On the 50th anniversary of the book's publication, this fall the New-York Historical Society will host an exhibition dedicated to the making of The Power Broker, Robert Caro's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Robert Moses that is in part a history of New York City in the mid-20th century. Drawing on Caro's manuscripts, outlines, and notes to himself in the Society's Robert A. Caro Archive, the exhibit will run from this coming September 6 to February 2, 2025.
The exhibition also includes articles, photographs, and other archival documents that together depict how Caro, a young reporter at Newsday, produced a detailed depiction of Moses's power and influence despite many roadblocks to finding out how Moses operated. The installation demonstrates how years of tenacious and meticulous reporting ultimately paid off. Documents on view illuminate Caro's working process, including how he combed through files and interviewed those in Moses's orbit to reveal the full story behind the creation of Jones Beach on Long Island, the many highways he built that brutally destroyed vibrant neighborhoods, and his other projects and plans over 40 years. Additional selections show interview notes with Moses himself.
The Society will host An Evening with Robert Caro on Monday, October 7. In collaboration with a special episode of the 99% Invisible podcast's mini-series celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Power Broker, Caro joins the podcast's hosts, Roman Mars and Elliot Kalan, on stage at the New-York Historical Society's Robert H. Smith Auditorium.
Robert Moses (1888-1981) was one of the most powerful men in 20th-century New York. He was a "master builder" of the Metropolitan Area, spearheading billions of dollars in major infrastructure projects that transformed transportation in and around the city. At the height of his power, Moses simultaneously held 12 titles, including NYC Parks Commissioner--none of which were elected positions. He wielded enormous influence over city and state elected officials, and could bypass legislative bodies for funding by issuing bonds or using the millions of dollars generated through his public authority tolls. Moses's many successful projects came at the cost of mass displacements of people and the destruction of whole neighborhoods. Public backlash, political pressure, and activists like Jane Jacobs eventually undermined Moses's power. The Power Broker is available from Vintage.
