The Activist New York website explores the history of activism in New York City from the 1600s through today. Exploring issues of political and civil rights, religious freedom, immigration, gender equality, environmental advocacy, and economic rights—and drawing on artifacts, images, and interactive components—Activist New York provides a sweeping look at the passions and conflicts that underlie the city’s history of agitation and the New Yorkers who have mobilized to fight for the city they want to see. 

This website is presented in collaboration with the ongoing exhibition Activist New York, which opened May 4, 2012, as the inaugural exhibition in the Museum of the City of New York’s Puffin Foundation Gallery. Generous support from the Puffin Foundation has also made the Activist New York website possible.

Here you can find what is currently on view in the exhibition, along with archived topics that were formerly on display, as well as additional original content. This site also has extensive educational materials and quizzes to test your knowledge of activism in New York. Check back for new content and updates about new projects. We also invite you to help tell the story of today’s activists by contributing photographs of activism across the five boroughs. Tag your images #ActivistNY or email them to us at activistnewyork@mcny.org, and view them here or in the Puffin Foundation Gallery.