Have you ever wondered what New York was like before it was a city? Find out here, by navigating through the map to discover Manhattan Island and its native wildlife in 1609. Map provided courtesy of The Mannahatta Project.
All Features
Interactive Map: Manhattan in 1609
This documentary looks at the Dutch influence on New York and on the American colonies. Hosted by Barry Lewis.
Document: The Purchase of Manhattan Island, 1626
Read the infamous document detailing Peter Minuit's purchase of Manhattan island from the Lenape Indians.
Professor Joyce Goodfriend of the University of Denver describes how and why the British took over Dutch New Netherland.
Timeline: Dutch American History
Explore a timeline chronicling 400 years of Dutch history in New York, from 1609 to 2009.
Video: Women in Dutch New York
Early America expert Professor Joyce Goodfriend describes the role women played in preserving Dutch culture in America.
Video: British Headquarters Map of 1782
Dr. Eric Sanderson of the Mannahatta Project uses Geographic Information Systems to bring to life a detailed map of the city from 1782.
Video: The Dutch Room at the Met
Philippe de Montebello of SundayArts interviews Peter Kenny, the Curator of Decorative Arts at the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, about MOMA's Dutch room.
Video: The Decision to Colonize
Janny Venema discusses the Dutch West India Company's decision to develop New Netherland as a colony.
Video: New Amsterdam, Diversity and Opportunity
Dr. Charles Gehring describes the diversity and sense of opportunity of New Amsterdam.










