Historical Society of the New York Courts
@nylegalhistory.bsky.social
The Historical Society of the NY Courts mission is to preserve, protect & promote the legal history of NY, including the proud heritage of its courts and the development of the Rule of Law.
We’re thrilled to announce the release of #HowEmelineGotFree, a new audio drama that brings to life the landmark #LemmonSlaveCase like never before. It uses actors, rich sound design, and historical detail to transport listeners to pre–Civil War America. Listen now! 🗃️ #skystorians #NYLegalHistory
How Emeline Got Free: The Story of the Woman at the Center of the Landmark Lemmon Slave Trial of 1852 - Historical Society of the New York Courts
history.nycourts.gov
November 21, 2025 at 7:10 PM
We’re thrilled to announce the release of #HowEmelineGotFree, a new audio drama that brings to life the landmark #LemmonSlaveCase like never before. It uses actors, rich sound design, and historical detail to transport listeners to pre–Civil War America. Listen now! 🗃️ #skystorians #NYLegalHistory
On 10/21, we gathered at NY Law School to celebrate the rule of law w/ the 2nd program in our Judicial Conversation Series. The event featured Hon. Jenny Rivera of the NY CoA & Hon. Leona Theron of the Constitutional Court of #SouthAfrica. Many thanks to all who attended in person or virtually!
October 24, 2025 at 6:37 PM
On 10/21, we gathered at NY Law School to celebrate the rule of law w/ the 2nd program in our Judicial Conversation Series. The event featured Hon. Jenny Rivera of the NY CoA & Hon. Leona Theron of the Constitutional Court of #SouthAfrica. Many thanks to all who attended in person or virtually!
In their oral history, Robert Dean & Lynn Fahey discuss their pre-law careers, their formative years at @legalaidnyc.bsky.social, the decisions that led them to establish their own orgs & the challenges & rewards of decades of indigent appellate defense.
history.nycourts.gov/oral_history...
history.nycourts.gov/oral_history...
Robert S. Dean, Esq., and Lynn W.L. Fahey, Esq. - Historical Society of the New York Courts
Interviewed: 07/31/2024 by David L. Goodwin Read the Transcript Watch on YouTube
history.nycourts.gov
October 7, 2025 at 6:30 PM
In their oral history, Robert Dean & Lynn Fahey discuss their pre-law careers, their formative years at @legalaidnyc.bsky.social, the decisions that led them to establish their own orgs & the challenges & rewards of decades of indigent appellate defense.
history.nycourts.gov/oral_history...
history.nycourts.gov/oral_history...
📜 Happy Constitution Day!
Join us as we look back on our celebration from last year with St. John’s Law Professor Tyler Rose Clemons at the Queens County Family Court, exploring the origins of the U.S. Constitution and how it has expanded since its creation.
🎥 Watch a clip from the program:
Join us as we look back on our celebration from last year with St. John’s Law Professor Tyler Rose Clemons at the Queens County Family Court, exploring the origins of the U.S. Constitution and how it has expanded since its creation.
🎥 Watch a clip from the program:
September 17, 2025 at 4:53 PM
📜 Happy Constitution Day!
Join us as we look back on our celebration from last year with St. John’s Law Professor Tyler Rose Clemons at the Queens County Family Court, exploring the origins of the U.S. Constitution and how it has expanded since its creation.
🎥 Watch a clip from the program:
Join us as we look back on our celebration from last year with St. John’s Law Professor Tyler Rose Clemons at the Queens County Family Court, exploring the origins of the U.S. Constitution and how it has expanded since its creation.
