Grand Central Station: How a Train Transformed America

Grand Central: How a Station Transformed America (Grand Central Publishing) is a rich and entertaining history of the iconic Grand Central Terminal just in time to celebrate the train station's 100th fabulous anniversary. In the winter of 1913, Grand Central Station was officially opened and immediately became one of the most beautiful and recognizable Manhattan landmarks.

In this celebration of the one hundred-year-old terminal, Sam Roberts of The New York Times looks back at Grand Central's conception and amazing history, as well as the far-reaching cultural effects of a station that continues to amaze tourists and shuttle busy commuters. Along the way, Roberts will explore how the Manhattan transit hub foreshadowed the evolution of suburban expansion in the country and fostered the nation's westward expansion and growth via the railroad. With stories about everything from the famous movies that have used Grand Central as a location to the celestial ceiling in the main lobby (including its stunning mistake) to the homeless denizens who reside in the buildings catacombs, this is a fascinating and exciting look at a true American institution.

This event was hosted by the Graduate Center's Gotham Center for New York City History at the Proshansky Auditorium on February 28, 2013.

[jefffreeland]

Rafael Guastavino was from Spain, not Italy.  He trained in Barcelona and the technique for vaulting he is credited with is native to Catalonia, in what is now north-eastern Spain.