The Museum of American Finance preserves, exhibits and teaches the history of Wall Street, the role of the capital markets as an engine of progress, and the achievements of American businessmen and women -- from small business owners to titans of industry.

Description:
The Museum, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is the nation's only independent public museum dedicated to celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and the democratic free market tradition which has made New York City the financial capital of the world. Past exhibits have looked at the life of Alexander Hamilton, the history of Wells Fargo, high-denomination US currency including the $100,000 bill, small businesses in America, the Dow Jones Industrial Average as well as the art of engraving bank notes and how the government fights counterfeiting. Education is an important part of the Museum's mission. The Museum offers a wide range of education classes including programs based on the current exhibits, a history of the Financial District, an introduction to stocks and the capital markets as well as a basic program on money for younger groups.

History:
Founded in 1988, the Museum was chartered as an educational institution. Today, financial education is at the core of the Museum's mission and its public programs and services. An active national-level advocate on behalf of the growing financial literacy movement, the Museum is committed to helping all Americans look to the lessons of financial history, while taking charge of their own financial lives. In 2001 the Museum became an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution giving the Museum access to the vast collections of the Smithsonian and in 2007 the Museum will move into it's new 30,000 square-foot home in the former headquarters of the Bank of New York at 48 Wall Street.

Contact person: Linda Rapacki, Director Of Visitor Services, (212) 908-4693, (email)
Office fax number: (212) 908-4601

Address:

48 Wall Street New York, NY 10004 (See a map)

Directions:

The Museum (opening in fall 2007) is located at 48 Wall Street at the corner of William Street. Take the 2/3 to Wall Street which lets you out directly in front of the Museum. Or, take the 4/5 train to. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 2/3, 4/5, J/M/Z,   Walk distance (in minutes): 2   Nearest Bus Stop: M1