Many people know about the Little Rock Nine and the integration of Little Rock, Arkansas schools in 1957. Most do not know about "the lost year" of 1958-59, when the state government chose to close all public high schools in Little Rock rather than accept integration for another year. Join the book club families and author Kristin Levine to discuss this book, which takes place during the lost year, and the complicated history of integration. We'll also take a look at artifacts from the New-York Historical Society collection related to the history of segregation in American schools.

In honor of Audubon’s Aviary: Parts Unknown, Part II of our tripartite series Audubon’s Aviary: The Complete Flock, author Phillip Hoose will join the book club to discuss the epic, 200+ year battle to save the illusive Ivory-billed Woodpecker. After discussion, we'll visit the galleries to see Audubon's works and then Mr. Hoose will sign books. Do not miss your chance to discuss the history of wildlife conservation and meet this multi-award-winning author!

Free with Museum admission; all ages
Presidents, Supreme Court Justices, and elected officials started as members of school debate teams! Come and meet our future elected officials in the NYC Urban Debate League’s first annual Elementary School Championship. Watch these amazing students debate on their prepared topics, and stay for a more free-form round based on the objects found in the New-York Historical Society. Audience participation and questions are encouraged.

Weekends, May 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25

Bird Paper Planes
Saturdays 1-3 pm
Free with Museum admission; all ages
Fold your own paper bird-plane and fly it at our target-wall of clouds. Which bird-plane will you choose: a sparrow, cardinal or parrot? Believe it or not, these birds can all be spotted locally! This program is inspired by Audubon’s Aviary: Parts Unknown.

Sketching Sundays

Just before her 12th birthday, Calpurnia Tate, or Callie Vee, isn't quite ready to become a grown-up in her Texas town in 1899. Especially if it means doing housework instead of the scientific work she's been doing with her grandfather. At the book wrap, we will be joined by Jessica Shearer, an ornithological researcher at the American Museum of Natural History. We'll talk about what it meant to be a woman at the turn of the 20th century, the beginnings of evolutionary biology, and women in science today. Free with admission, ages 9-12 plus adults.

For ages 5+

Tickets are the cost of museum admission plus $5 per child (non-member child tickets are $11, member child tickets $5). Adults do not pay an additional fee. Online ticket sales will end at 12 pm on 5/17, after which time any remaining tickets will be available for purchase in person at the museum.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Lewis Michaux's National Memorial African Bookstore was the cultural center of Harlem from the 1930s to the 1970s. Come discuss this extraordinary place and its founder at our monthly meeting with special guest Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, who wrote a remembrance included in the book. We'll talk about New York during the Civil Rights Movement, Malcolm X, and the role that books play in uplifting communities. Ms.

July 16, July 23, August 13, August 20, September 10, September 11, September 18 (3 pm and 4 pm), September 24 (

July 16, July 23, August 13, August 20, September 10, September 11, September 18 (3 pm and 4 pm), September 24 (

July 16, July 23, August 13, August 20, September 10, September 11, September 18 (3 pm and 4 pm), September 24 (