CultureNOW | A Celebration of Culture & Community

At the turn of the 18th Century, Jews were typically pro-Democrat. The Bank of Manhattan was founded by Aaron Burr, a leader of the Democratic party. It was built to rival the Bank of New York, which exercised a monopoly of banking in the US. 

The Jewish Arrival tour ends at the Shearith Israel Graveyard. While some Jewish communities in New York considered America their new religious home, others wanted to form a Jewish base in Israel. James Kaplan discusses the founding the State of Israel and its roots with the first Jewish immigrants to New York City. 

Calvin Tsao, partner of TSAO & McKOWN Architects, discusses his firm's work on the interior of Cipriani Wall Street at 55 Wall Street, New York.

Ken Smith, a New York City-based landscape architect, discusses his collaboration with Frederic Schwartz and Mary Miss to create a park on an derelict railroad yard in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Ken Smith, a New York City and Southern California-based landscape architect, describes the process involved in converting a decommissioned military base, the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, into California's newest urban park.

Ken Smith discusses the design of the two level park. The East River Waterfront Esplanade sought to improve access to the waterfront, enhance pedestrian connectivity, and create waterfront amenities for public use and enjoyment. The existing esplanade was enhanced, new sections were be created, and several piers were be renovated and redeveloped. This bold and ambitious plan was to revitalize the Lower Manhattan waterfront that suffered from weak connections, a lack of amenities, and underutilization. The project aimed to improve the quality of life for local residents, workers, and visitors alike.

Ken Smith talks about the collaboration in designing the Upper Plaza at 55 Water Street, NY, and the light beacon.

Historian Barry Moreno describes the history of vaudeville in New York City vis a vis the Palace Theatre, one of the most elite vaudeville theaters.

Historian Barry Moreno discusses the Roman Catholic Church Our Lady of the Rosary's involvement with immigration in New York City, particularly with young women immigrating to the city. 

Historian Barry Moreno discusses Tin Pan Alley, the moniker for 28th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, where many of the nation's music publishers were headquartered between the 1880s and WWII.