‘Robert Moses, Part I: The Rise’ Webinar

New York urban planner Robert Moses was many things to many different people. On one hand, he was a champion of green space who created the modern park system throughout New York State; a tireless worker who secured billions of New Deal funds for New York City in the midst of the Great Depression; a no-nonsense leader who knew how to get the job done, no matter the obstacles. But on the other hand, he was a victim of his own flawed character, which was responsible for highways and bridges that wiped vibrant communities off the map; infrastructure projects that purposely discriminated against working-class families and people of color; smear campaigns against critics until their careers were in ruins. Robert Moses wasn’t a hero, villain, or something in between — he was all of the above. This is the story of how an outsider-turned-ultimate insider used his incredible political and legislative power to shape 20th-century New York City to his liking.

Join New York Adventure Club for the first of a three-part series that explores the contentious life of American public servant Robert Moses. Part I: The Rise will focus on the early years of Robert Moses (1888-1939), and his ascension from an overly ambitious public servant in the throngs of New York City government, to securing powerful positions that allowed him to build roads, bridges, and parks throughout New York State at his command.

Led by New York City historian Kevin Draper, this epic digital showcase of the life and legacy of Robert Moses will include:

  • Robert Moses’ upbringing and the influence of the progressive era, from his teen and early adulthood years to those at Yale, Oxford, and Columbia University
  • His meteoric career rise as a public servant in the New York City government administrations of Governor Al Smith, and later, Mayor LaGuardia — and how he was able to hold a dozen titles simultaneously without ever having to face the voters
  • How Moses’ deep passion for parks and automobiles intersected with his first major position as Long Island State Park Commission
  • Major infrastructure projects early in his career that earned him the nickname “Master Builder,” including Jones Beach, the 1939 World’s Fair, and the Triborough Bridge
  • Why Moses’ offices were located on Randall’s Island, and what made him one of those most feared men in all of NYC

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Kevin — any and all questions about Robert Moses are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Kevin

“I am a New York City Historian, experienced licensed guide, and co-founder and director of New York Historical Tours on a mission to provide exceptional and unforgettable experiences with the highest level of service. I will give you a front row seat and exciting insight into the city’s dynamic history, rich culture, diverse architecture, show you unique treasures and share the fascinating secrets hidden between the city streets.

“You’ll discover how New York evolved from humble beginnings to attract the millions who came for generations in search of their dreams, to become a city most often referred to today as the “Capital of the World”. You can be assured you have a professional guide able to answer your questions, engage with your group, enlighten and inspire you as you discover the best the city has to offer.”











When: Tue., Feb. 9, 2021 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: No Location
Via livestream

Price: $10
Buy tickets/get more info now
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New York urban planner Robert Moses was many things to many different people. On one hand, he was a champion of green space who created the modern park system throughout New York State; a tireless worker who secured billions of New Deal funds for New York City in the midst of the Great Depression; a no-nonsense leader who knew how to get the job done, no matter the obstacles. But on the other hand, he was a victim of his own flawed character, which was responsible for highways and bridges that wiped vibrant communities off the map; infrastructure projects that purposely discriminated against working-class families and people of color; smear campaigns against critics until their careers were in ruins. Robert Moses wasn’t a hero, villain, or something in between — he was all of the above. This is the story of how an outsider-turned-ultimate insider used his incredible political and legislative power to shape 20th-century New York City to his liking.

Join New York Adventure Club for the first of a three-part series that explores the contentious life of American public servant Robert Moses. Part I: The Rise will focus on the early years of Robert Moses (1888-1939), and his ascension from an overly ambitious public servant in the throngs of New York City government, to securing powerful positions that allowed him to build roads, bridges, and parks throughout New York State at his command.

Led by New York City historian Kevin Draper, this epic digital showcase of the life and legacy of Robert Moses will include:

  • Robert Moses’ upbringing and the influence of the progressive era, from his teen and early adulthood years to those at Yale, Oxford, and Columbia University
  • His meteoric career rise as a public servant in the New York City government administrations of Governor Al Smith, and later, Mayor LaGuardia — and how he was able to hold a dozen titles simultaneously without ever having to face the voters
  • How Moses’ deep passion for parks and automobiles intersected with his first major position as Long Island State Park Commission
  • Major infrastructure projects early in his career that earned him the nickname “Master Builder,” including Jones Beach, the 1939 World’s Fair, and the Triborough Bridge
  • Why Moses’ offices were located on Randall’s Island, and what made him one of those most feared men in all of NYC

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Kevin — any and all questions about Robert Moses are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Kevin

“I am a New York City Historian, experienced licensed guide, and co-founder and director of New York Historical Tours on a mission to provide exceptional and unforgettable experiences with the highest level of service. I will give you a front row seat and exciting insight into the city’s dynamic history, rich culture, diverse architecture, show you unique treasures and share the fascinating secrets hidden between the city streets.

“You’ll discover how New York evolved from humble beginnings to attract the millions who came for generations in search of their dreams, to become a city most often referred to today as the “Capital of the World”. You can be assured you have a professional guide able to answer your questions, engage with your group, enlighten and inspire you as you discover the best the city has to offer.”

Buy tickets/get more info now