NEH-Funded Preservation Project
Browse through all of our archival programs. Read about the project here.
Directed by archivist Andy Lanset, the department provides a central repository for thousands of audio recordings, photographs, memorabilia, reports, news items, program guides, institutional records, and promotional materials.
Among its holdings are more than 50,000 recordings in a variety of formats, from early lacquer and acetate discs, to reel-to-reel tapes, to digital audio tapes and compact discs.
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From The Archives
For more than 90 years, WNYC has been a witness to the news, politics and cultural events of New York City. We've combed our archives to bring you some of the most notable highlights from our rich broadcast heritage.
Credit: NYC Municipal Archives
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Talk to the People
The famous Sunday afternoon talks by Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia, “the people’s mayor.”
This web resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the ...
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America's Town Meeting of the Air
The concerns of post-war Americans.
Any views, findings, conclusions, recommendations ...
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American Music Festival
Scintillating performances from music icons.
Any views, findings, conclusions, recommendations ...
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Books and Authors Luncheon
The voices of some of the greatest thinkers and characters of our nation.
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Campus Press Conference
A panel of local college newspaper reporters and editors pepper a newsmaker of the day about his/her field and current events.
This web resource has been made possible ...
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City Close Up
WNYC Director Seymour N. Siegel interviews New York City officials about municipal issues.
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Citizens Committee on Displaced Persons
Dramatizations meant to sway public opinion in favor of 'displaced pilgrims.' European Jews seeking American citizenship after the Second World War.
This web resource has been made possible in ...
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Comic Parade
Prominent funnymen read newspaper comic strips to the children of New York City during the 17-day newspaper deliverymen's strike.
This web resource has been made possible in part by ...
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Democracies Will Win
"Bringing New Yorkers expert information on many phases of our all-out victory effort."
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Elmer Davis: Progress Of War
World War II era 'weekly war review' delivered by the Office of War Information.
This web resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities ...
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International Interview
A progressive, yet evenhanded, presentation of international perspectives on politics and culture.
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Keep 'em Rolling
Office of Emergency Management-sponsored variety show to boost patriotism during the war.
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Life and Works
A radio presentation of great works of literature in conjunction with the New York Public Library.
This web resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for ...
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Miscellaneous
Programs ranging from the 1930s to the 1970s covering a variety of cultural and political topics.
This web resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for ...
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Our Stake in the War
Interviews with "distinguished Americans" produced in cooperation with CUNY in 1942.
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Overseas Press Club
Speeches and question-answer sessions that provide an international perspective on news.
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Pals of the P.A.L.
Variety show with a special focus on youth, performed by members of the Police Athletic League.
This web resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for ...
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Plan For Survival
Not for bedtime listening: discussions of the impossibility of preparing for nuclear winter.
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Police Safety Program
A children's musical variety show for those youngsters who need some supervision.
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Psychoanalysis and Everyday Living
Academic lectures on the family, based on the work of Dr. Karen Horney.
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Reader's Almanac
From the Writing Center at NYU, this radio series is dedicated to "good reading."
This web resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the ...
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Report on Civil Defense
Updates on disaster preparedness, from public welfare to firefighting to water safety.
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Speaking of Music
Interviews, commentaries, and discussions with greatest composers, performers, and critics.
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Take the Tunnel
The New York City Tunnel Authority provides historical context for "jaunts around the city."
This web resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the ...
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The Lively Arts
Gilbert Seldes discusses big-thinking issues in art from his characteristically populist perspective.
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The Role of Science in War
News for "when science plays such a large part in supplying our war needs."
This web resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities ...
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This is Our Enemy
Office of War Information radio docudrama series describing the activities of the Axis powers.
This web resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities ...
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Toward a Return to Society
1946 public service series on the rehabilitative aspect of New York incarceration.
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U. P. A. Forum
The United Parent's Association program tackles various issues related to children and education.
This web resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities ...
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WNYC American Art Festival
An annual forum series from the early 1950s for robust discussion about art.
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WNYC Forum of the Air
Balanced panel discussions of political issues.
Any views, findings, conclusions ...
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Your Land and Mine
A monthly series featuring commissioner Carl Madonick of the City's Department of Real Estate.
