Maze Mouth Book Launch & Poetry Night

Wednesday, July 12 at 7:30 pm (show at 8)

Join the Poet Laureate of West Hollywood Brian Sonia-Wallace and friends from the NYC Poetry Brothel for an evening tangled in poetry celebrating the release of Maze Mouth (Moontide Press). Expect a trap, a ball of thread, and red flags aplenty as we navigate a maze of words and emerge…not wiser, but weirder.

Tickets on sale now

Raw–as in haunting, but also as in, no condom–West Hollywood City Poet Laureate Brian Sonia-Wallace’s culminating laureate project Maze Mouth traces the year he lost his father and moved to a gay mecca. Expect human pups, apocalypse salesmen, orgy fish, and an insatiable, sushi-eating Death.

There will be two “wild card” open mic slots. Email [email protected] with interest.

Additional readings by Emi Bergquist, Anna Genevieve Winham, Kyle Studstill, and N.O. Moore.

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Antiques! Oddities! Ephemera! A City Reliquary (Back)Yard Sale

The City Reliquary will host Antiques! Oddities! Ephemera! A City Reliquary (Back)Yard Sale on Sunday, August 6, from noon to 6 p.m. True to its name, the event will take place in the museum’s backyard. RSVP for the event.

Local artists and collectors will be selling an eclectic variety of one-of-a-kind vintage ephemera, unusual collectibles, and unique art and crafts. For those who know the City Reliquary Collectors Night event, a show-and-tell where collectors display their strange collections, this is a rare opportunity: a show-and-sell!

Wares for sale include:

  • Midcentury records, clothing, and housewares from Kyle Supley
  • 1964 New York World’s Fair memorabilia, vintage ticket stubs to NYC sites, collectible spoons and spoon jewelry, and more from Yardsale Cafe (who will also offer refreshments)
  • Uranium glass and antique bottles from Emily Kawasaki
  • Bizarre products from world markets from George Rush
  • Vintage film and cartoon-related ephemera from Tommy Stathes (Cartoons on Film)
  • Vintage movie stills and promotional ephemera, and quirky vegetable commercial ceramics, from artist Steve Gerberich
  • Vintage Barbie collections, paper ephemera, and one-of-a-kind assemblage art from artist Marlene Weisman
  • Unusual old dolls from Andrea McManus
  • Assorted oddities, taxidermy, vintage toys, antique photos and postcards, and other oddities and kitsch from Bryan Sansivero, ruins photographer and author of American Decay.
  • Handmade jewelry and headbands from Shannon Richardson
  • And MUCH more!

Free entry with museum admission, but please RSVP! We suggest that buyers bring CASH as many vendors can’t accept credit cards.

Tunes from Kyle Supley, resident DJ at Julius’ bar, who will also sell a wide selection of midcentury lamps, clocks, records, and clothing.

Cool drinks and tasty pastries from Yardsale Cafe, “one of Brooklyn’s best new bakeries” according to Brooklyn Magazine. Yardsale will also be selling items from their antique store: 1964 New York World’s Fair memorabilia, vintage ticket stubs to NYC sites, collectible spoons and spoon jewelry, and more.

Calling all Vendors! (application now closed)

The City Reliquary invites applications from vendors to show and sell their vintage ephemera, unusual collectibles, and other unique items. Vendors interested in participating can submit an application through Friday, July 14. Space is limited!

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Liberty the Tattooed Lady: The Great Bartholdi Statue as Depicted in Tattooing

On View: March 15-January 12, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, April 5 at 6 PM

The City Reliquary Museum and Daredevil Tattoo are proud to announce Liberty the Tattooed Lady: The Great Bartholdi Statue as Depicted in Tattooing. This new exhibition is the first devoted entirely to the history of Statue of Liberty tattoos. Through a stunning collection of vintage tattoo art–including pieces never put on public display before–it shows how the Statue of Liberty has been embraced and embodied by American tattoo artists since the turn of the century.

