Activist New York

Associated Exhibitions: Introducing our new exhibition Raise Your Voice: New York Activism.
This exhibition has been reimagined with new stories and objects that bring to life New York's history of activism.

New York has often been at the forefront of major activist movements in the United States. What tactics have New Yorkers used to address issues in their communities? Does meaningful change happen gradually or all at once? Can a movement expand its reach while still meeting the needs of its core members? In this program, students will examine flyers, buttons, t-shirts, and other artifacts of New York’s activist history, weigh the difficult choices that activists faced at critical moments, and discuss the legacy of New York’s major activist movements today. By exploring the Civil Rights Movement, Stonewall Uprising, the garment workers’ strikes, and more, students will better understand how their city organizes for change and how they can be active civic participants in their community.