Fall - Winter 2009 Calendar of Events

September - December, 2009

EXHIBITIONS

Through September 13, 2009
THE ROUTE OF THE DASHING COMMUTER: THE LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD AT 175
New York Transit Museum, Brooklyn Heights

Incorporated in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road is one of the oldest railroads in the United States. Initially built as a shortcut to Boston, it has adapted to the ever-changing needs of its customers and survived competition, takeovers, hard times, and bankruptcy. Today it is the busiest commuter railroad in the country. Historic photographs, maps, illustrations, and objects tell the fascinating story of the railroad's influence on the development of Long Island.

GUEST CAR
Transit Museum guest cars highlight vintage and current vehicles not normally included in our permanent exhibit.

Commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Long Island Rail Road, a vintage caboose will be on display at the Museum. Steel Cabin Car No. C-60 was built by the International Railway Car Company in 1961 and used by the LIRR until 2003. Preserved and newly restored, the car is on loan from the National Railway Historical Society, Twin Forks Chapter.

September 29, 2009 - February 28, 2010
LAST DAY OF THE MYRTLE AVENUE EL: PHOTOGRAPHS BY THERESA KING
New York Transit Museum, Brooklyn Heights

At midnight on October 3, 1969 the last train on the Myrtle Avenue El departed Borough Hall. After 80 years of service the line would be demolished. Photographer Theresa King, who rode the train daily in her childhood, spent the day documenting the trains, stations, passengers, and views from the elevated platform. Forty years later this photo essay, shot in a single day, provides a glimpse into the past and preserves a memory of growing up in Brooklyn.

Extended through November 1
THE FUTURE BENEATH US: 8 GREAT PROJECTS UNDER NEW YORK
New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store at Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library Science Industry and Business Library, 188 Madison Avenue at 34th St

A two-location exhibition about New York City's underground infrastructure initiatives in the 21st century examines the magnitude and historical context of eight massive building projects. The exhibition provides New Yorkers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at their changing city and how these improvements will affect their lives.

Through 2010
THE TRIBOROUGH BRIDGE: ROBERT MOSES AND THE AUTOMOBILE AGE
New York Transit Museum, Brooklyn Heights

Examining the legacy of Robert Moses, this exhibition focuses on the famous span, now renamed the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, built to connect three boroughs and accommodate New York's burgeoning auto traffic. Enjoy illustrated family exhibit labels! Kid-friendly pictures and diagrams explain the operation and maintenance of bridges to the littlest engineers. New information and artifacts in the exhibition highlight RFK's election as New York Senator and his 1968 campaign for president.

November 25, 2009 - January 18, 2010
8th ANNUAL GRAND CENTRAL HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store at Grand Central Terminal

Celebrate the holiday season with the New York Transit Museum's annual Holiday Train Show. On a two-level 34-foot long layout, Lionel trains travel through a miniature Manhattan to the North Pole. A new Long Island Rail Road train joins Metro-North, New York Central, and Pennsylvania Railroad cars on the elevated track, while New York City Transit's R-27 subway cars run below. Vintage Lionel trains from the Museum's collection are also on view. And for your holiday shopping the Museum's store and booth at the Holiday Gift Fair in Vanderbilt Hall offer a wide array of subway and railroad gifts.

The New York Transit Museum gratefully acknowledges the following for exhibition support:

Show Me the Money: Fare Collection from the Turnstile to the Bank
Underwriting Sponsor: Astoria Federal Savings
Major Sponsor: Citi

Future Beneath Us: Eight Great Projects Under New York
Underwriting Sponsor: The General Contractors Association of New York, Parsons Brinckerhoff
Sponsors: Granite Construction Northeast, Inc.; Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.; STV; The Port Authority of NY & NJ; WDF Inc, a Greenstar Co.
Contributors: : American Council of Engineering Companies of New York; HAKS; Hazen and Sawyer, P.C.; Judlau Contracting, Inc.; New Jersey Transit; Skanska USA Civil
Friends: IH Engineers, P.C.; Longi Engineering P.C.; New York Building Congress; New York Building Foundation; RailWorks Corporation; Systra USA

Additionally, New York Transit Museum programs are made possible, in part, by a grant from Independence Community Foundation, and with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Sunday, September 13 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
MYRTLE AVENUE STREET FAIR

The Transit Museum joins Myrtle Avenue's Street Fair in honor of the current exhibition of Theresa King's photography, Last Day of the Myrtle Avenue El. Visit our display of vintage images of the El, including its last days and long history, and enjoy the fair's other activities, performances, and dining. Sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project. Visit www.mymyrtleavenue.org for more information.

