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.
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Governor La Follette Speech : Problems Facing Us Today
Monday, February 28, 1938
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Introduction of Governor La Follette. La Folette speaks on the problems facing the United States today. Speaks of the threat of war facing Americans. Need to maintain a prosperous society.
Sign Off Ax
Saturday, February 26, 1938
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Short sign-off by Anthony Marvin and Star-Spangled Banner precede WNYC station ID.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 69189
Municipal archives id: LT387
Fantasy Overture [by] Dr. [Alvin] Kranich
Saturday, January 01, 1938
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: 1938-uu-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Alvin Kranich's "Fantasy overture" for orchestra. ...
Interview with Virginia O'Hanlon Douglas
Thursday, December 23, 1937
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Interview with Virginia O'Hanlon Douglas who talks about the Christmas of 1897 and the letter she wrote to the New York Sun asking whether there is a Santa Claus. She's an ...
Dedication of WNYC Transmitter Site in Greenpoint
Sunday, October 31, 1937
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
"New York City's Own Station, WNYC"
Lots of hiss but improves as program continues.
Tommy Cowan announces the playing of the National Anthem which is ...
[Dr. Chambers Commentaries]
Tuesday, October 06, 1936
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Two segments narrated by "Dr. Chambers." From Oregon State System of Education; KOAC
Scrambled Homes for Breakfast: On the occasion of a new school year. Sue is a ...
Theatre Workshop : Paul Revere
Wednesday, January 01, 1930
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: 193u-uu-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Radio drama of the story of ...
A. Herbert Fedder
Thursday, November 01, 1900
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: 19uu-11-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
A. Herbert Fedder, member of the ...
Vegetable juice cocktail and corn fritters
Tuesday, October 02, 1900
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: 19uu-10-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Meatless Menus:
Lunch:
Vegetable juice cocktail
Hot cottage cheese open face sandwich
Monday, October 01, 1900
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: 19uu-10-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Lunch:
Hot cottage cheese open face ...
Memorial Day Services from Arlington Cemetery
Thursday, May 31, 1900
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: 19uu-05-31.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Major General Luther Miller, Chief Chaplain ...
Retarding Tooth Decay
Tuesday, May 01, 1900
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: 19uu-05-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Discussion of the "soft living and ...
[Orchestral and operatic music].
Sunday, January 28, 1900
The date of this episode is unknown so we've filled it in with a placeholder.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
2 bands: first excerpts from a piano concerto, then an operatic selection.
Audio courtesy of the ...
Chimes/Rationing/quality of life
Saturday, January 27, 1900
The date of this episode is unknown so we've filled it in with a placeholder.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
1. Chimes (City Hall) and opening "This is New York, the city of opportunity, where nearly ...
Catholic Charities: Work with Children
Friday, January 26, 1900
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: 19uu-uu-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Description of the "pattern of welfare ...
YWCA Spots : Donation requests
Thursday, January 25, 1900
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: 19uu-uu-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Celebrities provide information about the YWCA's ...
Ins and Outs
Wednesday, January 24, 1900
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: 19uu-uu-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
From the series "Velvet and Gold." ...
United Negro College Fund Appeal for Aid
Tuesday, January 23, 1900
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: 19uu-uu-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Radio spots on behalf of the ...
[Commerce and New York Harbor]
Sunday, January 21, 1900
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: 19uu-uu-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Three unnamed men discuss the history ...
Traffic Safety and Campaign
Saturday, January 20, 1900
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: 19uu-uu-uu.
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Begins abruptly with an interview with ...
