Welfare Island Collection

American Sketches: Prison Life in Blackwell's Island, New York - outdoor work, 1876. Creator: Unknown
American Sketches: Prison Life in Blackwell's Island, New York - outdoor work, 1876. The outdoor employments assigned to most of the male convicts, who number above five hundred

American Prison Life, Blackwell's Island, New York: Dinner-Time, 1876. Creator: Unknown
American Prison Life, Blackwell's Island, New York: Dinner-Time, 1876. Convicts complying with a...regulation to be observed after the dismissal of the guests from that monotonous repast

American Sketches: Blackwell's Island Penitentiary, New York - Dining-Room, 1876. Creator: Unknown
American Sketches: Blackwell's Island Penitentiary, New York - Dining-Room, 1876. Blackwell's Island is the locality of several different institutions, besides the House of Correction

American Sketches: Prison Life on Blackwell's Island - No. 1. returning from work, 1876. In the penitentiary...where the sketch was taken by our correspondent, the late M

American Prison Life, Blackwell's Island, New York: Dinner-Time, 1876. Creator: Unknown
American Prison Life, Blackwell's Island, New York: Dinner-Time, 1876....the inmates, who are here treated with compulsory hospitality

Manhattan: Queensboro Bridge (b / w photo)
6024996 Manhattan: Queensboro Bridge (b/w photo) by Bucovich, Mario (1884-1947); Private Collection; (add.info.: Queensboro Bridge)

The Lone Tenement, 1909. Creator: George Wesley Bellows
The Lone Tenement, 1909

Rivetting the last bolts on The Morning Mast of the Empire State building, c1931. Artist: Lewis Wickes Hine
Rivetting the last bolts on The Morning Mast of the Empire State building, c1931. Rivetting the last bolts on The Morning Mast of the Empire State building

Welfare Island Weapons
New York, New York: c. 1934. Some of the contraband weapons taken from the cells of the prisoners on Welfare Island in a raid staged by Commissioner MacCormick

New York 1937 Aerial View
New York, New York: c. 1937. Aerial view of Long Island, Roosevelt Island, and lower Manhattan joined by the Queensboro Bridge

Triborough Bridge Is Completed
New York, New York July 3, 1936 The $54 million WPA project Triborough Bridge is now completed and awaits the dedication of President Franklin D, Roosevelt on July 11, 1936

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Welfare Island, also known as Roosevelt Island, is a small island in the East River of New York City. Originally used as a quarantine zone for smallpox patients in the 19th century, it later became home to various institutions such as hospitals and prisons. Today, a residential community with parks, shops, and stunning views of Manhattan. Despite its troubled past, it has undergone significant redevelopment over the years and is now a thriving neighborhood with modern amenities and a diverse population. Its unique location offers residents a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while still being just a short tram ride away from Midtown Manhattan. Whether you're strolling along its tree-lined streets or enjoying waterfront dining at one of its many restaurants, it offers something for everyone. With its rich history and vibrant culture, this hidden gem in the heart of New York City continues to be a place where people come together to live, work, and play.