Delivering Justice: 150 Years of The Legal Aid Society
Discover the stories that shaped the laws, policies, and criminal legal system in New York City.
Discover the stories that shaped the laws, policies, and criminal legal system in New York City.
For 150 years, The Legal Aid Society has been a constant in New York City—a steady force defending immigrants; advocating for children, youth, and families; protecting people’s homes, health, and livelihoods; and standing alongside those accused of crimes who cannot afford a lawyer. A new special installation tells the story of how the work of The Legal Aid Society has shaped the laws, policies, and criminal legal system in New York City.
Never-before-seen photographs, press clippings, and original documents from 1876 to the mid-1960s tell stories of Legal Aid’s work to represent immigrants, sailors, women, and factory workers who couldn’t get their wages paid or were being held in prison because their family owed money to a loan shark. As the city grew and evolved, so did Legal Aid, as it adapted to new communities and cultures while pushing for changes to government policies to reflect the needs of low-income New Yorkers. On view are original works by contemporary artist Josh MacPhee alongside the art of young clients of The Legal Aid Society, as well as reproduced works by Ben Shahn, Romare Bearden, Arnold de Mille, and Jacob Lawrence.
From its defense of incarcerated individuals during the Attica Uprising to its role in litigating the Willowbrook State School case, and its long-standing advocacy on behalf of unhoused families and people held at Rikers Island, the special installation traces The Legal Aid Society’s work across pivotal moments in New York City’s history. Drawing on historical objects, court records, and archival materials, the special installation examines how The Legal Aid Society’s litigation, advocacy, and reform efforts have shaped the city’s legal landscape across immigration, housing, policing, juvenile and prisoners’ rights, and civil legal matters, highlighting the organization’s evolving role as first responders in New York City for 150 years.
Exhibitions at The New York Historical are made possible by the Saunders Trust for American History, the Evelyn & Seymour Neuman Fund, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. WNET is the media sponsor.
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