Architectural historian Barry Lewis traces New York City’s roots back to 17th-century Dutch New Amsterdam. Long before it became an English colony, the Dutch West India Company settled the lower tip of Manhattan as a vibrant trading post defined by commerce, secularism, and cultural tolerance. Click here for the 52-minute PBS television show about the origins of New York City that was posted on September 28, 2026 by THIRTEEN PBS.

Follow key Dutch New York developments, from Henry Hudson‘s 1609 voyage up the river that now bears his name — which kickstarted the Dutch beaver fur trade — to Peter Stuyvesant‘s colony leadership, Adriaan van der Donck‘s fight for local representative government, and the wooden barrier that became “Wall Street.” Uncover the early communities and people who left a lasting mark on the city—including Sephardic Jews who expanded religious freedom, and settler Jonas Bronck, whose farmland gave “The Bronx” its name.

The special “Dutch New York” (2009), from the THIRTEEN vault, brought to life early Dutch colonial history, from New York City to Albany. It commemorated the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s epic journey along the Hudson River. It was hosted by architectural historian Barry Lewis, who along with David Hartman, co-hosted THIRTEEN’s popular New York City walking tour series that aired from 1998 to 2007 on PBS stations.

The Story of New York. Discover the stories that built New York City from a Dutch trading post into an iconic global powerhouse. The WNET Group explores defining events—from architectural triumphs and the arrival of the Statue of Liberty to the solemn 25th anniversary of 9/11—uncovering local history through rich archives and the extraordinary people who continue to inspire the future of this world hub.