New York City in 2020. 

The epicenter of a global pandemic. A place of staggering wealth and success for some, and persistent racial, social and economic struggles for most. New York faces a looming recession for all residents and businesses that could bring massive unemployment and displacement at a time when the cost of living is already "too damn high."  Those who once were nostalgic for the "gritty authenticity" of previous decades, now wonder if the city will ever be same.  2020 has already earned to moniker "the year like no other" though it is hardly the only time when the city has faced enormous challenges from within and without. Many of these moments, which stretch from New York "burning" in 1741 to the terrorist attacks of 9-11 and the lasting aftermath, have been well covered by journalists, historians, museum professionals and documentarians. Other stories are rarely told and largely unknown by most New Yorkers.

Developed during the Fall of 2020 by graduate students in New York University's Public History and Archives program, the following four digital history projects put a spotlight on how previous generations of New Yorkers faced uncertains future and seen, and unseen, challenges to their lives and livelihoods. In doing so, these projects reveal lesser known moments in New York City's varied and complex past and seek to connect them to a present (and future) that demands clarity, resilience and empathy.