Since its unveiling in 1886, the Statue of Liberty has served as a symbol of New York City and the nation. Received as a gift from France to commemorate the Declaration of Independence and the abolition of slavery, Lady Liberty has long represented ideals often associated with the idea of America: freedom and liberty. Antique flash, vintage photographs, drawings, and other related objects on display in this exhibit show that Lady Liberty has been a popular subject in tattooing for as long as she’s stood in New York Harbor. 

Guests will have the opportunity to view a stunning collection of vintage tattoo art, including pieces that have never been on public display before. The history of Lady Liberty in tattoo art is told through a stunning collection of antique flash, vintage photographs, drawings, stencils, paintings and other related objects. 

This exhibition brings together artifacts from some of the most legendary tattooers of the early twentieth century, including–but not limited to–Bert Grimm, Owen Jensen, Dainty Dotty, Lou Normand, and Ralph Johnson. 

This exhibition was curated by Michelle Myles of Daredevil Tattoo Shop & Museum.

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Miss Subways is Back and Coming to Coney Island

After a covid-imposed hiatus, The City Reliquary Museum’s Miss Subways returns! The beloved event, known for highlighting NYC’s underground and outsider talent, will take place on Friday, April 28, 7:00-11:00 p.m., at New York’s historic nexus of the weird and whimsical, Coney Island USA’s Sideshows by the Seashore Theater (1208 Surf Ave., Brooklyn).

As in previous years, this is sure to be a very. wild. time.

Tickets on sale now! Think you got what it takes to compete? Apply here! (Submissions closed as of 4/18.)

Evolving the Miss Subways Tradition for Today’s NYC

In 1948, Thelma Porter became the first African-American Miss Subways.

The City Reliquary’s Miss Subways celebrates the historic “Miss Subways” beauty contest held in New York City from 1941 to 1976 (and resurrected once in 2004) while challenging traditional ideas of beauty. Updated for the 21st century, the event expands on the progressive history of Miss Subways as the first racially integrated beauty competition and is open to contestants of all gender identities, body types, and ages 18+ to compete for the Transit Tiara and the prized title of Miss Subways 2023.

Meet the 2023 Contestants

Lena Horné (she/they, representing the Metropolitan G/L)
I am a dynamic drag entertainer and can be found serenading crowds all over Brooklyn and lower Manhattan with diva anthems of the past and present. I’ve performed at the past two Bushwigs, as well as guest starred in a Billy Porter music video (“Children”).
I’m in my Star-to-Be era, and my heart would grow 3x larger to be able to represent not only the subways, but the beautiful genderqueer individuals all over New York who ride it.

Meghan Sara (she/they, representing the E)

After moving to the Big Apple in 2008 to chase my dreams of an acting career (what else?), I soon realized I could make a living combining my natural desire to perform (Leo Sun/Leo Rising) AND my fascination with NYC history by being a tour guide!
I am the next Miss Subways because I represent unbridled and evangelical enthusiasm for New York City from the ground up, and especially, below.

MX. MAD SCIENTRESS (she/they, representing the R)
I’m a comedian and multidisciplinary theater artist, incorporating my interests in gender, science, visual arts, and evolution into my work. Most importantly, I’m a lifelong New Yorker. Much like the rats Eric Adams thinks he has a chance against, I’m never leaving. And I pride myself on wearing the biggest costume on the subway every Halloween.
I will be a historic winner of the Miss Subways competition, because i will be the first ever DOCTOR SUBWAYS!

Angelina Bowie Waggytail (she/her, representing the F)
Our first-ever canine contestant in Miss Subways history!

Angelina is an opinionated Chihuahua mutt rescued from the deserts of Los Angeles. Her mom, Holly, is the founder of Waggytail Rescue and once saved an aging pit bull from drowning in Prospect Park Lake by administering “mouth-to-snout” resuscitation!

Rob Coover (he/him, representing the Franklin Ave Shuttle)
I live in Brooklyn. I write medical journal articles, turn compost, and rescue injured birds. I have wept on the Q and slept on the A.
I lost twice already. Surely victory is within my grasp.

