Behind-the-Scenes Tour with New-York Historical Society Chief Conservator

What's it like to be a conservator at the New-York Historical Society, New York City's most historic museum and library? And what are they responsible for conserving, both in the public galleries and back-of-house areas? With the help of its chief conservator, it's time to explore the storied institution like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the New-York Historical Society, the oldest museum in New York City (1804) that predates the founding of the Metropolitan Museum of Art by nearly seventy years.

Led by the Chief Conservator of the museum, our special experience through public and private spaces at the New-York Historical Society will include:

• A walk through gallery spaces and hallways to see how everything from rare manuscripts to 18th-century government documents are both preserved and prepared for display
• An exclusive peek inside two historic archives, one of which still retains original glass floor skylights
• A rare visit to the famed Patricia D. Klingenstein Library reading room, one of the oldest and most distinguished in the United States featuring Neoclassical architecture and soaring 50-foot ceilings
• A demonstration by the Chief Conservator to see some of the latest conservation techniques

See you there!

*All belongings, including purses and coats, must be left in coat check

**An accessible entrance can be found on the 77th Street side of the museum

***This experience does not go into the conservation lab

Testimonials

"The intimacy, the level of access...it was SO niche and wonderful. Can’t wait for more!" -Allyson

"I could have spent hours on this tour! So amazing!" -Jennifer

"I liked Alan's openness, not just as a tour guide giving pertinent information about interesting areas of the museum, but as a conservator of the New York Historical Society. He was very generous with his sharing of behind-the-scenes information regarding the workings of the museum." -Camille

"Alan was outstanding -- informative, clear, entertaining and well prepared. We really appreciate all his preparation. It was a fascinating visit." -Sarah

"Not many people on the tour. Learned a lot. Got to see sections of the museum that isn’t open to the public." -Dorothy

"Excellent guide. Behind the scenes tour." -Paul

"Our guide was so friendly, passionate, and made us feel at home. Told very interesting stories of behind the scenes. Thank you for making this available to the General Public. I took my 19 year old son with me and it was a great opportunity to learn about our city." -Kathleen

"It was very well organized, from beginning to end, and the subject matter was fascinating. This was my first event with the NY Adventure Club and I was very pleased with the outcome. I have already shared your newsletters with several friends and I look forward to attending future events." -Emily

"It was informative yet fun with a good pace. Really interesting. If they cover different things would take again. Also might try with curators-behind the scenes at other cultural institutions." -Catherine

"Great look at this profession of conservation of historic materials" -Tom

"It was informative friendly and fascinating. It was a very special event." -Alan

"Access to an expert for questions and view of stages in conservation techniques" -Judy

"Everything! It was an amazingly fun and educational experience! Thank you for offering this wonderful behind the scenes tour at this prestigious institution! The event was wonderful on every level! I could have spent perhaps another half hour on the tour, but the length was not too short, per se." -Christine

"Well prepared, on time, interesting subject matter. The tour was just fascinating and if Allen wants to do a part 2 I'd be eager to go!" -Adrienne

"The conservator had a great personality and vast knowledge that he shared generously." -Jean

"The leader was excellent. And the tour was very educational" -Susan

"It was interesting to learn about the Historical Society's role and efforts towards preserving important artifacts that may not be obvious to the general public." -Stephanie

"The venue (NY Historical Society) was beautiful and the Alan, the conservator was fascinating and informative. I was very happy to have done this. It was my first event. I'd even consider doing the same one again." -Cathy

"We were shown some current exhibits but mostly shown behind the scene conservation procedures. I am extremely impressed and happy to see such an incredibly proficient staff taking such effort to conserve our historical treasures!!" -Ann

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Categories: In-Person, Museums & Galleries

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club