Museum of the City of New York

The Museum of the City of New York began its life in a much smaller space, serving as the original occupant of Gracie Mansion before it became the official residence of the mayor. Its founder, a Scottish writer named Henry Collins Brown, envisioned a populist institution that would act as a democratic space for all New Yorkers, regardless of their background. When the museum outgrew its first home, organizers bypassed traditional funding methods by launching a citywide, public crowdfunding campaign. They successfully raised two million dollars through small, voluntary contributions from an incredibly diverse group of donors, ranging from wealthy civic leaders to local scout troops, ensuring the building was a true product of the people.