🎥 Watch a clip from the program:
Today in NY Legal History: Sept. 9, 1777
The first session of the Supreme Court of the State of New York was held #OTD in 1777 at Kingston, and Chief Justice John Jay delivered the first charge to the Grand Jury. 🗃️ #skystorians
#NYSCourts #NYSJudges #NYSLawyers #NYSHistory #NYLegalHistory
The first session of the Supreme Court of the State of New York was held #OTD in 1777 at Kingston, and Chief Justice John Jay delivered the first charge to the Grand Jury. 🗃️ #skystorians
#NYSCourts #NYSJudges #NYSLawyers #NYSHistory #NYLegalHistory
September 9, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Today in NY Legal History: Sept. 9, 1777
The first session of the Supreme Court of the State of New York was held #OTD in 1777 at Kingston, and Chief Justice John Jay delivered the first charge to the Grand Jury. 🗃️ #skystorians
#NYSCourts #NYSJudges #NYSLawyers #NYSHistory #NYLegalHistory
The first session of the Supreme Court of the State of New York was held #OTD in 1777 at Kingston, and Chief Justice John Jay delivered the first charge to the Grand Jury. 🗃️ #skystorians
#NYSCourts #NYSJudges #NYSLawyers #NYSHistory #NYLegalHistory
The NY Court of Appeals convened for the 1st time on Sept. 7, 1847. Check out our online gallery of vintage CoA images. The page includes a brief timeline & a gallery of postcards depicting the CoA's various courtrooms since its founding. 🗃️ #skystorians
history.nycourts.gov/coa-courtroo...
history.nycourts.gov/coa-courtroo...
September 8, 2025 at 3:13 PM
The NY Court of Appeals convened for the 1st time on Sept. 7, 1847. Check out our online gallery of vintage CoA images. The page includes a brief timeline & a gallery of postcards depicting the CoA's various courtrooms since its founding. 🗃️ #skystorians
history.nycourts.gov/coa-courtroo...
history.nycourts.gov/coa-courtroo...
In this #podcast episode, the panel unpacks the facts of the controversial 1876 election of Rutherford Hayes v. Samuel Tilden, explore the political climate of the era, and draw thought-provoking connections to more recent national elections. #NYLegalHistory
youtu.be/IrOoUYhOcsk
youtu.be/IrOoUYhOcsk
Podcast #29 — The 1876 Election: Samuel Jones Tilden v. Rutherford B. Hayes
YouTube video by Historical Society of the NY Courts
youtu.be
September 4, 2025 at 8:21 PM
In this #podcast episode, the panel unpacks the facts of the controversial 1876 election of Rutherford Hayes v. Samuel Tilden, explore the political climate of the era, and draw thought-provoking connections to more recent national elections. #NYLegalHistory
youtu.be/IrOoUYhOcsk
youtu.be/IrOoUYhOcsk
Reposted by Historical Society of the New York Courts
New York Chief Judge Rowan Wilson on his recent jury service in state criminal court.
@nyscourtsnews.bsky.social
@nylegalhistory.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5wf...
@nyscourtsnews.bsky.social
@nylegalhistory.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5wf...
Chief Judge Wilson Answers the Call for Jury Service
YouTube video by NYS Courts
www.youtube.com
September 1, 2025 at 10:58 PM
New York Chief Judge Rowan Wilson on his recent jury service in state criminal court.
@nyscourtsnews.bsky.social
@nylegalhistory.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5wf...
@nyscourtsnews.bsky.social
@nylegalhistory.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5wf...
A Rare Conversation with New York State’s Chief Judge: Rowan Wilson Speaks About Life, the Law and Living in #BrooklynHeights
‘I choose not to run things imperiously, as if I'm the king and everything I say goes.’
brooklyneagle.com/articles/202...
#NYCourtOfAppeals #NYLegalHistory
‘I choose not to run things imperiously, as if I'm the king and everything I say goes.’
brooklyneagle.com/articles/202...
#NYCourtOfAppeals #NYLegalHistory
A rare conversation with New York state’s chief judge: Rowan Wilson speaks about life, the law and living in Brooklyn Heights
Rowan Wilson leads NY’s judiciary with humility, collaboration and a focus on restoring morale, access and fairness across the courts.
brooklyneagle.com
July 30, 2025 at 6:46 PM
A Rare Conversation with New York State’s Chief Judge: Rowan Wilson Speaks About Life, the Law and Living in #BrooklynHeights
‘I choose not to run things imperiously, as if I'm the king and everything I say goes.’
brooklyneagle.com/articles/202...
#NYCourtOfAppeals #NYLegalHistory
‘I choose not to run things imperiously, as if I'm the king and everything I say goes.’
brooklyneagle.com/articles/202...