Saturday, September 26 Noon to 5 p.m.
MUSEUM DAY
New York Transit Museum, Brooklyn Heights

The New York Transit Museum joins hundreds of museums and other cultural organizations throughout the United States to celebrate the country's outstanding and varied cultural offerings. Present the Museum Day admissions card and receive free admission for two on Saturday, September 26. Admission cards are available in the September 2009 issue of Smithsonian magazine or can be downloaded from www.smithsonianmagazine.com/museumday.

Sunday, October 4 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
16th ANNUAL TRANSIT MUSEUM BUS FESTIVAL AT ATLANTIC ANTIC
Boerum Place between State Street and Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn. Free Admission.

The Museum's 16th Annual Bus Festival joins Atlantic Antic, Brooklyn's largest street fair, for what promises to be a fantastic family Sunday. Our vintage collection of buses and guest vehicles will be ready to board. Additional activities include children's workshops, bus tours, and shopping at our Bus Shop.

Free admission to the Museum, one block away on Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, from noon to 5 p.m., underwritten by Two Trees Management Co. LLC

Saturday, October 10 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
openhousenewyork
Free. First-come, first-served. Limited capacity. Meet at 225 West 53rd Street in Manhattan..

The New York Transit Museum is pleased to provide what may be the most powerful tour on openhousenewyork's 2009 schedule! Join Robert W. Lobenstein, General Superintendent of New York City Transit, for an inside look at a massive power station hidden right in Manhattan. Step beyond the unassuming facade for a view of the immense and graceful machinery that gives the third rail its zap. Visit www.ohny.org for information about other openhousenewyork events.

TOURS

Tours offered by the New York Transit Museum visit places that tap into a wide range of interests: art, technology, urban history, and even city eats! Whether it's your first or twenty-first trip with us, we hope you'll join us. Your Museum membership provides discounted admission. Unless otherwise noted, reservations and advance payment are required: 718-694-1867. Most of these tours are not appropriate for young children or babies in strollers.

Please note: Events are subject to change without notice. In case of a program cancellation, the Museum will make refunds in the form of a voucher good for the dollar amount paid. Vouchers are valid for one year and can be redeemed for any other Transit Museum scheduled program. Vouchers cannot be used for Museum admission or for purchases in the Museum stores.

MEMBER DISCOUNT
The best way to enjoy the New York Transit Museum is through the benefits of membership. Members help the Museum bring the rich history of public transportation in the world's greatest city to audiences everywhere. Members gain free or discounted access to Museum exhibits, tours, programs, and special events for one year, and receive advance notice of all Museum activities.

Become a Museum member when making your tour reservations and pay the Members reduced fee. Apply online at http://mta.info/mta/museum/index.html#membership.

To become a member over the phone or for additional information please call 718-694-3451.

Sunday, September 20 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
BRIDGE WALK: THE RANDALL'S ISLAND CONNECTION
$25, Museum members $20, Children (5 - 17) $15

Join us for a walk from East Harlem to Randall's Island, past the Art Deco Robert Moses Administration Building and under the Triborough and Hell Gate Bridge viaducts, as urban geographer Jack Eichenbaum, Ph.D. relays the many chapters of this uniquely positioned island and the bridge that connects it to the adjacent "Tri-Boroughs." Enjoy unusual views and hear about the island's 18th-century purchase by namesake Jonathan Randel, its later role in isolating New York's sick and homeless, and its transformation into a recreational hub after the opening of the Triborough Bridge (recently renamed for Robert F Kennedy.)

Saturday, September 26 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
IN THE BRONX: ART ALONG THE 4 LINE
$25, Museum members $20, Children (5 - 17) $15

Enjoy the spectacular collection of new artwork located on the elevated 4 line that runs along Jerome Avenue. Join MTA Arts for Transit assistant director Amy Hausmann and explore art installations by Vito Acconci, Carol Sun, Dina Bursztyn, Juan Sanchez, Laura Battle, Jose Ortiz, Mario Muller, Andrea Dezso and more, from Yankee Stadium to Woodlawn. Time will be set aside for a brief lunch stop. Presented in celebration of the Grand Boulevard and Concourse Centennial.

Thursday, October 8 6 p.m.
ART ALONG THE WAY: MASSTRANSISCOPE WITH ARTIST BILL BRAND
$ 5 General Admission, Museum members free

Brooklyn subway riders of the early 1980s remember the colorful movie that emerged from the dark tunnel before crossing over the Manhattan Bridge (the bridge celebrates its 100th birthday this year.) Titled "Masstransiscope," this fanciful installation was created by artist Bill Brand and located in the unused subway station at Myrtle Avenue. Brand's work has been recently restored to its former glory. Join the artist for a talk and a ride-by tour of this popular 28-year old project and its recent refurbishing.

