c,

I do not know the building. I have probably looked at it but don't 
remember it. It is too far distant for me to access for literate or 
otherwise entertainment.

Seems to me scattered all over America are fairly obscure historical 
societies that have such slim budgets that they very rarely open their 
doors let alone have an idea to get themselves bigger ones. I can only 
imagine that an historical society in Manhattan is pressured to be 
bigger and bolder in their mission of outreach to the public. All the 
other historical societies seem amiably contented with their obscurity. 
Our local one in Moriches has a junk sale every weekend and through this 
media they reach to the core of the low-brow intelligentsia.

I agree that our literate culture is different than what it used to be.

My suggestion would be that the NY Historical Society sell off their 
building to a condo developer (at least get rid of their connection to 
the building) and move out to Queens where they can build a fully modern 
archival facility with public access and car parking. Add in an IMAX and 
McDonald's. Flushing Meadows might be a good place to start looking.

][<en

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