#NYCourtOfAppeals #NYLegalHistory
Today’s issue of amNY Law includes an article about the Society’s mission, history and a look to the future, including quotes from our President Judge Lippman and Executive Director Allison Morey. A photo of Judge Lippman, Judge Kaye & Judge Rosenblatt grace the cover! 🗃️ #Skystorians #NYLegalHistory
July 16, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Today’s issue of amNY Law includes an article about the Society’s mission, history and a look to the future, including quotes from our President Judge Lippman and Executive Director Allison Morey. A photo of Judge Lippman, Judge Kaye & Judge Rosenblatt grace the cover! 🗃️ #Skystorians #NYLegalHistory
Host Eric van der Vort speaks w/ retired judge Richard Dollinger about his Judicial Notice article which explores how the lives of John Hazel & Emma Goldman intersected twice in the wake of President William McKinley’s assassination. 🗃️ #skystorians
history.nycourts.gov/podcasts/pod...
history.nycourts.gov/podcasts/pod...
July 14, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Host Eric van der Vort speaks w/ retired judge Richard Dollinger about his Judicial Notice article which explores how the lives of John Hazel & Emma Goldman intersected twice in the wake of President William McKinley’s assassination. 🗃️ #skystorians
history.nycourts.gov/podcasts/pod...
history.nycourts.gov/podcasts/pod...
Watch a Fireside Chat with Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Third Department Hon. Elizabeth A. Garry, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department Hon. Hector D. LaSalle and our President Hon. Jonathan Lippman! #NYLegalHistory 🗃️ #Skystorians
youtu.be/_gziLXLC_iQ
youtu.be/_gziLXLC_iQ
A Fireside Chat with Hon. Elizabeth Garry, Hon. Hector LaSalle & Hon. Jonathan Lippman
YouTube video by Historical Society of the NY Courts
youtu.be
June 12, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Watch a Fireside Chat with Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Third Department Hon. Elizabeth A. Garry, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department Hon. Hector D. LaSalle and our President Hon. Jonathan Lippman! #NYLegalHistory 🗃️ #Skystorians
youtu.be/_gziLXLC_iQ
youtu.be/_gziLXLC_iQ
Watch a Fireside Chat with Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department Hon. Dianne T. Renwick, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department Hon. Gerald J. Whalen and our Executive Vice President Alan Levine! #NYLegalHistory 🗃️ #Skystorians
youtu.be/OZ_sJGnPslY
youtu.be/OZ_sJGnPslY
A Fireside Chat with Hon. Dianne Renwick, Hon. Gerald Whalen & Alan Levine — Society Annual Dinner
YouTube video by Historical Society of the NY Courts
youtu.be
June 12, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Watch a Fireside Chat with Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department Hon. Dianne T. Renwick, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department Hon. Gerald J. Whalen and our Executive Vice President Alan Levine! #NYLegalHistory 🗃️ #Skystorians
youtu.be/OZ_sJGnPslY
youtu.be/OZ_sJGnPslY
Find it on YouTube! Our latest episode of our #podcast series Wrecking Ball titled A Conversation with Andrew Berman: The “Cher” of Preservation is also available on our YouTube channel. 🗃️ #skystorians
#HistoricPreservation #VillagePreservation #GreenwichVillage
youtu.be/UEVpdp_YOo8
#HistoricPreservation #VillagePreservation #GreenwichVillage
youtu.be/UEVpdp_YOo8
Podcast #27: A Conversation with Andrew Berman: The “Cher” of Preservation
YouTube video by Historical Society of the NY Courts
youtu.be
May 6, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Find it on YouTube! Our latest episode of our #podcast series Wrecking Ball titled A Conversation with Andrew Berman: The “Cher” of Preservation is also available on our YouTube channel. 🗃️ #skystorians
#HistoricPreservation #VillagePreservation #GreenwichVillage
youtu.be/UEVpdp_YOo8
#HistoricPreservation #VillagePreservation #GreenwichVillage
youtu.be/UEVpdp_YOo8
#Podcast host Adrian Untermyer chats w/ Andrew Berman, whose name is now shorthand for NY’s history-saving movement after leading the Village Preservation for a quarter-century — earning his new nickname as The ‘Cher’ of Preservation. 🗃️ #skystorians
history.nycourts.gov/podcasts/pod...
history.nycourts.gov/podcasts/pod...