Sunday, October 11 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
BRIDGING THE GASTRONOMIC GAP: THE MANHATTAN BRIDGE EATING TOUR
$50, Museum members $45; includes cost of food

The Manhattan Bridge stretches between two great eating cultures. At either end is a microcosms, distinguished by its nosh-able offerings. On one side, you'll be dazzled by the secret Chinese bus stop fare offered at stalls gleaming in the train track's slatted light, the sizzling Xianjiang-style cumin-and-chile-scented lamb kebabs grilled over smoky charcoal, and the hand-pulled Lanzhou noodles sold just off the bustling produce market that hugs the bridge's barrier wall. On the other side, "Once Upon a Time in America" comes to life with some of New York's best pizza and Italian food, not to mention a restaurant that was once referred to as the "Harvard Business School of the culinary world". Join Todd "Knight of Noshing" Coleman to discover all this and more. Wear comfortable shoes and loose pants, for lots of walking and eating!

Saturday, October 17 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
THE MT. BEACON INCLINE RAILWAY HIKE
$55, Museum members $50, children (5 - 17) $35.

Enjoy the colors of autumn and the history of a lost railway on this exciting day-long hike up Mt. Beacon. Jim Bopp, vice president of the Mt. Beacon Incline Railway Restoration Society, leads our two-hour hike up the scenic elevation overlooking Beacon, New York and discusses the history of the decommissioned Mt. Beacon line. Cost includes train fare on Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Terminal, ground transportation in Beacon, and lunch. Note: this hike is strenuous.

Sunday, October 18 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MANHATTAN BRIDGE CENTENNIAL TOUR
$25, Museum members $20, Children (5 - 17) $15

Join transit historian Joe Cunningham for an anniversary tour that looks at past and present subway routes vital to the development of southern Brooklyn and key to commuters today. We'll explore on both sides of the bridge the many and varied connections and developments in subway service that followed its construction.

Saturday, October 24 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
ARTS FOR TRANSIT PRESENTS: HOME OF THE STARS
$25, Museum members $20, Children (5 - 17) $15

In May Metro-North Railroad unveiled the Hudson Line's new Yankees-East 153rd Street Station in the Bronx. Join us for a presentation about this new station and an artist-led tour of Ellen Harvey's The Home of the Stars. This mosaic mural, commissioned by MTA Arts for Transit for the new station's pedestrian bridge, references the nearby ballpark and the spectacular Bronx sky.

Sunday, November 8 Noon to 3 p.m.
MYRTLE AVENUE EL: SIGNS & STORIES
$25, Museum members $20, Children (5 - 17) $15

Join graphic designer and lettering historian Paul Shaw for a stroll along the route of the former Myrtle Avenue El and a look at the impact of this long-gone elevated line through the lens of signage. Unraveling hidden tales told through the lettering on local businesses, schools, industrial buildings, banks, and churches, Shaw leads this unique tour along the streets of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bedford Stuyvesant, and Bushwick and shares the stories the signs reveal about neighborhood life and livelihood along the Myrtle Avenue El.

Saturday, November 14 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A RIDE ON THE NASSAU STREET EXPRESS: EXPLORING THE J LINE
$25, Museum members $20, Children (5 - 17) $15

Andrew Sparberg, transit historian, leads this tour of the historic J train. Ride the rails from Jamaica to Lower Manhattan as you learn about rapid transit in 1885, the initial route of the Nassau Street Express, and how route changes throughout the decades have reflected each new era in a unique way. We'll conclude on the Lower East Side with an optional stop for a quick nosh at the famous Katz's Deli (not included in tour cost).

Saturday, December 5 Noon to 1 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.
THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN: OLD CITY HALL STATION
Capacity is limited; book early: Adults $20; Children $10. No strollers. Valid current membership required. Become a member of the Museum and join these exclusive tours!

Travel back in time to the early days of the subway! The starting point of New York City's new IRT subway was a jewel of a station, with chandeliers, leaded skylights, a vaulted Guastavino ceiling, and decorative tile work. Opened in 1904, the station exemplified the spirit of the City Beautiful Movement. The New York Transit Museum tour is the only way to see this treasure.

