Recommended Reading on The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

Over the last 100 years, there have been countless works of literature, art, theater, and even movements of political reform that were inspired by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.  The following is the Tenement Museum's recommended reading list of books that explore both the events that occurred on that fateful day in March, and the causes and effects of the Triangle fire tragedy.


1. Triangle: The Fire That Changed America by David Von Drehle

2. The Triangle Fire by Leon Stein

3. The Triangle Fire, The Protocols of Peace, and Industrial Democracy: In Progressive Era New York by Richard A. Greenwald

4. Triangle: A Novel by Katherine Weber

For Young Adults
5. Flesh and Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy by Albert Marrin

6. Fire at the Triangle Factory by Holly Littlefield -- suitable for children ages 9-12

Of Related Interest
7. The Diary of a Shirtwaist Striker: A Story of the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike in New York by Theresa Serber Malkiel

8. Immigrant Women in the Land of Dollars by Elizabeth Ewen

9. From the Folks Who Brought you the Weekend: A Short, Illustrated History of Labor in the United States by Priscilla Murolo

10. Daughters of the Shtetel: Life and Labor in the Immigrant Generation by Susan A. Glenn

Last-Minute Gifts from the Museum Shop

I love looking around at the Museum Shop, and I always find myself spending more time looking through the books than the rest of the gifts. The collection of history books about Brooklyn, cookbooks, atlases, novels, biographies, etc. is so extensive and interesting. Everyone who loves to read can find something they're excited about. Here are some that I think would make great gifts:

I Lego NY by Christoph Neiman $14.95

For I Lego NY, Christoph Neiman ignored all traditional Lego instructions and made beautifully simplistic lego sculptures to represent everything in New York City. The book consists of photos of his Lego depictions of cream cheese with scallions, taxis, The Met, Phantom of the Opera, seeing critters on the subway platform, and everything that makes up life in the City. Any Lego fan - or New York resident, for that matter - should have this for their coffee table or kid’s room.

Robert Crowther's Pop Up House of Inventions $17.99

This book is the perfect combination of two of the best types of books: pop up books and trivia collections. The Pop Up House of Invention goes through a house and the flip up panels reveal when objects like toasters and blenders were invented and stories behind everything from toilets to shoe sizes. A fun one for parents to read to their kids.

Transit Maps of the World by Mark Ovenden and Mike Ashworth $25.00

For anyone who loves maps, this book is one of the most unique atlases around. It contains maps of every major city's transportation system, along with a short history. And "every city" is not an exaggeration: there are official maps from cities including Moscow, Buenos Aires, and Kuala Lumpur.

Fake Mustache Pack $6.50 for seven

If you're looking for silly gag gift, look no further than this pack of fake mustaches. There's one for each day of the week, with styles like "The Hero," The Square," and "The Weasel." Yeah, you’re gonna look great in those Christmas-morning photos. And hang onto them as props for the next photobooth you find.
- Posted by Kiley Edgley

Great Gifts: Karolina's Picks

As Karolina makes her way through the crowded Tenement Museum Shop, she stops to point out some of her favorite items. As she picks up a wall calendar, she changes her mind, puts it down abruptly, picking up a weekly calendar with tear-out postcards that she likes better.

As an employee, it's difficult for her to narrow down the shop's inventory to just a few stand-out items. She thinks it's a great store because it represents the themes of the Tenement Museum, but nothing resembles a silly souvenir.

"Our buyer has a great eye for fresh, hip things," says Karolina. "There's a selection for everyone."