This web resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the ...
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Recently in Archives and Preservation
Guiding Lights in New York Harbor
Thursday, July 16, 2015
The 1960s in many ways marked the beginning of the end of a long history of lighthouses and their keepers. Hear about the channels of New York Harbor and the beacons that light the way.
Nazi Not-Exactly Summer Camp
Thursday, July 02, 2015
A WWII era radio play about the conditions in German POW camps, produced by the American Office of War Information (OWI)
Edison Series Major Award Winner
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Education series makes difference.
A City Legacy of Bird Watching
Monday, June 15, 2015
Even in a place as urban as New York City, a diversity of bird life can be found. Hear from bird enthusiasts from the 1960s.
WNYC Covers the Great Anti-Nuclear March and Rally at Central Park, June 12, 1982
Friday, June 12, 2015
At the time they called it the largest peace march and rally in New York City's history.
Ornette Coleman on WNYC's Meet the Composer in 1985
Thursday, June 11, 2015
American jazz composer Ornette Coleman discusses free jazz, composition, and mixing genres with WNYC's Tim Page.
Classic Cars: The Art of Paint, Polish and Pistons
Thursday, June 04, 2015
Owning and maintaining classic cars is a labor of love for true automobile enthusiasts. Hear from the mechanics and collectors of the 1960s who helped shape New York classic car culture.
"The Mother of Folk" Jean Ritchie Dies
Tuesday, June 02, 2015
We remember the life of Appalachia's most beloved dulcimer player, Jean Ritchie, who passed away Monday, with this 1982 live performance and interview.
The Construction of the Great Bridge, Uniting Brooklyn and New York
Friday, May 08, 2015
A "heavenly crossing between stars," the Brooklyn Bridge united the cities of New York and Brooklyn in 1883. Hear from the bridge's devotees of the 1960s.
Remembering Singer and Folklorist Guy Carawan
Friday, May 08, 2015
Guy Carawan, who died Saturday at the age of 87, introduced "We Shall Overcome" to the Civil Rights movement. We remember him with an in-studio performance on our station from 1966.
The Golden Age of the Carnegie Hall Studios
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
The Carnegie Hall studios have been transformed, but listen to the voices of those artist who once lived there.
An Exclusive Unearthed Track by Blues Legend Reverend Gary Davis
Monday, April 20, 2015
Reverend Gary Davis, a.k.a. Blind Gary Davis, was an actual blind minister from South Carolina and one of the greatest blues musicians of all time. He recorded this song at WNYC in 1966.
The New York City Landmarks Law: Saving the Past for Half Century
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Before the fall of Penn Station there was movement to protect city landmarks.
A Wigwam in Brooklyn
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Boerum Hill was once nicknamed Little Caughnawaga for the Mohawk community that lived there as they braved great heights constructing the Empire State Building and more.
The U.N. and the Challenge to Provide an International Education
Friday, April 10, 2015
The formation of the United Nations was the perfect impetus for an international school in New York, but what goes into shaping an international "citizen of the world"?
Do You Have What it Takes to Be a WNYC Announcer?
Wednesday, April 08, 2015
Take an announcer's exam from 1948 to find out if you would have made the cut!
Mad Men and the End of Cigarette Advertising
Monday, April 06, 2015
The mid-season premiere opens in April of 1970, the same month Nixon signed a law banning cigarette ads on television and radio.
Sidney Farber, Chemo Crusader
Friday, March 27, 2015
In Early Therapy, Equal Doses of Caution & Optimism.
The Ticker of Times Square
Friday, March 20, 2015
"Times square would never be the same if anything happened to its one serious note in a sea of frivolity."
Archives & Preservation - An Overview
The Preservation Process - In Brief
WNYC's American Music Festival
Aaron Copland at the 1941 American Music Festival
Tennessee Williams on WNYC in 1945
Footloose in Greenwich Village in 1960
Houdini's Brother Keeps His Secrets in 1939
A Rare Interview with Malcolm X
Patricia Marx interviews Lorraine Hansberry in 1961
Annotations: NEH Preservation Project
Triangle Shirtwaist Fire Memorials
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