It Happened HERE: Moynihan US Courthouse

Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse was completed in 1994. To celebrate Constitution Day and the 30th anniversary of the building, James von Klemperer, FAIA, President of KPF, will discuss the design of the building, its urban presence in Lower Manhattan, and its symbolic legacy. During the course of the program, historians, judges, and academics will further discuss Constitutional legacies.

September 17, 1787 marks the signing of the US Constitution in Philadelphia. The first public printing was in the Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser which included a cover resolution and letter to Congress signed by George Washington talking about the necessity of compromise, and calling for Congress to allow the people to decide on ratification. Notably on display: a very rare printing of the Constitution signed in New York with the Confederation Congress’ September 28th resolution to send the proposed Constitution to the states for ratification by the people. The United States District Court for the District of New York was the first court to convene after the passage of the Judiciary Act of 1789. 

Speakers:
Kevin Arlyck, Professor, Georgetown Law
Honorable P. Kevin Castel, Judge, United States Southern District Court
Seth Kaller, Historical Documents & Legacy Collections
James von Klemperer, FAIA, President, KPF

Program Note: U.S. Marshal security guidelines require the surrender of cellphones upon entering the Courthouse

Organized by:
cultureNOW, the United States District Court for the Southern District New York, the Lower Manhattan Historical Association and AIANY Architecture Dialogue Committee