Episode #27: A Conversation with Andrew Berman: The “Cher” of Preservation (Wrecking Ball Series Episode 5) - Historical Society of the New York Courts
history.nycourts.gov
May 6, 2025 at 8:22 PM
#Podcast host Adrian Untermyer chats w/ Andrew Berman, whose name is now shorthand for NY’s history-saving movement after leading the Village Preservation for a quarter-century — earning his new nickname as The ‘Cher’ of Preservation. 🗃️ #skystorians
history.nycourts.gov/podcasts/pod...
history.nycourts.gov/podcasts/pod...
2025 Law Day Celebration: Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson Tells Origins of Our National Motto 🗃️ #skystorians
"Here at the Unified Court System, we are working toward a society that includes, protects and uplifts all people equally."
#NYSCourts #NYSJudges #NYSLawyers
brooklyneagle.com/articles/202...
"Here at the Unified Court System, we are working toward a society that includes, protects and uplifts all people equally."
#NYSCourts #NYSJudges #NYSLawyers
brooklyneagle.com/articles/202...
2025 Law Day celebration: Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson tells origins of our national motto
Judge Wilson focuses on the Constitution's Promise, “Out of Many, One” (E pluribus unum), as a key part of US identity.
brooklyneagle.com
May 5, 2025 at 6:39 PM
2025 Law Day Celebration: Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson Tells Origins of Our National Motto 🗃️ #skystorians
"Here at the Unified Court System, we are working toward a society that includes, protects and uplifts all people equally."
#NYSCourts #NYSJudges #NYSLawyers
brooklyneagle.com/articles/202...
"Here at the Unified Court System, we are working toward a society that includes, protects and uplifts all people equally."
#NYSCourts #NYSJudges #NYSLawyers
brooklyneagle.com/articles/202...
The Society is a proud co-sponsor of this year's #LawDay #ArtContest with the NYS Courts' Office for Justice Initiatives. This year's @americanbar.org's Law Day theme is "The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One."🧵
#LawDay2025 #LawDay25 #CivicsEducation #Civics #CivicEngagement #Art #Education
#LawDay2025 #LawDay25 #CivicsEducation #Civics #CivicEngagement #Art #Education
May 1, 2025 at 6:20 PM
The Society is a proud co-sponsor of this year's #LawDay #ArtContest with the NYS Courts' Office for Justice Initiatives. This year's @americanbar.org's Law Day theme is "The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One."🧵
#LawDay2025 #LawDay25 #CivicsEducation #Civics #CivicEngagement #Art #Education
#LawDay2025 #LawDay25 #CivicsEducation #Civics #CivicEngagement #Art #Education
On Wed. we held our #Gala Dinner honoring the 4 Presiding Justices of the NYS Courts Appellate Divisions!
Society Exec. Vice President Alan Levine led a candid and engaging conversation w/ Hon. Dianne Renwick, Presiding Justice of AD1D., along with Hon. Gerald Whalen, Presiding Justice of AD4D.
Society Exec. Vice President Alan Levine led a candid and engaging conversation w/ Hon. Dianne Renwick, Presiding Justice of AD1D., along with Hon. Gerald Whalen, Presiding Justice of AD4D.
April 25, 2025 at 7:48 PM
On Wed. we held our #Gala Dinner honoring the 4 Presiding Justices of the NYS Courts Appellate Divisions!
Society Exec. Vice President Alan Levine led a candid and engaging conversation w/ Hon. Dianne Renwick, Presiding Justice of AD1D., along with Hon. Gerald Whalen, Presiding Justice of AD4D.
Society Exec. Vice President Alan Levine led a candid and engaging conversation w/ Hon. Dianne Renwick, Presiding Justice of AD1D., along with Hon. Gerald Whalen, Presiding Justice of AD4D.
