This site provides an alternative way of browsing the NYPL's incredible Photographic Views of New York City, 1870s-1970s collection. Its goal is to help you discover the history behind the places you see daily.

OldNYC

finding stories in the archives is important

John Doyle, 73, mason, 370 Jay Street

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ethics and inclusivity (whose voice is missing/presenting)

What the Tulsa Race Massacre Destroyed (Published 2021)

921 Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in U.S. history.

On May 31–June 1, 1921, a white mob attacked the prosperous Black neighborhood of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, known as "Black Wall Street." The violence was triggered by a false accusation that a Black teenager, Dick Rowland, had assaulted a white woman in an elevator. Although there was no evidence of wrongdoing, white residents, including law enforcement, looted, burned, and destroyed homes, businesses, and churches.

Key facts:

• Over 35 blocks of Greenwood were burned.
• Hundreds of Black residents were killed (official estimates vary from 100 to 300).
• Thousands were left homeless.
• The city and state did little to acknowledge or compensate survivors for the destruction.