2023 The Founding of New York City Celebration

On February 2nd, 1653 the Dutch West India Company formed the first Common Council to represent the residents of the colony.  This marked the beginning of representative government in New Amsterdam which became New York fourteen years later and was the forerunner of the current City Council and established ideals of tolerance and individual rights that shaped American history.

Program brochure

Watch the celebration of the 370th anniversary of the birth of new york city first as new amsterdam on february 2, 1653 inside fort amsterdam at bowling green.