South Ferry Terminal Archeology Exhibit Opens the Renovated Transit Museum Gallery Annex

A cool new exhibit will open along with the renovated New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex at Grand Central Terminal. See the press release and some photos below.

Where New York Began:
Archeology at the South Ferry Terminal

New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex
Grand Central Terminal
March 18-July 5, 2010

Construction in New York City is always complex, but it raises particular concerns when it cuts through the most archeologically rich section of town.  In February 2009 a new South Ferry subway station opened on the southernmost tip of Manhattan, a place where environmental, historical, and commercial interests collide.  In order to build the station, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) was required to conduct an archeological review and excavation.  This provided an extraordinary glimpse into the very place that the modern city has its roots, and the basis of an exciting new exhibit at the New York Transit MuseumWhere New York Began: Archeology at the South Ferry Terminal will be on view at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store from March 18-July 5, 2010.

In addition to unearthing portions of the city’s early infrastructure, excavations yielded over 65,000 artifacts, including ceramic sherds, shells, coins, tobacco pipes, and architectural materials.  These pieces document 400 years of city life and embody the cycle of building, razing, and rebuilding that is a hallmark of New York City.  Over 100 of these objects will be on view along with historic maps and photographs, and field images and video of the archeologists at work.

Canton Motif plate c. 1785 -1850

Lid c. 1795 - 1830

pipe 1880 - 1840

This entry was posted in railfanning and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.