Museum of Famous People

Dick Pyatt talks to Stuart Scheftel, President of the Museum of Famous People located near Radio City Music Hall. Joining him is his wife Geraldine Fitzgerald, an actress and collaborator in some of the museum's exhibitions.

Scheftel explains that he was inspired to start the museum after visiting the National Historical Wax Museum in Washington, D.C. Quoting an article in Life Magazine, he describes the Museum of Famous People as, "an up-to-date Madam Tussaud's, without the horror." The first half of the museum focuses on New York City History and the second half features global history. For example, one diorama tells the story of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, complete with moving figures and sound, like a stage production. Scenes from famous movies as also reproduced, such as My Fair Lady or Cleopatra.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 151861
Municipal archives id: T6040