New York Historical Society Exhibition Marks Legal Aid Society's 150th Anniversary

The New York Historical Society is presenting an exhibition titled 'Delivering Justice: 150 Years of The Legal Aid Society' to commemorate the organization's sesquicentennial. The display features historical artifacts, archival photographs, and contemporary artworks that document the Legal Aid Society's evolution from its 1876 founding as the German Legal Aid Society to its current status as the largest public defense provider in the United States. Included works address significant legal battles, such as advocacy for participants in the 1971 Attica prison uprising and recent litigation concerning Rikers Island. Brooklyn artist Josh MacPhee contributed protest materials, including a poster and foam fist from 2016 demonstrations. The exhibition aims to illustrate connections between legal advocacy and cultural expression, highlighting how visual materials support social justice movements. It will remain on view through July 5, 2026.