Update: Some of you may remember this excerpt from a post I wrote back in July. Well, the wheels of justice sometimes grind slowly but it is good to know that they are still grinding. Today I received news that my request to do research at the site mentioned below has indeed been approved. I am really happy that this is now going to move forward. I wish I could be more forthcoming at the moment but the time being I think it’s for the best that I not discuss the institution itself, as it is a private organization. The final product will hopefully be a book about New York City’s role in the Civil War. I had all but given up on this particular project.

Yesterday I had an appointment at a cultural institution in one of the five boroughs of the city. This is an organization that goes back to the nineteenth century and maintains a strong sense of institutional memory. The purpose of my visit was to seek permission to research said institution’s archives this fall. It is hard to believe Labor Day is just five weeks away. My host was very gracious and knowledgeable, and showed me not only items that may be of interest on my subject but also gave me a quick look at some of the artwork and Americana on display. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. Officials will not be making any decisions until they meet in mid-August. It would be a privilege to research at this organization, and I am really hoping it goes through.