Chantelle (she/her, representing the B)
I’ve been living in New York City for 6 years, but when you adjust for Covid it feels closer to 10. I’m a cat mom and a cat modeler, an avid and prolific reader, a fitness enthusiast, unapologetic morning person, and a clean freak.
I truly and genuinely enjoy taking the subway, even if it doesn’t love me back. In my opinion, it’s the great equalizer and the one thing that really defines a “true New Yorker.”

Harmony (she/her, representing the 7)

I was born in a subway-less town where tumbleweeds blew, public transportation was scarce, and all we could do was twirl sticks and hoops as we suffered from excessive wait times. Finally, I followed my dreams to the Big Apple, home to America’s greatest transportation system. Now, after ten years and four home subway lines later, I’ve spent a lucky 7 years on the 7 line. I’m ready to represent my unique home with a song medley and hula hoop performance.

Much like the train I represent, I operate at 101% capacity. I’m hardworking and reliable, I never deviate from my track line. I might not always go into Manhattan or run express, but you know exactly where you’ll end up.

Annie Stone (she/her, representing the N/W)
Annie Stone once performed a 45-min set at Rockwood Music Hall with a broken insulin pump. She is fascinated by the endless offerings of this gigantic city, which often results in her overextending herself. During the day, she makes ridiculous things for the Nutter Butter Instagram.
Annie represents the best and worst parts of the city. Totally broke? Absolutely. Laughing about it all the way to the Atlantic Terminal Target? You bet. Electric and exhausted, Annie is always on the move, from one show, project, or fever dream to the next.

Miz E with a Z! (she/her, representing the 7)
Miz E with a Z! co-hosts KNG-TV’s “The Kong Show on TV!” on YouTube and Roku TV and also appears as her own evil twin sister, KNG-TV station manager Madison Lynne. A former child star, she once appeared in a Girl Scout cookie commercial with the Brady Bunch’s Ann B. Davis. A former belly dance instructor and roller derby queen, she now devotes her time to co-hosting the biggest little vaudeville style/comedy variety show on KNG-TV.

Ketriana Yvonne (she/her, representing the A)

Ketriana Yvonne is a native of Brooklyn and producer & host of the award winning “The Ketriana Yvonne Show” airing on BRIC Brooklyn Free Speech TV network. Author of “Sequin Soul Poetry from the Spirit.” Volunteer for the MTA’s volunteer Maskforce during the pandemic. Her award-winning tribute poem for Truly Brooklyn in 2019, “Dear Brooklyn,” is now part of the Intergenerational Community Arts Council Brooklyn Tribute Song “Spread Love the Brooklyn Way.”

I am like the subway, moving with speed, making connections, and making life flow in a forward progression. I am poetry in motion, greeting each stop I arrive at with a memory of a personal story that happened on the train, meeting now-lifelong friends and reconnecting with old ones.

An outrageous competition led by Miss Coney Island

Our event emcee, current reigning Miss Coney Island and local burlesque performer Maggie McMuffin, welcomes us to her kingdom and will preside over the evening’s antics.

Local Celebrity Judges

Local celebrity judges will determine who takes home the Transit Tiara. This year’s panel features some of the best of the city’s artists, performers, historians and daily documentarians:

Tickets on sale now. All proceeds benefit The City Reliquary and Coney Island USA. Space is limited!!!

Are you Miss Subways 2023? – (Submissions closed as of 4/18)

We’re looking for contestants! Miss Subways is gender/size/age-inclusive (18 and up, please). Send us your info to get a chance to take the stage at Coney Island and gain eternal glory! Winner takes the coveted title of Miss Subways 2023 and the Transit Tiara, an original work of art by celebrity judge Reverend Jen Miller!

Miss Subways 2023 Application

Applicants are invited to propose an original performance that captures their relationship with the NYC subway, in all its complexity. “Performance” may be interpreted broadly. Past performances have included an ode to the G train, an experimental soundscape inspired by the Q, songs about subway proselytizers, and an appearance by the Wicked Witch of the Upper East Side and an immigrant from Oz. Apply now!

