The New York Historical Society began operating as early as 1804. Thomas Jefferson had just been elected for his second term as president of the United States, and New York City consisted of a population of about 70,000 concentrated in an area no larger than the size of the city's business district today. The Historical Society found its first home at Federal Hall (its first of many locations). It was the same building where George Washington was inaugurated as first president 15 years earlier. In 1908, the financially restricted Historical Society finally settled at Central Park West, and has remained there since. Though the Historical Society has suffered its share of financial difficulty, namely during the 1970s and 1980s, the organization has not only persevered, but continues to flourish, much to the delight of its countless visitors and supporters. In addition to an immense research library and available public programming, the society's museum collection houses an extensive array of historical documents, artifacts, artwork, furniture, and other such treasures dating back to the 1600s. But not all on display is so historically distant; numerous exhibits depict contemporary life in the city as well. Collections on display are conveniently housed in color-coded sections: Paintings, Sculpture, Furniture, Tools for Home and Trade, Decorative Objects, Tiffany Lamps, and Mezzanine Collections. A guide to these exhibitions has been published for more in-depth exploration, easily obtained at the Museum Store on the first floor.
From
patriotic themed accommodations to European styled hotels, Washington D.C.
offers a host of lodging options. For instance, the Crowne Plaza is a four-star, deluxe hotel
located in Franklin Square, just a few blocks from the White House. Downtown Washington D.C. offers a wide
range of hotels to choose from. ....more
Located in the downtown area, there are 117 lavish guest rooms available.
Some of the conveniences the modern traveler has come to expect can be found
at the Best Western Historic Area including Internet access .
