NEWSLETTER
New York, NY (February 5, 2025) – Historic Huguenot Street and The Netherland-America Foundation invite you to an unforgettable evening of history, culture, and culinary exploration in celebration of the launch of Russell Shorto’s latest book, “Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events that Created New York and Shaped America”.
The event will take place on March 6, 2025, at 6:00- 9:00 pm at The Explorers Club, 46 East 70th Street, New York, NY. Space is limited. Reservations may be made by visiting www.huguenotstreet.org/calendar-of-events.
Admission: $150 per person|$250 per couple. Includes Shorto’s presentation, wine, and a three-course dinner.
Author of the internationally acclaimed “The Island at the Center of the World”, Russell Shorto’s work has been described as “astonishing” (New York Times) and “literary alchemy” (Chicago Tribune). His compelling storytelling invites readers to see history in a new light.
In his fascinating new work, Shorto unveils the dramatic story behind the English takeover of Manhattan and the New York colony. The evening will feature an engaging Q&A session with Russell Shorto, along with the opportunity to purchase signed copies of his book.
Bristling with vibrant characters, “Taking Manhattan “reveals the founding of New York to be an invention, the result of creative negotiations that would blend the multiethnic, capitalistic society of New Amsterdam with the power of the rising English empire. But the birth of what might be termed the first modern city is also a story of the brutal dispossession of Native Americans and of the roots of American slavery. The book draws from newly translated materials and illuminates neglected histories — of religious refugees, Indigenous tribes, and free and enslaved Africans.
Despite the region’s transfer to English control, Dutch traditions endured throughout the region. The vibrant Dutch culture flourished in the Mid-Hudson Valley, particularly in the settlement of Die Pfalz (now New Paltz), where French-speaking Protestants, seeking refuge from European religious conflict, as well as economic opportunity, established a community in 1677. Here they intermarried with Dutch Colonists and adopted the Dutch language, customs, and architecture, the persistence of which remained strong well into the post-Revolutionary era, offering a rich contrast to Manhattan’s more rapid Anglicization.
Historic Huguenot Street is one of the most significant Native American and Colonial historic sites in America. For over 350 years, including 130 as a National Historic Landmark District and museum, it stands as a powerful testament and vital resource for understanding the layered histories of Native American, Dutch, African, French and Walloon cultures. The museum is home to original, early 18th-century stone houses, which remain in their exact historic locations and are enduring architectural treasures. It also preserves archival documents dating to the 1660s, including many in Dutch and French. Founded in 1894, the non-profit Museum is now chartered, but not funded, by the University of the State of New York.
The Netherland-America Foundation. Building on the enduring heritage and values shared between the peoples of the Netherlands and the United States, the Netherland-America Foundation (NAF) seeks to further strengthen the bonds between our two countries through exchanges in the arts, sciences, education, business, and public affairs. The NAF makes a significant impact by supporting a wide range of students, businesses, and cultural projects through its grants. In 2024 alone, over 50 students had the opportunity to intern in the Netherlands or the United States, while 15 other students were awarded the prestigious NAF Fulbright Scholarship to study in either country. In addition, the NAF has promoted cultural exchange by contributing more than $200,000 to support over 50 exhibitions, performances, and other cultural events. These efforts help foster mutual understanding between the Netherlands and the United States, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.
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