See you at Sideshows by the Seashore.

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March 2: The 11th Annual Panorama Challenge

Panorama Challengers gather around the Panorama
The 11th Annual Panorama Challenge
Friday, March 2: Doors 6 PM, Game 7 PM
Queens Museum
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
General Admission: $15 online/$20 at the door
City Reliquary & Queens Museum members: $12 online/$15 at the door

SEEKING KNOW‐IT‐ALL NEW YORKERS AND LOVERS OF NYC!

Once again, The City Reliquary, Queens Museum, & The Levys’ Unique New York! have partnered for an exciting evening of trivia with the whole city at your feet. Meet us at the world’s largest architectural scale model – The Panorama of the City of New York at the Queens Museum – for a most unusual evening of trivia.

Panorama Challenge quizzes players on all things NYC. MC Matt Apter reads questions while our judges highlight clues on the Panorama using lasers (well, laser pointers). Players in teams of 10 (or so) use those clues (and musical hints!) to determine the correct answer.

BUY TICKETS NOW!

Quizmaster Jonathan Turer returns for his seventh year with another batch of new questions. This year categories may include: Gotham Gangsters on Film; McKim, Mead & White sites; and questions based on the Grammys, the movie Wonderstruck, and the exhibit Never Built New York at the Queens Museum. The ever-popular Halftime Quiz will also be returning!

How To Form A Team:
Teams may organize as Panorama Challengers or Panorama Pros. Challengers are first‐timers or those who have not dedicated their lives to the study of NYC. Their questions will be easier! Pros are returning contestants and die‐hard students of our city’s hidden corners. They answer twice as many questions per round (60 total!) Friendly tour guides from The Levys’ Unique New York! will help match contestants to teams.

The winning Pro team will join the ranks of legendary past winners when its name is etched on the Panorama Challenge Trophy housed at the Queens Museum!

This year promises another impressive panel of judges–stay tuned for more details!

Reserve Your Team’s Spot Now!

While scores are tallied, there will be an electrifying performance by Batalá New York — an all-woman Afro-Brazilian samba reggae percussion band!

 

 

 

Sandwiches, snacks, and beverages available for purchase, with beer from our friends at the Rockaway Brewing Company. Proceeds from admission and concessions support The City Reliquary Museum and Queens Museum.

A free shuttle will travel between the Queens Museum and under the Mets‐Willets Point 7 stop from 5:30-7 pm and 9-10 pm.

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Jan. 27: “Canners” + Q&A with Manfred Kirchheimer

Canners: Saturday, January 27 at 7 PM

Please join us for a screening of Canners (2017), followed by a Q&A with director Manfred Kirchheimer.

This film (run time: 78 min.) presents the men and women who collect New York City’s cans and bottles for redemption. It “delivers a powerful ethical message about what it means to live in a city, and how each of us can choose to acknowledge or ignore our fellow citizens” (A.O. Scott, The New York Times).

Many of Manfred Kirchheimer’s films have addressed overlooked aspects of urban life (Stations of the Elevated; Tall: The American Skyscraper and Louis Sullivan).

 

Space is limited Get your tickets through Artfully. $7 General/$5 City Reliquary Members

This event is part of the public programming for NYC Trash! Past, Present, & Future.

 

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Jan 20: Private Tour of Nelson Molina’s “Treasures in the Trash” Museum

Update: The January 20 tour is fully booked! Due to popular demand, we have secured a second tour for Saturday, February 10 at 1:30 PM.

On Saturday, January 20, City Reliquary Members will enjoy a private guided tour of Nelson Molina’s Treasures in the TrashMuseum. Space is limited. Become a Member today!

Nelson will guide us through over 50,000 objects acquired in his 30-plus years working for the NYC Department of Sanitation. A curated selection of his findings is part of our current exhibition, NYC Trash! Past, Present, & Future, on view until April 29, 2018.

Join today to participate in this event and for invitations to other exclusive events and parties, discounts on admission to our annual signature events, free museum admission, and more.

