An ad-free Educational Platform Offering Access to Restored Vintage Photographs and Prints Documenting New York's Rich History.
Expertly Curated by Joseph A. Gornail & Steven D. Garcia of Fine Print New York • 315 Madison Avenue • Email Us • 212.619.5446

1985-1990 NYC: A Tale of Two Cities—Wealth, Struggle, and Cultural Triumphs

The late 1980s in New York City was an era defined by a striking duality, mirroring Charles Dickens’s portrayal of the best and worst of times. This period witnessed remarkable economic prosperity driven by a booming Wall Street, where financiers and traders reaped enormous benefits, epitomizing the era’s wealth. The financial sector’s success brought luxuries and a high-flying lifestyle for some, while simultaneously, the gap between the rich and the poor widened dramatically.

Amidst this economic boom, the city became a vibrant hub for cultural expression and innovation. The music and fashion scenes were particularly dynamic, with icons like Madonna capturing the global imagination and setting trends that defined the decade. Additionally, the Mets’ World Series win in 1986 captured the city’s spirit and enthusiasm, adding to the celebratory atmosphere and communal pride that characterized the era.

However, the era was also marked by significant social struggles. The AIDS epidemic emerged as a devastating health crisis, with New York at the epicenter of both the tragedy and the burgeoning activism that sought to address it. This period also saw an increase in substance abuse and addiction, particularly the crack cocaine epidemic, which ravaged many of the city’s neighborhoods, exacerbating issues of crime and poverty.

Additionally, the city grappled with homelessness and housing crises, as soaring property values pushed rents higher, displacing long-time residents and challenging the fabric of communities. These urban challenges prompted a wave of activism and community organizing, aiming to protect vulnerable populations and advocate for social justice.

By the close of 1990, New York City had exemplified the extremes of American urban life, with its blend of opulence and adversity. The city’s ability to foster incredible cultural achievements alongside deep social challenges defined this era, leaving a complex and enduring legacy that continued to influence discussions about urban development and social equity.

1985-1990 Timeline of New York City’s History, USA

Discover the 1985 major restoration of the Statue of Liberty, including the iconic torch's replacement, marking its 100-year legacy

1985: The Restoration of the Statue of Liberty: Celebrating a Century with a New Torch

Discover the 1985 major restoration of the Statue of Liberty, including the iconic torch's replacement, marking its 100-year legacy

Discover a historic view from Ellis Island’s rooftop, showcasing the iconic Manhattan skyline and reflecting NYC's rich immigrant history and cultural evolution

1985: Ellis Island Rooftop View: Capturing the Downtown Manhattan Skyline and Immigrant Legacy

Discover a historic view from Ellis Island’s rooftop, showcasing the iconic Manhattan skyline and reflecting NYC's rich immigrant history and cultural evolution

Explore the legacy of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, from its founding in 1916 to its rebuilding post-9/11, alongside the iconic Twin Towers

1985: Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church & Twin Towers: A Symbol of NYC's Resilience and Heritage

Explore the legacy of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, from its founding in 1916 to its rebuilding post-9/11, alongside the iconic Twin Towers

Explore the history of the Ellis Island Ferry Building, the gateway for millions of immigrants entering America, captured from the south in New York Harbor

1985: Ellis Island Ferry Building: A Gateway to America’s Immigrant Heritage in New York Harbor

Explore the history of the Ellis Island Ferry Building, the gateway for millions of immigrants entering America, captured from the south in New York Harbor

Explore the history of 207, 209, and 211 Water Street, restored Greek Revival buildings at the South Street Seaport Museum in Lower Manhattan

1985: Historic Greek Revival Buildings at South Street Seaport: Preserving NYC’s Commercial Past

Explore the history of 207, 209, and 211 Water Street, restored Greek Revival buildings at the South Street Seaport Museum in Lower Manhattan

Explore the history of the 71st Street and Broadway Subway Station, part of NYC's original Interborough Rapid Transit line opened in 1904

1986: 71st Street and Broadway Subway Station: A Key Stop on NYC’s Original IRT Line

Explore the history of the 71st Street and Broadway Subway Station, part of NYC's original Interborough Rapid Transit line opened in 1904

Explore the history and architecture of the 96th Street Subway Station, part of NYC's original IRT line, capturing a candid moment on the uptown platform

1986: 96th Street Subway Station: Historic Architecture and Daily Life in NYC’s IRT System

Explore the history and architecture of the 96th Street Subway Station, part of NYC's original IRT line, capturing a candid moment on the uptown platform

