New York’s Penn Station: The Rise and Fall of an American Landmark: A Virtual Book Talk About One of America’s Most Beloved Buildings

Author Paul Kaplan will talk about New York’s Original Penn Station, inspired by Rome’s Baths of Caracalla and the Gare d’Orsay in Paris. Widely known as one of the most beautiful stations in the world at its opening in 1910, 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. The talk will showcase pictures of the building and opening of the station as well as its uses throughout the first half of the 20th century including its destruction.

A New York City-based author with a collection of works spanning from biographies to cultural guides to business, Paul’s fascination with travel and the history of places led him to pursue writing as an avenue through which to share cultural experiences and universal themes.

His first book was Jewish New York: A History and Guide to Neighborhoods, Synagogues, and Eateries, followed by  Jewish South Florida.  He also published with Pelican a biography on Lillian Wald: America’s Great Healthcare and Social Reformer. Upcoming books include a biography on Irving Berlin and The Progressive Era (1890-1920) in New York. He just published a business book Essentials of Thought Leadership and Content Marketing.

Paul has given over 45 book tours across the US at a variety of venues including at the clubs for Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Union League, Elm City Club of New Haven, Museum at Eldridge Street, General Society Library at a scores of libraries, community centers, museums, and private functions. In addition, he has been featured on the front page of New York Press, the long-running radio show America’s Dining & Travel, Writer’s Voice, several other talk radio shows, the iconic African-American newspaper Amsterdam New York and Princeton Magazine. His books are on PBS, local NPR stations, and CBS Miami. Also, he has helped produce and been interviewed on Let’s Travel, a talk show on public radio.

He serves as Marketing Director for an education technology firm, and sits on the Board of Directors for the LESJC

Tickets are $5, and a few days before the talk, you will be sent a link and instructions on how we can all connect.