The New York Art Institute, Simmons College

Lauren & Madeleine viewing a portion of the Mayor Lindsay Exhibit
photo: Jessica Pratas

On our second day in NYC we meandered our way over as a class to the Museum of the City of New York. Located on “museum mile” the Museum of the City of New York strives to “explore the past, present, and future of this fascinating and particular place and to celebrate its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. A variety of exhibitions, public programs, and publications all investigate what gives New York City its singular character.”

To be honest, I had no idea what to expect when I entered this museum. Maybe it was just being exhausted from having moved in the day before – but I didn’t research them before I walked through the door (I know. For shame.).

We were greeted by EY Zipris, Manager of Program and Professional Development. What a title right? I honestly don’t think I have met anyone who has spoken about their job with such energy, enthusiasm and frankness – which not only made our time at the Museum that much more special, but I’m pretty sure (and yeah, I’m going to say it even though I run the risk that EY might actually read this) most of our class wanted to be her by the time we left. She is incredibly intelligent, articulate and her shoes were all kinds of fabulous.

Alright, on to what I’m here for…the Museum of the City of New York is currently showing an exhibition titled America’s Mayor: John V. Lindsay and the Reinvention of New York. It examines the political career of New York City’s 103rd mayor who served from 1966-1973. The exhibition presents Mayor Lindsay’s attempt to lead one of the largest and most diverse cities in the country through a time of local and nationwide civil, political and social revolution.

“He is fresh and everyone else is tired.”

EY speaking to Art 236 about the Mayor Lindsay exhibition.
Photo: Jessica Pratas

We were lucky enough to have EY bring us through - but even without a tour guide, the exhibit is easily navigated. It is not only organized chronologically but also by specific events in his career, policy issues and historical milestones taking place throughout the country. Being this organized is a must since the walls are practically filled with literally every media you can think of: letters, photographs, posters, buttons, books and even television screens. Yet somehow it never seems too much. Everything presented was chosen for a specific reason and is worth your attention.

Photo: Jessica Pratas

And for all of those who are opposed to the increase of technology in museums…it’s not lip service when I say I see your point – but I commend the curators for what I think was a successful use of technology in this exhibit.

Personally, I don’t see how one could say the life and times of Mayor Lindsay were as accurately portrayed as possible if these news conferences weren’t on display. People who lived in NYC would have been sitting in their living rooms or their kitchens…or wherever, watching their Mayor address them and the rest of the city. That deserves as much attention as any photograph on the wall.

Photo: Jessica Pratas

I am brand new to this amazing city and before this exhibit I had no idea who Mayor Lindsay was. But after leaving, I felt like I had taken with me a bit of New York history – and not only that, but it made me think about politicians I’m familiar with.

I’m from Massachusetts, but I live on the border of Rhode Island (wicked) – so heaven knows I’m familiar with the Kennedy’s…and I wondered…what makes a successful politician? Is it the ideas or the execution of said ideas? Was Mayor Lindsay a successful mayor? I know that I really loved him by the end of it…but I was torn between thinking he was great and feeling bad…that maybe because he didn’t accomplish what he wanted to…he wasn’t that great at all.

Or is “success” in politics actually measured by how you conduct yourself and if your goals, no matter how naïve, are in fact genuine? Or does success mean re-election, avoiding jail time and not being identified as Client-9 at Emperors Club VIP? I don’t know, I haven't decided yet.

But I appreciate that this exhibit made a Political Science major like me walk away asking questions I haven’t really ever taken the time to ask before…and I’ll be ever grateful for the NYC history lesson I recieved from both this exhibit and of course, EY.

America’s Mayor: John V. Lindsay and the Reinvention of New York is on display at the Museum of the City of New York from now until October 3rd. I’ll be going back to take a second look and I suggest if you haven’t seen it, you make the trip. New Yorker or not, you’ll be better for it.

- Jessica

Photo: Jessica Pratas