Explore the original City Hall Subway Station's tile-clad control room, showcasing NYC's historic subway architecture and preservation efforts

1986: City Hall Subway Station: A Glimpse into NYC’s Architectural Subway Masterpiece

Explore the original City Hall Subway Station's tile-clad control room, showcasing NYC's historic subway architecture and preservation efforts

Explore the history of the 110th Street and Lenox Avenue Subway Station in Harlem, a key stop on NYC’s original IRT line since 1904

1986: 110th Street and Lenox Avenue Subway Station: A Historic Harlem Transit Hub in NYC

Explore the history of the 110th Street and Lenox Avenue Subway Station in Harlem, a key stop on NYC’s original IRT line since 1904

Explore the Manhattan Valley Viaduct station in Harlem, blending historic architecture with modern accessibility, captured alongside a vintage Twin Donut sign

1986: Manhattan Valley Viaduct Station: Historic Harlem Subway Hub with Modern Accessibility

Explore the Manhattan Valley Viaduct station in Harlem, blending historic architecture with modern accessibility, captured alongside a vintage Twin Donut sign

Discover the history of 125th Street and Broadway station, a Harlem transit hub adjacent to cultural landmarks and a tribute to blues legend Bessie Smith

1986: 125th Street and Broadway Station: Historic Harlem Hub with Cultural Connections

Discover the history of 125th Street and Broadway station, a Harlem transit hub adjacent to cultural landmarks and a tribute to blues legend Bessie Smith

Explore a historic photograph of the Jackson Avenue IRT Station in the Bronx, capturing a defunct newsstand and a bustling hot dog cart beneath the elevated tracks

1986: Historic Photo of Jackson Avenue IRT Station in the Bronx, Featuring a Hot Dog Cart

Explore a historic photograph of the Jackson Avenue IRT Station in the Bronx, capturing a defunct newsstand and a bustling hot dog cart beneath the elevated tracks

Explore a 1986 photograph of the 169th Street Station on the IRT Third Avenue Elevated Line in the Bronx, capturing the historic wooden platform and surrounding cityscape

1986: Landmark Bronx Photo of 169th Street Station on the Third Avenue Elevated Line

Explore a 1986 photograph of the 169th Street Station on the IRT Third Avenue Elevated Line in the Bronx, capturing the historic wooden platform and surrounding cityscape

Explore the blend of military tradition and urban life in Times Square as a sailor photographs an NYPD officer on horseback during Fleet Week in New York City

1989: Sailor Captures NYPD Mounted Officer in Times Square: Fleet Week Meets NYC’s Urban Life

Explore the blend of military tradition and urban life in Times Square as a sailor photographs an NYPD officer on horseback during Fleet Week in New York City

Explore the intersection of military tradition and commercial culture in Times Square, as sailors gaze at iconic billboards during Fleet Week in New York City

1989: Sailors in Times Square During Fleet Week: A Snapshot of NYC’s Military and Commercial Culture

Explore the intersection of military tradition and commercial culture in Times Square, as sailors gaze at iconic billboards during Fleet Week in New York City

Discover How History101.nyc Sustains Its Ad-Free Educational Platform

History101.nyc has established itself as a leading educational platform, uniquely supported by Fine Print NYC, experts in the restoration of antique, rare, and damaged wallpapers. This collaboration enables History101.nyc to offer rich, well-researched content without the distraction of advertisements. Fine Print NYC's reputation for excellence in the niche field of wallpaper restoration highlights their commitment to preserving history, aligning perfectly with History101.nyc’s educational goals.

Learn More About Wallpaper Reproduction

Meet the Founders: The Creative Minds Behind Our Platform

Joseph Gornail a distinguished printer/photographer and the visionary behind Fine Print New York, hails from SoHo, Manhattan. Rooted in a family tradition of NYC printing, Joseph mastered the craft as a teenager. His significant impact on the New York printing industry ignited in 1996 with Dolo Records/Stretch Armstrong. He founded All City Marketing & Printing in the late '90s and co-created the iconic streetwear label Orchard Street with partners Benjamin Holloway and Greig Bennett in 1999. In 2004, Joseph launched Fine Print NYC, establishing it as a leading commercial printing firm. The company debuted with a landmark project for Nike, epitomizing innovation and resilience in the modern digital landscape.


