New York’s Penn Station: The Rise and Fall of an American Landmark

When: Sunday, September 8th From 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Where: Jewish Museum of Florida FIU, 301 Washington Ave

About: Inspired by Rome’s Baths of Caracalla and the Gare d’Orsay in Paris, New York’s Penn Station was widely known as one of the most beautiful stations in the world at its opening in 1910. After decades of looking for a way to connect passengers directly to Manhattan, the Pennsylvania Railway accomplished what few had imagined: building tunnels underneath the Hudson and East rivers. This book chronicles the story of Penn Station from the laying of the first tracks to its demise in the early 20th century when it was torn down. Through its destruction, the historic preservation movement was born. This book uses original interviews with experts, archival research, book & documentary research, and historic photos, bringing new life to one of America’s most beloved buildings.

The book talk highlights the unlikely story of the building of what was once one of the most beautiful stations in the world. It was a station “built for the ages” –but to last only 52 years. The talk displays photos of the original Penn Station as well as of its planners and architects. Kaplan will link the preservation movement that emerged to modern day efforts like the activism to savor Art Deco hotels in Miami Beach in the past few decades and to Jewish rail travel.

Kaplan will also present an abbreviated version of his talk of Jewish South Florida outlining some of the key history, places, and anecdotes.

Program is FREE with Museum Admission