Animal companions have always been deeply ingrained in New York City’s culture and history, but they were not always treated as family members in the way that pets are today. A new exhibition opening this Friday at the New-York Historical Society, titled “Pets and the City,” explores the evolving relationships between New Yorkers and their pets, highlighting how these bonds have developed alongside the city’s growth. Running through April 20, the exhibition showcases over 300 items, including art, photographs, and memorabilia, weaving a rich tapestry of animal lore and history.
Curator’s Vision
Roberta J.M. Olson, the exhibition’s curator, was tasked with pulling together a diverse collection from the New-York Historical Society’s Museum and Library. This isn’t Olson’s first foray into pet history; she previously curated “Petropolis: A Social History of Urban Animal Companions” in 2003. While that exhibition was chronological, Olson aimed to create a more immersive experience for the new show, organizing it around thematic elements such as the bond between humans and animals, compassionate treatment, and sustainability.
Visitors entering the exhibition will find themselves welcomed by a newsstand displaying covers of The New Yorker featuring pets. They will also encounter a striking site-specific mural by illustrator Julia Rothman, showcasing various animals interacting within a whimsical cityscape—imagine a tiger lounging on an awning, a horse peering out of a window, and a turtle climbing a fire escape. Rothman’s intention was to portray these animals as larger-than-life characters, embodying their personalities as if they were human inhabitants of the city.
Historical context
The history of pets in New York is rich and multifaceted. Before urbanization, the area was agrarian, where hunting and a spiritual connection with animals played a significant role in the lives of Indigenous peoples, such as the Mohawk. In the exhibition’s section titled “Proto-Pets: Powerful Animals and the Hunting Culture,” visitors can view documents illustrating how the Mohawk used pictograms of their clan animals, including the revered deer, symbolizing strength and generosity.
As the city evolved, so too did the perception of animals. By the 18th century, pets began appearing in children’s portraits as symbols of the qualities parents wished to instill in their offspring—lambs represented innocence, while squirrels signified industriousness. The 19th century marked a turning point where animals became integral members of families, reflected in family portraits where pets often occupied prominent positions.
The duality of pets
While some animals were celebrated as beloved companions, others faced harsh realities in 19th-century New York. The exhibition doesn’t shy away from this duality. In the “Pests in the City” section, visitors learn about the prevalence of stray dogs and pigs, with the latter roaming the streets and causing public safety concerns. The establishment of the Department of Sanitation in 1881 marked a shift in the city’s approach to these animals, as many were removed from urban areas.
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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) emerged in response to the mistreatment of animals during this time, with its founder, Henry Bergh, advocating for better treatment of cart and carriage horses. An illustration depicting Bergh’s intervention to prevent an exhausted horse from working illustrates this important turning point in animal welfare.
Modern perspectives
The exhibition’s “Pets on the Street” section showcases how society has adapted to support pets in urban settings, featuring images of dog walkers, dog runs, and canine relief stations. Additionally, the “Pets at Work: Working Animals and Heroes” section highlights the roles of working animals, including Cher Ami, a homing pigeon who delivered vital messages during World War I, and Sergeant Stubby, a decorated war dog.
As pets have increasingly become part of the family, sections such as “Portraits With and of Pets” and “Pets in Pop Culture” explore how the obsession with animals has transcended time, showcasing how people have captured their pets’ likenesses in various media, from paintings to modern-day Instagram posts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the “Pets and the City” exhibition serves as a reminder of the steadfast connection between humans and their pets in New York City. As visitors journey through history, they will discover that in the concrete jungle, pets offer a vital link to the natural world. By the end of the exhibition, pet owners may find themselves feeling a kinship not only with their own companions at home but also with the stars of the show that have woven themselves into the fabric of New York City’s rich history. As Olson affectionately states, “At this point, they’re all my children. They’re all my pets.”
