May 16, 2008: Opening of Exhibit "Catholics in New York 1808- 1946"

"Catholics in New York 1808- 1946” is an upcoming exhibit in the Museum of the City of New York on view from May 16 through December 31, 2008.

The Museum of the City of New York is organizing a “first-ever” exhibition about the history of the Catholic populations of New York City, beginning with the 1808 formation of the New York City archdiocese, which is this year celebrating its bicentennial, and concluding with the 1946 GI Bill, which paved the way to higher education and a move to the suburbs for many former New Yorkers, and many Catholics. The exhibition, Catholics in New York 1808-1946, will focus on the social and political history of Catholics—how early Catholics experienced widespread discrimination; how early Catholic New Yorkers centered much of their lives on their parishes; how Catholics established a parallel network of educational, healthcare, and charity organizations; how Catholics gained and kept political power, influencing New York City politics and the nation’s; and an epilogue will explore Catholics in the post-war era.