Beginning in the 19th Century and continuing into the 20th, members of the Straus Family have served in governmental positions at the federal and local levels. More particularly, family members have served in the House of Representatives, as Ambassadors, and as Presidential Cabinet Members. By virtue of their positions, as well as a consequence of their acting as advisors and confidants to a number of American Presidents, family members have been actively involved in the formulation of American public policy for well over 100 years.
 
Furthermore, in the context of American finance and commerce, family members were the owners of Macy's for nearly 100 years. In addition to their participation in the commercial development of the City of New York and America in general, family members have been in a position to assist others less fortunate throughout this period of time. Members of the family have served on the boards of innumerable philanthropic organizations. As a consequence of the family's involvement in this broad spectrum of American life, the family exemplifies and brings to life the true American story and its spirit.
 
Thus, it is not so much the story of one family that is sought to be told, but rather the American experience as seen through and lived by a family during this period of growth of America.
 
Source:
www.straushistoricalsociety.org

Film:

"This short film is a profile of the vest pocket park located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, a block north of the house where Isidor and Ida Straus settled with their family in 1884.

Commentary by Joe Arbo, gardener for  Friends of Straus Park, Gilbert Tauber of the  Bloomingdale History Group and creator of  oldstreets.com, and Joan Adler, