Dear Friends,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of two new colleagues this month. Dr. Brian Allen joins us as Director of our Museum Division and Dr. Michael Ryan joins us as Director of our Library Division. Brian Allen was formerly Director of the Addison Museum in Andover, Massachusetts and Michael Ryan headed the Rare Books Division at the Columbia University Library. Both appointments come in the wake of retirements of wonderful colleagues. But as the New Year is a time for new beginnings, I must say that I cannot have been luckier than to begin it with these two men. Both bring a tremendous wealth of expertise and perspective on American history and art to our great institution. I will look forward to introducing them to you at our various events and programs.

There is just so much to look forward to this month! For those of you wintering in, or visiting South Florida, three special New-York Historical exhibitions will be on view. Showcased at the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach will be 100 notable works of silver drawn from our collection. Nearby at the Four Arts will be an exhibit of our marine and maritime paintings depicting the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and eastern seaboard on early American history. A Miami exhibition will examine the architecture of the New York neighborhood of Harlem through the photographs of Camilo José Vergara in New-York Historical's collection.

Of course, we also have many exciting exhibitions and programs right here at home in New York, including a discussion with former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates in our Robert H. Smith auditorium. I will hope to see you this month on Central Park West—or at an exhibition opening in Palm Beach.

With best regards,