NYC announces year-long celebration for 400th anniversary
Mayor Eric Adams has announced “Founded By NYC,” a year-long celebration marking the 400th anniversary of New York City.
Mayor Eric Adams has announced “Founded By NYC,” a year-long celebration marking the 400th anniversary of New York City.
The campaign, launched in partnership with NYC Tourism + Conventions, aims to honor the city’s vibrant history, cultural diversity, and innovative spirit while spotlighting the contributions of Indigenous communities, women, and people of color.
“For four centuries, history has happened here,” said Mayor Adams. “In 2025, through our ‘Founded By NYC’ campaign, we will celebrate all those who came here from around the world to build our great city. But we must also recognize the story began long before the Dutch arrived, when the Lenape people inhabited this land. This anniversary is a chance to celebrate their contributions alongside all New Yorkers who’ve shaped this city into the global beacon it is today.”
The campaign will feature concerts, free events, and cultural showcases across all five boroughs, including collaborations with organizations like the Lenape Center, Broadway’s “Hamilton,” and the Museum of the City of New York. Highlights include performances by Broadway stars, expanded Summer Streets programs, and a special exhibition, “Unceded: 400 Years of Lenape Survivance.”
Julie Coker, President and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, emphasized the campaign’s inclusivity. “Our commemoration invites visitors and locals alike to explore the history, cultural diversity, and innovation that define New York City.”
Joe Baker, co-founder of the Lenape Center, called the anniversary “an opportunity to teach New Yorkers about principles of harmony and balance that have guided the Lenape people.”
The initiative also celebrates NYC’s recovery, with tourism nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, the city welcomed 65 million visitors, generating $79 billion in economic impact and supporting over 388,000 jobs. Mayor Adams highlighted the economic growth as a sign of NYC’s resilience.
“This milestone shows why we are the greatest city in the world,” Adams declared.
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