Relive the experience of traveling through New York City during the early, mid, and late twentieth century. Virtually explore our collection of vintage subway and elevated cars and objects from the archive. Discover the magnitude and complexity of New York City’s public transportation system by exploring elements of construction, social history, engineering, and impact over time in this introduction to transit history.
A program to honor the life and work of Benjamin W. Schaeffer
Benjamin W. Schaeffer was a transit expert, author, photographer, historic preservationist, public servant, and subway hero. He was a historian of New York City transit and rail-marine freight operations, and documented the railways of New York for over 40 years. One of only two Orthodox Jewish MTA transit workers, his many accomplishments in the Jewish and greater New York communities include that of TWU Local 100 Vice Chair, veteran NYPD Auxiliary Sergeant, Brooklyn’s 70th Precinct Community Council, the Brooklyn Borough Transit Advisory Committee, winner of MTA Medal of Excellence, and nominee for the Daily News Hometown Hero Award. The 22-year conductor died a day after his 58th birthday on April 28, 2020, one of over 150 MTA transit workers to succumb to Covid-19.
Please Note: This discussion will take place online. Upon registration, all participants will receive a confirmation e-mail with instructions on how to participate. We encourage you to download the Zoom app in advance for the best user experience