When the City Stopped: A Lecture with Robert W. Snyder

photo of Robert Snyder with title graphics

Join Robert W. Snyder, Official Manhattan Borough Historian, for an insightful lecture on his new book, When the City Stopped: Stories from New York's Essential Workers. In this powerful collection of personal accounts, Snyder brings to light the experiences of New Yorkers who worked on the frontlines during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through poems, first-person narratives, and interviews, Snyder illuminates the stories of healthcare workers, transit staff, and community activists who faced the uncertainties of the virus head-on.

In When the City Stopped, Snyder not only captures the fear and isolation of the moment but also the solidarity that helped sustain the City during its darkest days. Through these intimate stories, Snyder fosters understanding and empathy between those who faced the pandemic's dangers directly and those who remained in relative safety. This lecture offers a powerful and timely reflection on New York City’s resilience, documenting an unforgettable chapter in the City's history for future generations. Read more...