Saturday, December 12 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
GRAND AVENUE BUS DEPOT
$25, Museum members $20, Children (5-17) $15

24/7, hundreds of Brooklyn and Queens Division buses visit the brand new Grand Avenue Bus Depot and Central Maintenance Shop to tune up, fuel up, and catch some zzz's. Opened in Fall 2007, the project's designers, di Domenico + Partners created an energy efficient and environmentally friendly facility. Led by depot staff we'll get behind the wheel at this 500,000 square foot space.

TALKS & SCREENINGS

Artists, engineers, historians, and other experts add dimension to the Museum's exhibits in this series of talks, screenings, and panel discussions. Programs are held at the Transit Museum in Brooklyn Heights unless otherwise noted, and are free with paid Museum admission. Reservations not required. Seating on a first come, first serve basis. For information please call 718-694-1794.

Sunday, October 18 2 p.m.
GALLERY TOUR: THERESA KING, LAST DAY OF THE MYRTLE AVENUE EL

Artist Theresa King leads a gallery tour of the Museum's current exhibition of her photography, Last Day of the Myrtle Avenue El.

Saturday, October 24 2 p.m.
MEET THE AUTHOR: MARK OVENDEN, PARIS UNDERGROUND: THE MAPS, STATIONS AND DESIGN OF THE MÉTRO

Author Mark Ovenden talks about his second book, Paris Underground: The Maps, Stations and Design of the Métro, a pictorial study of the City of Lights and its underground. Ovenden's first book, Transit Maps of the World , a comprehensive collection of maps, old and new, of every rapid-transit system on earth, was cited by the New York Times as a "must have" book. Join him as he gives us an inside peek at this sequel, filled with stunning historic maps and station photos of Paris' dynamic Metro.

Thursday, November 5 6.p.m.
TOMORROW'S TRANSIT: NEW MOBILITY FOR THE REGION'S URBAN CORE
Grand Central Terminal, North East Balcony

Regional Plan Association's senior fellow for transportation Jeff Zupan; William Wheeler, MTA director of special project development and planning', and Peter Derrick, transit historian, will address the recommendations offered by the recent RPA study, Tomorrow's Transit: New Mobility for the Region's Urban Core. In 2008 this landmark study recommended various means to provide new and upgraded transit for the city's five boroughs and northern New Jersey, detailing new subway, bus, commuter rail, light rail and ferry projects.

Saturday, December 5 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
MOSAIC MIRROR-MAKING: ADULT ART WORKSHOP & BREAKFAST
Capacity is limited; book early: Adults $35. Valid current membership required. Become a member of the Museum and enjoy this new program!

Join us for a morning of creativity, history, and design. Discover the bright and colorful art of mosaic making used to beautify our city's subway stations with mosaic artist Grace Baley, then make your own hand-cut mosaic mirror out of glass tile. Baley will teach participants how to create a design, cut tiles, and subsequently grout the finished product at home. No prior experience is required. Light breakfast will be provided.

FILM CORNER

SEPTEMBER

The Route of the Dashing Commuter: The Long Island Rail Road at 175 features video footage dating from the early years of the 63rd Street Tunnel construction (1971-1973), and a computer animation detailing the operation of tunnel boring machines currently employed in the East Side Access Project.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

Streetfilms: "the best of..." Travel around the world with Streetfilms http://www.streetfilms.org, in this collection of shorts about reclaiming streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. The films and animations present complex traffic and transportation concepts in a simple and frequently humorous manner, encouraging us all to rethink the way our streets are used and to consider our individual contribution to more people-friendly cities.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

Unless otherwise noted, programs are held at the Transit Museum's Sanford Gaster Education Center in Brooklyn Heights every Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and are free with paid Museum admission. Events are subject to change without notice. For a complete listing of children's programs and other online activities visit our education community website, www.mta.info; click on Transit Museum and select Education Station or call 718-694-1792.

Program highlights include:

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 12 1:30 pm
MEET THE ARTIST + MAKE THE ART!
Artist Jean Shin creates elaborate works of art using everyday objects. Her 2008 mosaic mural at the Broadway station of the Long Island Rail Road uses pottery shards and portrays the Korean culture she knows so well. Meet Jean, hear how she makes her work, then join Museum educators for a workshop, where you'll make your own mosaic, inspired by her art. Ages 7+

Sunday, September 13 1:30 pm
RAILROAD STORYTELLING
Join us for stories of railroading past and present that we'll read at our guest car, Long Island Rail Road Caboose #60. All ages

Saturday & Sunday, September 19 and 20 1:30 pm
RED BIRD REEF PAINTING
Did you know that the retired Red Bird subway cars took a dive into the Atlantic Ocean to form a new home for fish? Dive into this fun program and paint your own vibrant scene of an underwater world. Ages 4+