Start the new year with Membership. Your support helps The City Reliquary bring the people’s history of New York to all.

JOIN TODAY!

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Meet Santa at our Holiday Party!

Children can meet Santa Claus at our holiday party on December 10 from noon to 3 PM! See the big red guy at our annual civic holiday celebration with friends & neighbors. Check our Facebook event for details!

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Help Us Celebrate Our City in 2018

A message from City Reliquary Founder Dave Herman:

Dear Civic New Yorkers,

Today The City Reliquary is launching its 2017 Year-End campaign. As we close another eventful year, I wanted to reflect on the compelling programs and exhibitions made possible because of Civic New Yorkers like you, and to ask for your support in the coming year.

15316-Statue-of-Liberty-pic5Our staff and volunteers rely on you to help make the Reliquary possible. Joseph Pulitzer’s 1883 “Pedestal Fund” for the Statue of Liberty revealed the powerful result when people of all economic and cultural backgrounds unite towards a common goal. The symbol of our city–and of the American Dream–literally stands on the contributions of the people.

In that spirit, and during this challenging time for small and feisty non-profits, we remind you that even the smallest contribution makes a difference. To this day, the majority of our funding comes through individual gifts under $100. All gifts are tax-deductible.

If you can make a larger gift and wish to do so, consider sponsoring a specific Reliquary initiative: ensure the maintenance of our permanent exhibits, support a signature event or public program, or make possible a special exhibition. You can find more details on our Artfully page.

Thanks to your generosity, our community museum has been For the people, not for profit since 2002. Please help us continue to offer the exhibitions and events that deepen our connection with the great City of New York.

Always Civic,

Dave Herman, Founder
The City Reliquary Museum & Civic Organization

2017 Reliquary Highlights–with your help, 2018 will be an even bigger success! Support The City Reliquary today!

Exhibitions of Overlooked New York

Our 2017 special exhibition calendar opened with Heroes Of The Knish: Making A Living And Making A Life, which traced the history of the knish from its arrival in the US with Jewish immigrants to its current status as an iconic NYC street food.

Following knishes came Closet Archaeology, one of our most successful exhibitions to date. This exciting show featured over a century’s worth of everyday objects excavated by fourth-grade students from beneath the floorboards of their school building and received a wealth of press coverage, from the New Yorker to the New York Post.

We’ll close out 2017 with NYC Trash! Past, Present, & Future, which considers the history and anthropology of trash in New York from the nineteenth century slums of Manhattan to present-day innovations for reuse and recycle to trash as a cultural archive.

Civic-Minded Events

This was also a banner year for classic City Reliquary events and new annual traditions.

Collectors’ Night, our celebration of collectors and collecting, drew a greater crowd than ever before–triple the average size.

Equally successful was the 2017 Miss Subways Extravaganza This anti-pageant addressed the current deplorable condition of the NYC subway system and raised funds for the Riders Alliance advocacy group. Celebrity judges including Janeane Garofalo and NY1’s own Roger Clark evaluated contestants who embodied the diversity of our city and showcased the unique talents of New York.

We also hosted a brass-band blowout party to herald HONK NYC 2017, and we even marched in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade.

Thank for you helping us achieve a phenomenal 2017. With your help, 2018 will be an even bigger success. Support The City Reliquary today!

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Community Collections: The Animal Bones of Jamison Heldrich

Opens December 8, 2016

The City Reliquary proudly presents the Community Collections display of animal bones from Jamison Heldrich. The arrangement of these bones emphasizes their symmetry and demonstrates the inherent beauty in things typically associated with death and the macabre.

Jamison’s collection began with a small skull found during a visit to a farm with a few friends. Since then, she’s grown her collection, finding bones in hiking trails, garages, barns, and the occasional Brooklyn basement. With the exception of a few items that were gifted, Jamison found all of the bones herself. None of the bones are from animals that were hunted or otherwise killed for their parts. Jamison likes to say that her collection is entirely “vegan” since no animals were harmed in order to obtain them (and Jamison herself is a practicing vegan).

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