NYC Storefront Calendar
This desk calender has a different photo of an NYC storefront for each week, including iconic locations like Russ and Daughters and CBGB. The photos are all from the lush Storefront: The Disappearing Face of New York coffee table book. The best part: each photo rips off and becomes a postcard, so you can plaster them on your walls or send them to your friends and family. It's the perfect for anyone who lives in New York City, loves New York City, or misses New York City. $22.95

Greek Diner Coffee Cups
Diners are a staple of the New York City restaurant scene, and these ceramic mugs take their inspiration from the classic blue paper coffee cup with Greek-inspired designs. Karolina says they're a great gift for anyone. "Everyone loves beverages," she says. And they're now a piece of history - designer Leslie Buck died this April. $12.95

Stylish Reusable Shopping Bags
The Museum Shop has an entire wall of reusable vinyl shopping bags decorated with everything from cowgirls to the NYC skyline to cakes and pies. Every eco-conscious lady will find a design she loves.$12.95

Low Life: Lures and Snares of Old New York
One of Karolina's favorite books is Low Life by Luc Sante. It's a crime history of New York City, but it's also about life out of the mainstream. "It shows how women fit in and what their lives were like," she says. "It's a sensational, fun read." She recommends the book for anyone who has a healthy appetite for knowledge. $17.00


 All of these and more can be yours... pay us a visit (Mon-Sun, 10 am - 6 pm) or call to order, 212-982-8420. Support local business and your museum shops this holiday season!

- Posted by Kiley Edgley

Great Gifts: American Girl Doll

Okay, we don't actually sell American Girl Dolls at the Tenement Museum Shop. But Rebecca Rubin (left) was sort of inspired by the Museum. She's the daughter of immigrants who confronts a whole host of growing-up issues in 1910s New York. She has to introduce her cousin, who's come straight from Russia, to American ways and help her learn English for school. There's the trip to Coney Island and a stint in silent film. And then there's this, from Changes for Rebecca:

"Rebecca goes to the factory where Ana's brother and father work, and she's horrified at the terrible conditions, but she knows the workers desperately need their jobs."

Straight from the Piecing it Together tour!

And just look at these teeny buttoned boots - adorable! Who can resist?

And her lunch set comes with a bagel, a pickle, and some rugalach!















- Posted by Kate

Great Gifts: Posters for the Irish

Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Stop by the museum shop at 108 Orchard! It's filled with a ton of cool items for everyone on your list: kids, history buffs, New York lovers, and even that person who's always hard to buy for. Check out 30 gifts under $30 right here.

The following are a few of my favorites and a quick look at some of the great merchandise we have at the shop.

I have grandmothers from Ireland on both sides of my family so I've always been intrigued by this poster. During the early days of Irish immigration to New York City, Irish men and women weren't always welcomed so warmly. This poster is meant to represent the old signs that may have adorned storefronts in New York, warning the Irish to stay away.

And of course, while an "Irish Need Not Apply" sign raises a lot of great questions, you'll have to get something to show your true feelings too. Don't worry. We've got you covered.

Stop by the shop at 108 Orchard Street or visit online to check out both posters and other great gift ideas!

- Posted by Joe Klarl

Great Gifts: "Low Life" by Luc Sante

On this Black Friday, our museum shop at 108 Orchard is a frenzy of sales and shoppers looking for the perfect gift. They're no doubt hunting for our favorite 30 under $30 (found right here), a list of great gift items. Having looked around the shop a bit during my time at the Tenement Museum, I have my own personal favorites.

Low Life: Lures and Snares of Old New York by Luc Sante might not immediately bring holiday cheer to mind, but it is an absolutely fascinating read. Sante's version of New York's history is an incredibly well-researched, honest portrayal in which he brings the past to life like a work of great fiction. Bowery thugs, robber barons, the slums of Hell's Hundred Acres - you won't believe this stuff. Even Sante's introduction is packed with more great info than most other New York history books combined.

I love this book. I've read it and I've reread it and I've read it again. When I highlighted it in an article for my school newspaper a year ago, I wrote that "Sante, like an archeologist, digs at the earth of the city to find its early remnants, uncovering its most primal truths and motivations. In true New York fashion, he goes straight for the dirt." I still think that nothing captures the spirit of New York and its roots quite like this book, so do a favor for your loved ones this holiday season and get them Low Life ($17).

And remember, your Museum Shop purchases benefit the programs at the Tenement Museum! (Unlike shopping at Amazon, which benefits... Amazon's shareholders.)

So stop by the shop at 108 Orchard Street or visit online to check out Low Life and other great gift ideas!

- Posted by Joe

Holiday Shopping: Our Favorite 30 Under $30