History101.NYC

250 Million BC: The 1912 Continental Drift Theory: From Pangea to New York City

In 1912, Alfred Wegener, a pioneering German geophysicist, unveiled the Theory of Continental Drift, challenging the conventional geoscientific consensus with his hypothesis of *Pangea*—a primeval supercontinent translating from Greek as “All Earth.” This revolutionary concept posited that the Earth’s continents, now dispersed, were once a unified mass, which later fragmented and drifted apart to their present positions. The theory was bolstered by striking evidence such as the jigsaw puzzle-like fit of South America and Africa’s coastlines, along with correlating fossils and rock formations across these now-distant continents.

Wegener’s proposal initially faced skepticism and resistance from the scientific community, primarily due to a lack of a plausible mechanism for the continents’ movement. However, his ideas laid the foundational stones for the development of Plate Tectonics Theory in the mid-20th century. This subsequent theory not only vindicated Wegener’s initial insights but also provided a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates, revolutionizing the fields of geology and geophysics by explaining the formation, interaction, and constant evolution of the Earth’s surface.

Understanding plate tectonics has significantly enriched our comprehension of Earth’s geological history and the formation of its landscapes, including the diverse terrain of New York City. By tracing back the origins and movements of the lithospheric plates, scientists can decipher the processes that have shaped the city’s geological structure, offering insights into the natural forces that have influenced its development over millions of years. This perspective allows for a deeper appreciation of the natural history underlying urban environments and their continuing transformation.

The legacy of Alfred Wegener’s Continental Drift theory, through its integration into plate tectonics, continues to illuminate the intricate tapestry of Earth’s geological past, present, and future. It underscores the interconnectedness of our planet’s physical processes and their impact on shaping the world we inhabit today. For New York City, this means recognizing the profound geological forces at play in carving out the city’s iconic landscapes and understanding their role in the broader narrative of Earth’s dynamic history.

Image Credit: Fine Print. Reprinted with permission.

Restoration Credit: This image has been digitally repaired by Fine Print Design Studio.

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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.

Who Are the Founders of History101.nyc? Discover the Creators

Joseph Gornail, a printer/photographer and founder of Fine Print New York, grew up in SoHo, Manhattan. Part of a long lineage of NYC printers, he learned the craft of printing as a teenager. Joseph's pivotal role in the New York printing industry began while working for Dolo Records/Stretch Armstrong in 1996. He then founded All City Marketing & Printing, and in 1999, co-founded the iconic streetwear brand "Orchard Street" with Benjamin Holloway and Greig Bennett. In 2004, Joseph established Fine Print NYC, a top-tier commercial printing company in New York. It launched with a major project for Nike, showcasing resilience and innovation in the digital age.

Steven Garcia, esteemed designer/illustrator and creative director at Fine Print New York, hails from Bushwick, Brooklyn. An alumnus of Fashion Industries High School and F.I.T., Steven's impressive career trajectory includes his tenure as a sought-after professional retoucher and storyboard artist at Saatchi & Saatchi in 1995. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the inception of ShinyDesign in 1998, later aligning with Fine Print in 2004 as their primary design partner. Steven's portfolio boasts collaborations with high-profile brands like Snapple, The Waldorf Astoria, and Sony, making him a prominent figure in New York's advertising and design landscape.

Together, Joseph & Steven spearhead the History101.nyc project, a groundbreaking digital archive since 2006. Their longstanding partnership dates back to 2001, when Joseph managed The New York City Urban Experience, an influential art gallery & museum at 85 South Street, and Steven curated, both contributing to New York City's vibrant cultural scene. This venue, owned by Mike Saes of the Nike Bridge Runners and True Yorkers, was a cornerstone for urban art and history enthusiasts.

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:

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 786 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.

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.

250 Million BC: The 1912 Continental Drift Theory: From Pangea to New York City

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