Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge collection
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Abstract
The Verazzano-Narrows Bridge collection includes publications, ephemera, and artifacts relating to the building of the bridge and its 1964 opening.
Historical note
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island. The bridge is named for the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, the first known European explorer to enter New York Harbor and the Hudson River, and for the body of water it spans, called the Narrows. Construction on the bridge began in the summer of 1959 and the bridge's upper deck was opened in November of 1964. The lower deck of the bridge was completed in 1969. The construction of the bridge was the last major project overseen by New York State Parks Commissioner and Head of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, Robert Moses.
Arrangement
The collection materials are grouped into folders by type.
Scope and Contents
The Verazzano-Narrows Bridge collection spans the period 1959 to 1965 and measures 0.2 linear feet. The materials in the collection document the bridge's construction and the opening of its upper deck in 1964 and includes programs for the grand opening ceremonies, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, maps, press releases, event invitations, and other memorabilia and ephemera.
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Conditions Governing Access
Open to users without restriction.
Conditions Governing Use
While many items at the Center for Brooklyn History are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The researcher assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); Verazzano-Narrows Bridge collection, 1977.293, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The majority of the collection was the gift of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, 1964. Additional items were the gift of Benjamin Reese Bartel, secretary of Staten Island stamp committee (Staten Island Philatelic Society), 1964, and John La Corte.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
If digital surrogates exist, they should be used in place of the originals whenever possible.
About this Guide
Processing Information
This collection was originally minimally processed to the collection level. In May 2023, the collection was reprocessed to the file level by Dee Bowers. This included rehousing the artifacts (including emptying the Domino sugar packet), photocopying original newsprint and discarding the originals, discarding duplicates, and clarifying the collection's provenance.
Sponsor Note
Revisions to this Guide
Repository
Container
View Inventory
Programs, tickets and invitations, 1959-1964, inclusive
Maps, 1964-1965, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Two published maps, one by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (1965) and one Official Map and Guide to New Jersey (1964).
Fact sheets and pamphlet, circa 1964
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority publications, circa 1964
Scope and Contents
"Spanning the Narrows" and "Historical Highlights."
Italian Historical Society of America, 1964-1965, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes a souvenir journal and special issue of Italian-American Review.
NY Daily News "Bridge Souvenir" section, September 15, 1964
Commemorative stamp, 1964
Scope and Contents
Invitation and program for design unveiling at Borough Hall and three authorized covers, two with stamps and postage marks.
Artifacts, circa 1964
Scope and Contents
Napkin, matchbook, Domino sugar packet, and 15" piece of wire from the bridge's main cables.
