ANS On Course to Relocate
Since the acquisition of its new headquarters at 140 William Street in October 1998, the American Numismatic Society has developed a plan of action for the renovation project of the new building. The newly appointed Building Committee, which consists of Council and staff members, is overseeing all aspects of this operation. In January the committee, under its Chairman Donald Partrick, reviewed proposals by nine architectural firms. Four firms were invited to present their plans to the committee and were interviewed on January 21. The committee intends to appoint an architect later in February.
Thriving Cultural Area
Interest in the Society's relocation project has been very positive. Many of the large New York architectural firms expressed a strong desire in carrying out the work. In this respect the location of the new headquarters is proving a major attraction. The Financial District, in the heart of which the building is located, has become a major area of development in Manhattan. For museum visitors the area has become a major destination in recent years. Many come to see exhibits that relate directly to this historic area of the city: the Seaport Museum and Francis Tavern Museum present interesting exhibits that capture important historical aspects of the tip of Manhattan island. The Museum of Jewish Heritage near Battery Park houses a highly informative and moving display of Jewish life through the ages to the present day. For the ANS and its future it is most fortunate that the American Museum of Financial History, which was founded by John Herzog a decade ago, is only minutes away at 28 Broadway. The museum houses all kinds of financial documents, which explain the history of money in the modern period. It is a thriving institution in this area in which money is the main concern of almost everyone working there. A former neighbor of the Society's at Audubon Terrace, the Museum of the American Indian, is now located at the foot of Broadway, at Bowling Green.
The American Numismatic Society will find many new possibilities for exhibiting its great collections at the exciting new location, adding a unique quality to the cultural life of New York's financial district.
First Open House of ANS New Home
The first open house at our future home, 140 William Street, was held at the time of the New York International Coin Convention. The Society had wine and cheese receptions from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th. There were tours of the building. ANS staff members were available to answer questions and solicit advice on possible space solutions. Over 300 people stopped by to see the space and share in our enthusiasm.
Among our guests was a delegation from the Wilmington, Deleware, Coin Club, who attended the reception on Saturday and presented the Society with a contribution in honor of our new location. We are grateful to the Wilmington Club for this generous tribute.
We will be holding other open houses during the coming year. If you are planning to be in the New York area and would like a preview of the Society's future home, please contact Arlene Jacobs (212-234-3130 Ext 219).
140 William Street as Possible Film Location
Our new location – both the interior and exterior – would make wonderful settings for films. We have one major production company looking at the space at this time and we expect to have other major film companies examining our building for possible filming this year. Our lobby will make a wonderful space for our exhibits when we are in our new home. In the meantime, this expansive banking floor would be ideal for a ballroom, a bank lobby, a hotel lobby, a fashionable restaurant, or a site for a fashion show. There is also a perfectly beautiful wood-paneled penthouse apartment that would make a sophisticated setting for a Hitchcock-type movie. Then there is the roof with its spectacular views that could become a setting for a grand party, a mystery, a love scene, or a movie about financial intrigues. Do you work in the film industry? Might you know of location scouts? If you have any information that might be productive toward using 140 William Street as a film location, please contact Arlene Jacobs (212-234-3130 Ext 219).
