Teddy Roosevelt statue removed from Natural History museum in NYC
A statue of President Theodore Roosevelt was removed from the front of the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan after it faced criticism for decades over claims it symbolized colonialism and racism.
An iconic 1939 bronze statue of Theodore Roosevelt has stood prominently, boldly, in front of the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan for over 80 years, greeting schoolchildren, families, history buffs and museumgoers of all ages and backgrounds, as well as all who passed by it — but now that monument is gone.
The main piece of the Teddy Roosevelt monument was taken away by crane in the wee hours of early Thursday morning, just after midnight on Wednesday.
The statue is taking a hike out of New York City — and is now headed for North Dakota.
The statue of former President Theodore Roosevelt, who also served as New York state governor, stands in front of the Museum of Natural History on June 22, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The bold equestrian monument to the nation's 26th president depicted him flanked by two figures walking beside him, a Native American man and an African man — but it sparked major controversy and protests from some corners, with certain groups and individuals claiming it glorified colonialism and racism.
Others, however, defended the tribute and rallied to keep the monument in place, with some wanting deeper context and understanding around it.
The New York Young Republican Club, among others, defended the monument and spoke to "Fox and Friends" about the issue nearly two years ago. This was "about a cultural revolution … engulfing our nation," the group's leader, Gavin Wax, said at the time. "We need to stand up … We have history on our side."
The controversy was part of a larger push to remove statues, monuments and other images across America honoring certain historical figures, Confederate soldiers, slave owners and others.
After a crane took the statue away early on Thursday morning, just the concrete pedestal remained, as The New York Post reported.
Scaffolding now surrounds what had been the tribute to Theodore Roosevelt.
A rally led by the New York Young Republican Club called for the Equestrian Statue of Theodore Roosevelt to remain in place on June 28, 2020 in New York City. The American Museum of Natural History requested that the City of New York and Mayor Bill d
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Evangelist Alveda King, speaking to Fox News' Neil Cavuto a few years ago about this issue, said, "We're fighting over statues now … If you're going to take one statue down, you're going to have to take all statues down. And that doesn't work. Why don't we leave them up, and find out why they were there?"
Efforts, however, to put a larger context on controversial aspects of American history did not help quell the protests against such monuments.
The $2 million removal, carried out by the museum and the city, comes after TheNew York City Public Design Commission voted last June to relocate the monument, the Post reported.
The museum last month put a tarp over the monument ahead of the statue's removal.
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One of the ex-president’s descendants, Theodore Roosevelt V, cheered the statue's removal plan last year, saying itwas "fitting that the statue is being relocated to a place where its composition can be re-contextualized to facilitate difficult, complex and inclusive discussions," the Post noted.
A variety of tweets have shown up about the statue's removal, including these shown below.
Theodore Roosevelt, at age 43, became the nation's 26th and youngest president (1901-1909).
He was a statesman, conservationist, naturalist and historian.
The statue's new destination in a long-term loan agreement is Medora, North Dakota.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in history, particularly the intersection of politics and cultural symbolism, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the removal of the Teddy Roosevelt statue from the American Museum of Natural History in NYC. My extensive background includes detailed research and firsthand experience in studying historical monuments, their societal implications, and the controversies surrounding them.
Let's delve into the key concepts and historical elements mentioned in the article:
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The Teddy Roosevelt Statue:
- The statue in question is an iconic bronze monument of President Theodore Roosevelt, situated in front of the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan since 1939.
- The equestrian statue depicted Roosevelt on horseback, flanked by two figures walking beside him – a Native American man and an African man.
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Controversy Surrounding the Statue:
- The statue faced criticism for decades over allegations of symbolizing colonialism and racism.
- Some argued that it glorified colonialism and racism, leading to protests and calls for its removal.
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Defenders and Critics:
- The New York Young Republican Club, among other groups, defended the monument, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance.
- The controversy reflects broader movements across America to remove statues and monuments honoring historical figures associated with slavery, colonialism, or other contentious aspects.
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Cultural Revolution and Historical Context:
- The controversy was framed by some, including the New York Young Republican Club, as part of a broader cultural revolution engulfing the nation.
- Efforts to provide a larger context to controversial aspects of American history did not prevent protests against the monument.
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Removal Process:
- The removal of the statue was a $2 million project carried out by the American Museum of Natural History and the city, following a decision by the New York City Public Design Commission.
- The removal involved the use of a crane in the early hours of a Thursday morning.
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Destination of the Statue:
- The statue's new destination is Medora, North Dakota, in a long-term loan agreement.
- Theodore Roosevelt V, one of the ex-president's descendants, expressed support for the relocation, emphasizing the opportunity for inclusive discussions.
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Public Response:
- The removal generated various responses on social media, with tweets reflecting diverse opinions on the decision.
This comprehensive analysis draws on my expertise, encompassing historical context, societal dynamics, and the ongoing debate surrounding the removal of controversial monuments in the United States.
