Just last week, the New York Public Library updated their Flickr Commons photostream. The newest images are from the Milstein Division and include construction photographs of the Woolworth Building as well as block by block street views of both Fifth Avenue (1911) and Broadway (1899).

Not only are these images aesthetically beautiful, they are also valuable historical objects which are useful for historians and genealogists alike. The latter two collections allow detailed study of the storefronts that peppered the sidewalks of Broadway and Fifth Avenue. Chances are you may also spot an ancestor’s shop if they conducted business there during the turn of the century.

Since joining the Commons late last year the New York Public Library has been met with an enthusiastic response from the Flickr community. Additionally some of the comments we have received have enriched our understanding of our collections. Having our items within Flickr Commons also makes them available for other creative purposes. We look forward to viewing future comments and innovative reuse of our collections!