In the New York City Municipal Archives WNYC Sound Collection, we hear the voices of presidents, dignitaries, world leaders, artistic revolutionaries, musical geniuses, luminaries of the literati, and cultural icons. The sounds of a city and a nation are captured through nearly a century of transformations, tribulations, and triumphs. WNYC microphones were present when Admiral Byrd returned from his historic flight over the North Pole in 1926 and when Colonel Charles Lindbergh returned from his solo flight to Paris the following year. Perhaps best known are New York City Mayor F. H. La Guardia's weekly Talk to the People broadcasts over WNYC throughout World War II.

Any views, findings, conclusions, recommendations expressed in this web resource do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Recently in Municipal Archives
Fire Works
Saturday, January 01, 1966
The exact date of this episode is unknown. We've filled in the date above with a placeholder. What we actually have on record is: 1966-uu-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Fire Commissioner Lowery requests the cooperation ...
Mayor Lindsay Inauguration
Saturday, January 01, 1966
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
From card catalog: Bennett Cerf, Ethel Merman (sings National Anthem), remarks by Frank O'Connor, Mario Procaccino and address by Mayor.
Receptions were to be held in all five ...
Mayor Lindsay Swearing In
Friday, December 31, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Lindsay is sworn in by Judge William C. Hecht. Reporter describes the room and event, identifies members of the Lindsay family. Lindsay says the oath of office and addresses the press ...
Wagner Farewell Address
Tuesday, December 28, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Reporter describes the scene as roll is called in the background by Paul Screvane.
Wagner talks about his administration's work and the challenges of the new administration.
Audio courtesy ...
Bill of Rights Day Ceremony
Wednesday, December 15, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Presentation of awards by Bill of Rights Day Association. Mayor Wagner reads the proclamation.
Awards is given to Wagner (no really, Kennedy). He's not in attendance, and the children are ...
Linden Forbes Burnham
Wednesday, December 08, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
From card catalog: Lindon Forbes Burnham [sic], Prime Minister of British Guiana [sic], talks about his nation's impending independence. Discusses economic, political, social, cultural and constitutional development of the country. Calls ...
Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
Wednesday, December 01, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Discussion of "A Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House" by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. Panel includes Dr. Ernest Van den Haag, Prof. Henry Graff, and Dorothy Gordon, the ...
Jules Feiffer, Alfred Kazin, Arthur Schlesinger
Monday, November 29, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Maurice Dolbier introduces Village Voice cartoonist Jules Feiffer. Feiffer the discusses comic books from his youth, noting that any character who was a "bork worm" was invariably also a "Mad Scientist ...
Martin Page
Wednesday, November 24, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
From card catalog: Martin Page, former journalist and English author, speaks about his book "The Day Kruschev Fell" [sic]. He discusses Soviet politics and social life, and the problems and the ...
Hallie Burnett and Robin Moore
Wednesday, November 17, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
From card catalog: Hallie Burnett, author of "Watch on the Wall," talks about her book based on background of divided Berlin. Talks about experiences while writing book. Robin Moore talks about ...
American Jewish Committee Awards Dinner
Wednesday, November 17, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
From card catalog: American Jewish Committee Award dinner honoring Robert Wishnik, civic leader and industrialist. Speakers: Mayor-elect John V. Lindsay, Sen. Jacob Javits, R. Wishnick. Topics: RW; work of AJC; anti-semitism ...
Mayor Wagner on Blackout
Wednesday, November 10, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Reporter introduces context of the news conference: the mayor will address the press on the blackout. He is wearing a blue suit.
Mayor Wagner recounts in some detail the previous ...
Lindsay Victory Speech
Wednesday, November 03, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Opens with announcement from WNYC "Election Central" of Abraham Beame's (unheard) concession speech. Followed by very brief wrap-up at the Americana Hotel Ballroom (the Democratic Party Election Headquarters).
Report from Jay ...
William F. Buckley
Wednesday, October 20, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
From card catalog: William Buckley, Conservative party candidate for Mayor of NYC, talks about the campaign. Talks issues and about remarks against him by Rep. Lindsay and Senator Javitts [sic]. Questions ...
Richard J. Whalen, Sammy Davis Jr., and Theodore Sorenson
Monday, October 18, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Richard J Whalen discusses civic duty and a sense of history in New York. He discusses all the rapid changes taking place in the city. Progress means that old things are ...
Eisenhower Press Conference
Wednesday, October 13, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Begins abruptly.
Eisenhower speaks about books he has written, but does not call himself a writer. He says he is ready to answer questions about his book or ...
Theodore Sorensen
Wednesday, October 06, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
From the card catalog: Theodore C. Sorensen speaks concerning his Kennedy biography and Johnson's policy continuing that of Kennedy.
After a brief humorous intro, Sorensen lists complaints about ...
Averell Harriman
Wednesday, September 29, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
From card catalog: W. Averill Harriman [sic] talks about what he saw and heard in Moscow, concerning their views on Soviet- US relations, Sino-Soviet relations, disarmament, Vietnam and other world problems. ...
Dedication of Pier 36
Friday, September 24, 1965
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Official opening of Pier 36 on the East River for the Belgian Line. Commissioner of Public Events Richard C. Patterson speaks that this gathering symbolizes the positive relationship between Belgium and ...
Abraham Beame
Thursday, September 16, 1965
The actual date of this episode is 1965-09-15. For technical reasons, it shows up incorrectly above.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
One of a series of Overseas Press Club luncheons devoted to meeting the candidates for ...