Kenneth R. Cobb
The 1890 Police Census–Digitized
NYC Municipal Archives
It’s Presidents Day
Sarah Cuk
Digitizing the David N. Dinkins Mayoral ...
Kenneth Cobb
Displaced Persons
Pauline Toole
Historical Anniversaries

New Utrecht: A Library Catalogue, circa 1796

New Netherlands. Long Island. Kings County. Brooklyn. New York City. New Utrecht can claim being part of all these jurisdictions during its long history. Established in 1652 as one of the original six towns in Kings County, New Utrecht is now better known as the Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst neighborhoods in the Borough of Brooklyn.   

Recently, archivists processing the Old Town record collection discovered a document titled, “Catalogue of Lane District Library New Utrecht” that gives us unique insight into colonial-era libraries and schools.

The Municipal Record Keepers: Eugene J. Bockman

This week’s article features Eugene J. Bockman, Municipal Reference Library Director (1958-1975), and DORIS’ first Commissioner (1977-1989). Born on July 23, 1923, Bockman served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II, flying 29 missions in the Pacific Theater of Operations, and winning the Distinguished Flying Cross. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Science at City College, and a Bachelor of Library Science at Pratt Institute in 1950.  

Surrogate’s Court/Hall of Records: A Public Treasure

In 1961, the exterior staircase to the eastern entrance of the Surrogate’s Court was lopped off when Centre Street was widened, and the vestibule fell into disuse. Around that time, there were plans to demolish the entire building as part of a “new” Civic Center proposal. Landmark designation of the Surrogate’s Court building in 1966 saved the building from further insult, and in the 1970s, the newly formed Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) moved its administrative staff into offices adjacent to the eastern vestible. In the early 1980s the agency moved all divisions into the building, with the Municipal Library (then called the Municipal Reference and Research Center) occupying the other side of the former Centre Street vestibule.

Charters in the Municipal Library

In recent times, New Yorkers have become accustomed to the appointment of charter revision commissions on an almost annual basis. According to a 1962 article in the Municipal Reference Library Notes by then-librarian Eugene Bockman, this is not unusual. Between 1898 and 1934 there were at least ten charter-revision commissions that examined and proposed a variety of changes in how the city operated.

This month’s edition of Library Notes included a brief bit about the reprint of the oldest charter in the Library which was issued by English Lieutenant Governor Dongan in 1686.

Manhattan Buildings Plans Update—the Financial and Seaport Districts

It is October, which means it’s Archtober, New York City’s Architecture and Design Month. Archtober is an annual celebration of architecture and design that takes place throughout the month. Organized by the Center for Architecture, in collaboration with over 100 partners and sponsors, the festival offers events ranging from daily building tours and lectures by design experts, to architecture-themed competitions and parties.