Tang Wing for American Democracy, The New York Historical. Courtesy of Alden Studios for Robert A.M. Stern Architects.
The New York Historical (at 170 CPW)–which until recently was called the New-York Historical Society–will introduce a new monthly lecture program called Breakfast University beginning January 2026, bringing the most popular professors from major universities across the country to its Upper West Side museum for morning talks on American history and global context.
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The series, created in partnership with Thoughtful Productions, is designed to offer a college-style learning experience to the public, with each session featuring a one-hour lecture from a nationally recognized professor, followed by a curated Q&A. The initiative aims to provide historical perspective on contemporary issues and the political climate leading into the United States’ 250th anniversary year.Programs will take place on select Monday mornings at 9 a.m. in the Robert H. Smith Auditorium, with livestream access also available. Along with coffee and tea, attendees will receive a light breakfast inspired by the time period explored in each session.
Breakfast University will run in four-month semesters, with four lectures per term. Each talk will examine pivotal figures, conflicts, and cultural touchstones, connecting historical themes to modern national debates and identity. Professors are selected based on academic recognition and student popularity at their home institutions.
Tickets are sold by semester rather than individually. For the inaugural term including all four presentations, in-person admission is priced at $250, or $195 for New York Historical members. Livestream access costs $160, or $80 for members.
More information and semester registration are available through The New York Historical’s website.
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