From Homes to Museums By Rami Sigal

The Russian Orthodox Church

The Russian Orthodox Church used to be the mansion of George F. Baker Jr. He owned twenty shares of an independent bank. He sold the shares and invested in railroad companies and businesses throughout the country. The mansion was sold to the church by Baker’s descendants in It is located at 75 East 93rd Street.

The Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum used to be the mansion of Felix Warburg. It is one of the last buildings in NYC to survive the time period. One similar style is the Ukrainian Embassy, which you will see soon. These older buildings have decorated gargoyles that peer at pedestrians from above. It is located on 93 rd Street and Fifth Avenue.

The Convent of the Sacred Heart

The Convent of the Sacred Heart school bought Otto Kahn’s mansion. Later, the school purchased James Burden’s mansion right next door, and converted the two mansions into the school it is today. Sacred Heart is New York City’s oldest independent school for girls. It is located on 91st and Fifth Avenue.

The Cooper Hewitt Museum The Cooper Hewitt Museum originally was the mansion of Andrew Carnegie. The Smithsonian Institution bought the mansion from descendents of Carnegie. It is located on 91st and Fifth Avenue.

The Ukrainian Embassy

The Ukrainian Embassy was built in French gothic style like the Jewish Museum in the early 1900’s. The beautiful limestone building has molded crests. It is located at the corner of 79 th Street and Fifth Avenue.

The French Embassy

The Frick Collection was originally the home of Henry Frick. The collection is located between 71st and 72nd on Fifth Avenue.

Throughout Manhattan there are many museums, embassies, churches, and schools that were converted from private mansions and houses into what they are today. Some of these mansions were sold or donated to institutions. The Convent of the Sacred Heart, New York City’s oldest independent school for girls, was once two mansions that were sold and converted into Sacred Heart. When the school outgrew their original mansion bought from Otto Kahn, they purchased the James Burden Mansion next door. Many of the buildings were constructed in the late 1800s through the mid 1900s. A building that is now the Jewish Museum, was built in French Gothic style, with gargoyles and crests all around the building. This mansion is one of the last remaining residences of its kind and was a gift of Frieda Schiff, the widow of Felix Warburg to start a Jewish museum. Continued On Next

Throughout New York City, historical buildings contain plaques from various societies such as the National Historical Landmark and New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation. These societies protect buildings from being demolished and replaced by modern high risers that change Manhattan’s skyline. Preserving these important historical buildings keep a piece of our city’s history alive as we continue to learn and visit these enchanting landmarks. Some of these societies were created by the government to protect our country’s history. In conclusion, the New York City buildings that contain our prized museums, schools, churches and embassies, are an important piece of Manhattan’s history. Continued From Last

Bibliography history history

Slides Slide 1-The Russian Orthodox Church Slide 3- The Jewish Museum Slide 8- The Convent of the Sacred Heart Slide 11- The Cooper Hewitt Museum Slide 12- The Ukrainian Embassy Slide 15- The French Embassy Slide 17- The Frick Collection