Chronicles: 69th Regiment Armory

 
Built in 1906, the 69th Regiment Armory is the home of the 69th Regiment which was established in 1851, traditionally made-up of an all Irish Brigade with roots stretching back to the Revolutionary War and through both World Wars. The building has also serves as a sort of clubhouse for the National Guard in New York.
 
Over the years though, the Armory has served New York City in many other capacities, hosting 17 roller derbies between 1948 and 1949, New York Knicks home games from 1946 to 1960 and a 2003 Victoria’s Secret Fashion show. Most notably though, the Armory was home to the 1913 International Exhibition of Modern Art. This was the first major exhibition of contemporary art in America and revolutionized the nation’s artistic tastes and perceptions. The show served as a catalyst for American artists, who became more independent and created their own “artistic language.” Artists who displayed at the groundbreaking show were: Mary Cassatt, Paul Cézanne, Marcel Duchamp, Edgar Degas, Eugène Delacroix, Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro, Auguste Rodin, Georges Rouault and Henri Rousseau amongst others.

The 69th Regiment also has a significant collection of artifacts which are stored in the Armory. Among the numerous Civil War items are: over 50 flags, which were carried by the Irish Brigade during the Civil War and a hand-written letter from President Lincoln.
 
69th Regiment Armory
68 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010

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