NEW YORK CITY’S GREATEST MYTHS, HOAXES, AND URBAN LEGENDS

Beth ♦ April 17, 2015

When: Saturday May 2, 2015 @ 2PM

Where: Baruch Performing Arts Center, 17 Lexington Ave., Room 306 (The “Skylight Room”)

Did the Dutch really buy Manhattan Island for $24? Were the winged moonmen that made headlines in the New York Sun in 1835 for real? Are there really Alligators in New York City’s sewers? Since colonial days Gotham has been an incubator for great myths, hoaxes, and urban legends. This presentation will separate facts from fiction.

MICHAEL MISCIONE is a native New Yorker, a professional tour guide, and a historical activist. In 2006 Mr. Miscione was appointed Manhattan Borough Historian by Borough President Scott M. Stringer. As the borough’s official history booster he hosts history talks, ceremonies and tours. He fields questions from the media and public, and has written articles about New York City history for various publications. Mr. Miscione is well known for his ongoing efforts to secure recognition for Andrew H. Green, a forgotten 19th century master planner, reformer, and preservationist. Thanks largely to Mr. Miscione’s efforts the Parks Department named a new Manhattan park for Mr. Green. Every February 9th Mr. Miscione celebrates Alligators in the Sewers Day, an unofficial annual holiday he created to mark the birth of New York City’s greatest true urban legend.

NYCS tries to keep their lectures free and open to the public, but it does cost money to produce the events. Please consider donating to NYCSkeptics or becoming a member. Suggested donation for this talk is $10.