It’s time for another story of how the #ErieCanal has shaped New York’s laws, as the Canal celebrates its bicentennial! Today we’re bringing you a lesser-known chapter in its storied past: how the Erie Canal helped establish New York’s Court of Claims. 🗃️ #skystorians 🧵
April 7, 2025 at 2:33 PM
It’s time for another story of how the #ErieCanal has shaped New York’s laws, as the Canal celebrates its bicentennial! Today we’re bringing you a lesser-known chapter in its storied past: how the Erie Canal helped establish New York’s Court of Claims. 🗃️ #skystorians 🧵
Society Trustee Hon. Barry Kamins (Ret) visited Columbia Secondary School in NYC to talk w/ students reading "12 Angry Men." Judge Kamins discussed criminal trials/jury service & different perspectives on the case from his experience as prosecutor, criminal defense atty. & judge. #Civics 🗃️
March 28, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Society Trustee Hon. Barry Kamins (Ret) visited Columbia Secondary School in NYC to talk w/ students reading "12 Angry Men." Judge Kamins discussed criminal trials/jury service & different perspectives on the case from his experience as prosecutor, criminal defense atty. & judge. #Civics 🗃️
Educators, are you teaching the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire this #WomensHistoryMonth? That tragedy happened on March 25, 1911 – and its lessons are as relevant today as they ever were. 🧵
🗃️ #skystorians
🗃️ #skystorians
March 26, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Educators, are you teaching the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire this #WomensHistoryMonth? That tragedy happened on March 25, 1911 – and its lessons are as relevant today as they ever were. 🧵
🗃️ #skystorians
🗃️ #skystorians
We conclude #CivicLearningWeek looking back on a class visit from our NY courts judges & attorneys! 🧵
🗃️ #skystorians
📷: Selfie with Students
Natasha Delille (front) and Hon. Inga O'Neale (back, right)
🗃️ #skystorians
📷: Selfie with Students
Natasha Delille (front) and Hon. Inga O'Neale (back, right)
March 14, 2025 at 7:27 PM
We conclude #CivicLearningWeek looking back on a class visit from our NY courts judges & attorneys! 🧵
🗃️ #skystorians
📷: Selfie with Students
Natasha Delille (front) and Hon. Inga O'Neale (back, right)
🗃️ #skystorians
📷: Selfie with Students
Natasha Delille (front) and Hon. Inga O'Neale (back, right)
When #ChiefJudgeJudithKaye started to ask about the state courts’ history, she realized that despite the state judiciary’s long history, it was not widely documented or well known. Interest grew among judges, lawyers & scholars & in 2002 it resulted in the founding of the Society. 🗃️ #skystorians
March 13, 2025 at 3:42 PM
When #ChiefJudgeJudithKaye started to ask about the state courts’ history, she realized that despite the state judiciary’s long history, it was not widely documented or well known. Interest grew among judges, lawyers & scholars & in 2002 it resulted in the founding of the Society. 🗃️ #skystorians
What does it mean to truly understand the law? At the Society, we believe that civic education isn’t just about memorizing legal principles — it’s about seeing how the law impacts real lives. 🗃️ #skystorians @nationalclw.bsky.social
March 12, 2025 at 6:31 PM
What does it mean to truly understand the law? At the Society, we believe that civic education isn’t just about memorizing legal principles — it’s about seeing how the law impacts real lives. 🗃️ #skystorians @nationalclw.bsky.social
We continue celebrating #CivicLearningWeek at the Society! @nationalclw.bsky.social
One of our core missions is to promote education about the New York Courts and the Rule of Law through classroom visits and outreach to New York students.
🗃️ #skystorians
One of our core missions is to promote education about the New York Courts and the Rule of Law through classroom visits and outreach to New York students.
🗃️ #skystorians
March 11, 2025 at 6:37 PM
We continue celebrating #CivicLearningWeek at the Society! @nationalclw.bsky.social
One of our core missions is to promote education about the New York Courts and the Rule of Law through classroom visits and outreach to New York students.
🗃️ #skystorians
One of our core missions is to promote education about the New York Courts and the Rule of Law through classroom visits and outreach to New York students.
🗃️ #skystorians