Work/Cited is a new program series that showcases the latest scholarship supported by the rich collections of The New York Public Library with a behind-the-scenes look at how the finished product was inspired, researched, and created.

In this second episode from November 10th , 2020, NYPL's Ian Fowler was joined by Eric Sanderson, author of The Welikia Project. They discussed how this project builds on his past work, Mannahatta: A Natural History of New York City, and how the original ecology of the city has changed and its impact on our modern built environment. 

Episode Recording and Transcript

You can read the transcript here.

Episode References and Additional Resources

Facsimile of the unpublished British head quarters coloured manuscript map of New York & environs, 1782

Plan of the city of New York, in North America: surveyed in the years 1766 and 1767 (Ratzer Plan) 

Exploring Pre-Revolutionary New York: The Ratzer Map: Brooklyn Historical Society

Map of New-York Bay and Harbor and the environs, 1844

 I. N. Phelps Stokes Collection of American Historical Prints

The iconography of Manhattan Island, 1498-1909 (v. 2, Cartography)

Double Page Plate No. 8: Long Island Sound - Westchester North to Mt. Vernon - Queens South to Jamaica, 1891

Native American place names in New York City by Robert Steven Grumet

History in asphalt: the origin of Bronx street and place names, the Bronx, New York City,  by John McNamara.

Hidden waters of New York City: a history and guide to 101 forgotten lakes, ponds, creeks, and streams in the five boroughs by Sergey Kadinsky

About the Work/Cited Series

Episodes of Work/Cited air monthly via Zoom. View our scheduled events on the NYPL calendar, and sign up NYPL's Research Newsletter to hear about future programs as they are announced.   And if you miss an episode, check the NYPL blog, where videos and links to related resources will be posted shortly afterward.