Welcome to NYC125

Sam Roberts, a reporter for the New York Times and host of the CUNY-TV television program The New York Times Close Up, recently interviewed Michael Miscione of NYC125 about the consolidation. 

Mr. Roberts is no newcomer to the consolidation story. His latest book, The New Yorkers, spotlights 31 little-known but influential historical figures who shaped our city. One of the "chosen 31" was Andrew H. Green, the mastermind of the consolidation movement. 

Watch their discussion on YouTube . 

Despite the wet weather, a small but enthusiastic number of New York City history lovers turned out at City Hall Park on New Year's Eve to raise the city flag at midnight and wish Greater New York a happy birthday. It was a token reenactment of the rooftop flag-raising that took place exactly 125 years earlier. 

Michael Miscione of NYC125 served as the host. He played a recording of The Ode to Greater New York, a musical piece written in 1897 for the consolidated city, and — in a nod to the opponents of consolidation — Up with the Flag of Brooklyn. The attendees toasted the city with ginger ale (alcoholic beverages are not permitted in public parks) and nibbled on birthday cupcakes. 

The Fulton Stall Market near the South Street Seaport provided a historic setting for a New Year's Day screening of the documentary The City of Greater New York: The Story of the Consolidation. Michael Miscione of NYC125 who created the video in 1997 to mark the 100th anniversary of the consolidation, provided introductory remarks and answered questions at the end. 

The video featured leading historians and an all-star cast of voices including Frances Sternhagen, Richard Kiley, Steven Hill, and Charles Durning. 

After watching the documentary, Bob Lewis, head of the Fulton Stall Market, stated, "Every New York City Politician should see this movie." 

MUCH MORE TO COME 

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2023 will feature a yearlong series of talks, tours, social media posts, ceremonies, screenings — and at least one concert — all directly related to the consolidation of Greater New York. This website will be the clearinghouse for all these activities, as well as a source of fascinating and informative consolidation-related content. Subscribe below to stay connected. (It's a two-step process. After you hit the Sign Up button, check your email and confirm your subscription.)

Images: A cartoon from Puck Magazine (1893) showing Brooklyn's selfish opponents to consolidation; Sam Roberts (left) interviews Michael Miscione; Mr. Miscione (left) and another attendee celebrate the New Year's Eve flag-raising; the documentary screening at the Fulton Stall Market