New-York Historical Society

“I’m sworn to secrecy,” Rupert Murdoch told The Observer as he was leaving the New-York Historical Society’s auditorium last night. But: “We’re making progress,” the News Corp. chief added.  read more »

Whenever an email comes our way with the title THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S TROJAN HORSE: JUST SAY "NO!", our interest is officially perked. Apparently, Landmark West is launching a letter-writting campaign to "save our skyline (SOS)" from the looming tower atop the NY Historical Society. Here's their alarmed message in full:

In our last email, we reported on the New-York Historical Society's weak attempt to hide the 280-foot elephant in the room at a so-called "Town Hall" meeting held on January 31. Despite an earlier email dispatch from the Historical Society claiming "that proceeds from the residential portion of our construction program would be used to help fund the Society's internal growth plans," they adamantly refused to discuss their plans for a luxury apartment building looming up over its Landmark building on Central Park West between 76th and 77th Streets.

On Thursday, February 8, at 7:00 PM (Fourth Universalist Society, Central Park West & 76th Street), the Historical Society will ask Community Board 7's Parks & Preservation Committee to consider (and possibly vote on) proposed facade alterations only. Your presence on Feb. 8 is ABSOLUTELY VITAL! The 400+ crowd at last week's meeting sent the clear message that the public is not fooled by the Historical Society's Trojan Horse. Approval of the facade changes would immediately set the stage for the luxury high-rise. Join your fellow New Yorkers in just saying "No!"

Email campaign: Do like Bill Moyers, and tell it like it is...

See after the jump for "it."  read more »

- Max Abelson

It seems Betsy Gotbaum, who one detractor calls "The Phantom," is still keeping her public advocacy a largely private affair. In the Post this morning, Maggie tallied just three reports, a policy brief and two guides to have emerged from the public advocate's office between Jan. 1 and June 30.

Gotbaum's work rate may or may not have slackened since she served as president of the New-York Historical Society. Maybe it's like comparing apples and oranges.

So none of this is intended to pick on her, but just as a constructive exercise...

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how she (or her successor) might make more productive use of the office?

--Jason Horowitz

To the Editor:    read more »

Each time I've run into a painting by Eve Mansdorf, mostly in group shows here and there around the  read more »

It is sometimes forgotten that the art of painting lends itself to a great variety of beguiling appe  read more »