Saturday, September 19 2:30 to 4:30 pm
PHOTOSTORIES
Space is limited. Advance registration by phone is recommended: please call 718.694.1792

We'll work together in Museum exhibits and the Technology Lab to produce a fun, digital slideshow project using PhotoStory software, digital photography, and your personal tales of travel in the city. Ages 7+

Saturday & Sunday, September 26 and 27 1:30 pm
WINDOWS OF THE ELEVATED
Many of today's elevated subway stations feature vivid faceted glass scenes of the community, local culture and the natural world. See examples of these faceted glass installations and create your own window scene. Ages 5+

Saturday & Sunday, September 26 and 27 2:30 to 4:00 pm
HANDS-ON HISTORY
Stop by the Hands-On History cart on the Museum's platform level and have a go at identifying items from the Museum's collection. All ages

OCTOBER

Saturday, October 3 1:30 pm
ABC NYC
Read New York-themed alphabet books and then create colorful letter collages that celebrate our favorite New York City places, from Avenue A to the Tappan Zee Bridge. Ages 4+

Saturday & Sunday, October 10 and 11 1:30 pm
BRIDGE CITY: THE MANHATTAN BRIDGE TURNS 100
To celebrate the Manhattan Bridge's 100th Birthday we'll assemble a large model of the bridge, then design trolleys and subway trains that have traveled across it. Ages 4+

Saturday & Sunday, October 17 and 18 1:30 pm
TRANSIT PRINTS
Signs and symbols on buses and subways help guide us around the city safely and swiftly. We'll take a look at signs on display at the Museum and then use a printmaking process to create our own. Ages 5+

Saturday & Sunday, October 24 and 25 1:30 pm
TRANSIT, TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME!
The number 7 train takes us to a ballpark in Queens and the B, D and 4 trains take us to a stadium in the Bronx. Celebrate New York's baseball teams and the history of the World Series by designing the subway car that takes you out to the ballgame. Ages 4+

Saturday & Sunday, October 24 and 25 2:30 to 4:00 pm
HANDS-ON HISTORY
Stop by the Hands-On History cart on the Museum's platform level and have a go at identifying items from the Museum's collection. All ages

Saturday & Sunday, October 31 and November 1 1:30 pm
SHADOW PUPPET STORIES
Transport your imagination by creating silhouette puppets and a nighttime elevated train landscape to animate a retelling of your own travel tale, inspired by transportation stories we will read. Ages 4+

Saturday 31 2:30 to 4:30 pm
PHOTOSTORIES
Space is limited. Advance registration by phone is recommended: please call 718.694.1792

NOVEMBER

Saturday, November 7 10 am to 2:30 pm
PHOTOJOURNALISM AND THE MYRTLE AVENUE EL
Advance registration by phone is recommended: please call 718-694-1792.

We'll begin with an overview from artist Theresa King and tour her Transit Museum exhibition, Last Day on the Myrtle Avenue El. We'll then travel to Myrtle Avenue with teaching artist/photographer Christina Freeman, where you'll shape your own photographic story and return to the Museum's Technology Lab to digitally edit and print your photos to take home. Ages 9 to 12, with parent chaperones.

Sunday, November 8 1:30 pm
FARE GAME
Be a fare collection agent for a day by helping our "money train" collect fares on a route through the Museum. In our Show Me the Money exhibit, we'll learn about the trip money takes when people pay for their subway rides. Ages 4+

Saturday & Sunday, November 14 and 15 1:30 pm
INSIDE OUTSIDE
After reading The Inside-Outside Book of New York City, we'll create colorful "inside-outside" picture books to express our visions of subway travel. For ages 5+

Saturday & Sunday, November 14 and 15 2:30 to 4:00 pm
HANDS-ON HISTORY
Stop by the Hands-On History cart on the Museum's platform level and have a go at identifying items from the Museum's collection. All ages

Saturday & Sunday, November 21 and 22 1:30 pm
CREATE A CITY
Working together, design an urban landscape and create a city with streets, buildings, subways and buses! Ages 4+

Saturday, November 21 2:30 to 4:30 pm
PHOTOSTORIES
Space is limited. Advance registration by phone is recommended: please call 718.694.1792

Saturday & Sunday, November 28 and 29 1:30 pm
MILES OF TILES
Discover the art of mosaic making used to beautify our subway stations as you create unique patterns and designs with glass tile. Ages 4+

ONGOING:

Every Thursday 1:30pm
WEEKLY PRESCHOOL TIME
Join us as we bring the Museum to life with transportation stories and hands-on activities for our youngest transit fans. All aboard! Ages 2-5