Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site and the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall are excited to host Russell Shorto, author of the best-selling Island at the Center of the World, on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. for an evening celebrating the release of his new book Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events that Created New York and Shaped America (out March 4, 2025). Shorto will talk about his book, highlighting the experiences of women for International Women’s Day, then stay afterwards for a book signing. Optional wine & cheese event with Russell Shorto to follow. The talk will also be broadcast virtually via WebEx.
In 1664, the English wrested control of New Netherland from the Dutch, completing a burgeoning colonial empire that stretched from New England to Virginia. Locals like the Philipse family went from Dutch to English with the stroke of a pen. But while politics can change in an instant, cultural change takes much longer. Join us for a talk with Russell Shorto on his new book. Bristling with vibrant characters, Taking Manhattan reveals the founding of New York to be an invention, the result of creative negotiations that would blend the multiethnic, capitalistic society of New Amsterdam with the power of the rising English empire. The book draws from newly translated materials and illuminates neglected histories — of religious refugees, Indigenous tribes, and free and enslaved Africans.
In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Shorto will also highlight the impact of this change on the colony’s free women, like Philipse family matriarch Margaret Hardenbroek, as they went from Dutch citizens and business owners with numerous legal rights, to the virtual property of their now-English husbands and fathers.
Taking Manhattan tells the riveting story of the birth of New York City as a center of capitalism and pluralism, a foundation from which America would rise. It also shows how the paradox of New York’s origins — boundless opportunity coupled with subjugation and displacement — reflects America’s promise and failure to this day.
Russell Shorto, author of the bestsellers Smalltime, Revolution Song, Amsterdam, and The Island at the Center of the World, is the director of the New Amsterdam Project at The New York Historical. He lives in Maryland. You can learn more at www.russellshorto.com.
Following the talk Shorto will be available for a book signing and copies of Taking Manhattan and Island at the Center of the World will be available for sale in the Philipse Manor Hall gift shop. Copies of Taking Manhattan may also be pre-ordered through the museum.
Tickets for the in-person talk are $30 for Friends of Philipse Manor Hall members and $40 for non-members and include museum admission and access to the book signing. Tickets including the wine and cheese event with Russell Shorto are $35 for Friends members and $55 for non-members. Tickets for virtual access are free for Friends of Philipse Manor Hall members, $30 for non-members, and $10 for students and educators.
The full schedule as well as in-person tickets and virtual registration are available at https://www.philipsemanorhall.com/programs-and-events/taking-manhattan-book-talk-and-signing-with-russell-shorto
