsburgh Savings Bank tower in Brooklyn in 1929, and the Grand Concourse in the Bronx from 1937. Links will feature the exact address at which the photo was taken, the distance from the Link showing the photo, as well as the photographer and the year the photograph was taken.
About LinkNYC
LinkNYC is the first-of-its-kind communications network replacing the city’s payphones to build the world’s fastest and largest free public Wi-Fi network. Since Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the public launch of LinkNYC in early 2016, more than 1,700 Links are active across all five boroughs, with thousands more set to be deployed over the next few years.
LinkNYC provides important tools to communities to access connectivity and social services. More than 5 million people – more than the populations of the cities of Chicago, Los Angeles, and Houston – have used the free gigabit Wi-Fi service, with tens of thousands of new users joining the network each week. The system sees 500,000 phone calls made every month, and the most commonly dialed number is for the NY State EBT customer service line, which helps families connect to food stamps and other assistance. Tens of thousands of New Yorkers access 311 and Aunt Bertha, a platform to connect with local nonprofits and services, via Link tablets every month to access housing and other resources.
All of Link’s services are 100% free for users and come at no cost to taxpayers.
For more information and to find a Link near you,visit link.nyc.
About the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT)
DoITT is the technology core of New York City government, working with over 100 city agencies and entities to deliver the IT products and services they need to serve and empower New Yorkers and keep our five boroughs safe, strong, and vibrant. For more information, visitnyc.gov/DoITT or visit us on Facebook or Twitter.
About the Museum of the City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York fosters understanding of the distinctive nature of urban life in the world’s most influential metropolis. It engages visitors by celebrating, documenting, and interpreting the city’s past, present, and future. The Museum serves the people of the city as well as visitors from around the world through exhibitions, school and public programs, publications, and collections. To connect with the Museum on social media, follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @MuseumofCityNY and visit our Facebook page atFacebook.com/MuseumofCityNY. For more information please visit www.mcny.org.
About Urban Archive
Urban Archive is a technology nonprofit that creates new connections between people, places, and cultural institutions in New York City. We develop fun and informative applications that bring together the digital collections of the city’s museums, archives, and libraries in an easy-to-use resource built for discovery. Our mission is to inspire learning that’s rooted in what’s local – the architecture, culture, and unique stories of New York City.
To connect with Urban Archive, follow @UrbanArchiveNY on Instagram and Twitter and download the Urban Archive app, available for free in the App Store. For more information please visit urbanarchive.nyc.
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