Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America with Best-Selling Author Russell Shorto

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Program Type:

Authors & Lectures

Age Group:

Adults
Registration for this event will close on March 9, 2025 @ 3:00pm.

Program Description

Event Details

Russell Shorto, best-selling author of The Island at the Center of the World, offers up a thrilling narrative of how the brash, bold, archetypal city of New York came to be—just in time for the 400th anniversary of its founding as Niewe Amsterdam. 
 
Taking Manhattan tells the riveting story of the birth of New York City as a center of capitalism and pluralism, a foundation from which America would rise. It also shows how the paradox of New York’s origins—boundless opportunity coupled with subjugation and displacement—reflects America’s promise and failure to this day. 

Russell Shorto’s work has been described as “astonishing” (New York Times) and “literary alchemy” (Chicago Tribune). Elm Street Books will be on site with books for purchase and signing by the author.   Presented in partnership with the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society. 

Photo credit: Izzy Watson

                         

Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring that all patrons have access to information and Library services. To request accommodations, please contact us at 203-594-5003 or onlineref@newcanaanlibrary.org with as much notice as possible to allow us to best meet your needs. Our accessibility features include but are not limited to assistive hearing loops in the auditorium, early access to programs, and seating arrangements with space for mobility equipment or service animals. 

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The Library is pleased to be able to offer free programs and events through the generous donations of patrons like you. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to the Library’s Annual Fund so we can continue to offer programs like this one.


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