Steven Garcia a prominent designer/illustrator and creative director at Fine Print, originates from Bushwick, Brooklyn. A graduate of Fashion Industries High School and the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), Steven has carved a notable path in the design world. His early career highlights include a role as a sought-after professional retoucher and storyboard artist at Saatchi & Saatchi in 1996. Embracing his entrepreneurial side, Steven founded ShinyDesign in 1998, which later became a key design partner for Fine Print NYC in 2004. His extensive portfolio features collaborations with elite brands such as Snapple, The Waldorf Astoria, Netflix and Sony, cementing his status as a key influencer in New York's vibrant advertising and design industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Defines History101.nyc? Explore NYC's Historical Journey

Welcome to "History101.NYC," an unparalleled online gallery featuring the beginnings of New York City, exquisitely restored by the experts at Fine Print New York. This exclusive collection vividly resurrects key historical moments, celebrating the city's rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Each meticulously crafted piece in our gallery offers a genuine look into NYC's past, embodying exceptional artistic skill and meticulous attention to detail.

Dive into our archives for a selection of exclusive, premium-quality art prints, encompassing a range of vintage photos, historical images, and rare lithographs unique to our site. These curated artworks narrate the dynamic evolution of the Big Apple, providing history enthusiasts and art collectors with a rare opportunity to own a part of NYC's illustrious legacy. Don't miss the chance to explore and acquire these captivating representations of New York City's historical journey.

What Time Periods, Eras, Decades of NYC History are available?

We cover a vast span of New York City's history, from its inception as New Amsterdam to the vibrant late 1980s. Our artists are actively working on expanding our collection to include photos from the 90s up to the present day.

Here's our current coverage list, showcasing the city's evolution:

Dutch Era: When New York Was New Amsterdam

NYC in the 1600s

Georgian Era

NYC in the 1700s • NYC from 1800 to 1840NYC in the 1840s • 

Victorian Era

NYC in the 1850s • NYC in the 1860s • NYC in the 1870s • NYC in the 1880s

Progressive Era

NYC in the 1890s • NYC from 1900 to 1905 • 1905 to 1910 • 1910 to 1915 • 

World War 1

NYC from 1915 to 1920

Art Deco

NYC from 1920 to 1925 • NYC from 1925 to 1930

Depression Era

NYC from 1930 to 1935 • NYC from 1935 to 1940

World War 2

NYC from 1940 to 1945

MidCentury Modern Era

NYC from 1945 to 1950 • 1950 to 1955 • 1955 to 1960 • 1960 to 1965 • 1965 to 1970

Energy Crisis

NYC from 1970 to 1975 • 1975 to 1980

Reagan Era

NYC from 1980 to 1985 • 1985 to 1990

Each period is richly represented through a variety of art mediums, offering a comprehensive and immersive historical journey of NYC. This chronological approach provides enthusiasts and scholars a unique lens into the city's architectural, cultural, and social developments.

How many historical Images are on this site?

There are currently 795 photos, lithographs, illustrations and maps on this site. Each one has been digitally restored and cleaned up by hand, which makes this collection truly unique.

Can I License Any of These Images?

Digital licenses are available for educational institutions (schools, universities, non-profit organizations). Please contact legal@fineprintnyc.com to discuss conditions for licensing.

NOTE: Any form of commercialization or redistribution of these images, either as tangible goods or third party licenses, is expressly forbidden.

Can I purchase prints of the historical images available on the site?

History101.nyc is an ad-free and non-profit learning resource. We do not sell prints of these images. All operational costs are covered by Fine Print NYC

Do you accept admissions to this collection?

Absolutely! Feel free to send us an email with a preview of the image and we will let you know if it's a good fit for the archives.

How do you handle feedback or corrections regarding the historical context of images?

We welcome any feedback that you may have. If it proves to be historically accurate the changes will be reflected on the site shortly after our correspondence.

Do you collaborate with other historical societies or archives?

We have collaborated with NYC's Municipal Archives, The Tenemant Museum, Bronx Historical Society and a number of prominent NYC photographers to produce a series of limited edition postcards which free of charge, but only available via street distribution, primarily in Manhattan.

Do you also provide image restoration as a service for personal photos?

Yes, we can repair, restore and cleanup your old family photos, slides and negatives. You can either send us the digital files or the original photos to be professionally scanned.

Can you repair any type of image damage?

We can restore just about any level of damage or signs of aging, within reason. As long as most of the photo is intact we cn work with it. The one flaw we cannot fix is source material that is blurry. A poorly take photo can only be improved so much.

@History101NYC

315 Madison Avenue • NYC 10017 • (212)619-5446 • art@fineprintnyc.com

@FinePrintNYC

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History101.NYC is an ad-free learning resource available to the public at no charge.
This project is dedicated to exploring New York’s fascinating heritage through the restoration of vintage photographs and prints.