Greenwich Village in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Stonecutters Memorial
Zaq Kandsberg
Composed of mycelium (the root-like structure of fungus) and dedicated to the Stonecutters of New York City, who organized the first mass labor action in the State’s history.
The Stonecutters Riot was a response to the University Council’s decision to source stone for the Original University Building in 1833 from Sing Sing, where it was prepared by prisoners. After petitioning to no avail, local stonecutters and marble workers formed a mob and stormed after building contractors. The City called the National Guard to put down the riot, which took three days. The memorial represents how this labor action is ingrained in the history of NYU.
Only a piece of the Original University Building still exists, and is commemorated with the Founders Memorial to your left.
Erected under the auspices of the Alumni, Zaq Landsberg, BFA 2007, NYU Steinhardt Department of Art and Art Professions.
This project is a collaboration of NYU Grounds and NYU Steinhardt Department of Art and Art Professions. More information can be found at https://wp.nyu.edu/nyugroundsart/
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Education • Horticulture & Forestry • Labor Unions. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.
Location. 40° 43.766′ N, 73° 59.804′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Greenwich Village. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Washington Square South, on the right when traveling east. Located in Schwartz Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Washington Square East, New York NY 10012, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. NYU Native Woodland Garden (here, next to this marker); NYU Community Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Founders Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Loeb Student Center (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument (about 400 feet away); Triangle Fire Memorial (about 400 feet away); Triangle Shirtwaist Factory (about 400 feet away); Brown Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Also see . . . NYU Grounds Art. (Submitted on January 7, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 188 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 7, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on October 5, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4. submitted on January 7, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.