Drawing inspiration from last year’s BBC/British Museum collaboration called “A History of the World in 100 Objects”, the New York Times selected a group of historians to decide what should be part of “A History of New York in 50 Objects”. The compilation of quintessential items chosen to represent the narrative of New York features many objects so emblematic of the city that most would agree with the selections—a bagel, a MetroCard, a yellow Checker cab—but some items that made the list are surprising.

Take a look at the New York Times article by Sam Roberts on the project and decide for yourself what to add or subtract. Personally, I’d consider replacing the MetroCard with a subway token. And where’s the traditional NY slice?

Related articles

• A History Of New York In 50 Objects (nytimes.com)