History

Rogers, William Allen, 1894. Source: NYPL

Tea Water Pumps

Manhattan’s drinking water has always been famous. However, in the 18th century, you were lucky if it made decent tea.

Detail of Viele's map showing waterways under streets, meadows, landfill, and sewers.

Underground Waterways: NYC

The ultimate rabbit hole brings Hallie beneath Manhattan to study the underground waterways and the possibility of fishing in basements!

Ancient View of the Present Junction of Pearl & Chatham Streets, 1861. Source: NYPL

Bowery Lane

Before Chinatown and Five Points, before the street became known as “The Bowery,” it was Bowery Lane, a prior footpath shaped by the Lenape.

Book of Esther (Megillah), 18th century. Source: Joods Historisch Museum in Amsterdam/Wikimedia

Purim in the Dutch Colonies

In 18th century Suriname and Curacao, Jews, along with Christian and Afro-Caribbean communities, both free and enslaved, celebrated Purim together for a week of debauchery, Carnival style.

Portrait of Abigail Franks (c. 1696-1756), circa 1735. Source: Public Domain

Jewish Women in Colonial America

Colonial American Jewish women shared many commonalities with their Christian neighbors, but certain important features of Jewish law and culture set them apart.

Mid 18th Century Peep Show of a Garden Scene, c. 1750. Mart. Engelbrecht

Magic Lanterns & Peep Shows

Tracing the origins of optical entertainment through the 18th century. Those crazy kids loved to scare each other with phantasmagoria illusions and devilry.

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