Exploring NYC History Preserved in Five Rare Miller Highway Plaques

Welcome to After Hours at Olde Good Things - a once-a-month event series where we keep our flagship open late to explore history, design, and craftsmanship.

Our March event welcomes historian, curator and educator Cheryl McGinnis to lead an exciting journey of observing, discussing and deciphering some of the extraordinary history of New York hidden in plain sight at Olde Good Things.

OGT recently acquired five Art Deco West Side Highway Medallions - plaques previously positioned between the guardrails of the now demolished Miller Highway. Cheryl will use these artefacts to lead a rich historical exploration of the land, cultures, and people that span from the “Land of Many Hills’ to the soaring skyscrapers of NYC’s history.

Cheryl’s talk will focus on the history and symbolism of each plaque, including:

• A history of the NYC West Side Highway, designed by William Nicholas Bodouva and Associates, and built in 1929 as the Miller Elevated Highway.
• The story behind each seal - from the first seal of New Netherland in 1623 to the seal used by the city of New York when the highway was erected.
• History of the land and development of New York City - from the Native Americans, to the Dutch, and the symbolism included in each design.

• Time for Questions and Discussion will be included along with light snacks to spark an enjoyable evening.

Many thanks to Cheryl for sharing her expertise with us this evening. Utilizing the idiosyncratic triangle windowed space at the base of the iconic Flatiron, Cheryl created a space in which 250,000 pedestrians a week were able to view art as they walked by. As an independent curator she has consulted on exhibitions with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim, Princeton University, The Bronx Museum, to name a few. As part of the education department of The New York Historical Society, Cheryl brings her signature Looking is Learning method of teaching to over 500 students a week. Cheryl also runs a contemporary art salon space where artists in the exhibit discuss their works with viewers. Cheryl feels strongly that opening up dialogues about art and history are integral in understanding and appreciating diverse cultures to the fullest.

Held at 6pm on Thursday, March 20th, at our showroom located at 333 W 52nd St., we look forward to seeing you!

Host or Publisher Olde Good Things