The New York City Elite: Fifth Avenue Knickerbockers through the Ages

Unlike old Europe where aristocratic families ruled, shaped high culture, and served as models for the masses, New York City was founded by newcomers — Dutch, English, Irish, French, and German immigrants.  These early settlers gradually intermarried, formed a tight-knit elite that came to be known as the New York Knickerbockers.  They formed their own clubs, churches, societies, and family networks.  Later throngs of German and Irish immigrants arrived, prospered, and eventually climbed into the Knickerbocker elite.  Later, Italian and Eastern European immigrants followed the same route.  Today many Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern immigrants share the aspirations of these earlier groups and aspire to be accepted by the New York aristocracy.  Money alone will not ensure acceptance.  Aspiring Knickerbockers are vetted by private clubs, select churches and synagogues, exclusive dinners and balls, Ivy League universities, trustees of public institutions, and most importantly old Knickerbockers.  We will tour the historic rise and flowering of the New York City Fifth Avenue elite, from colonial times until today.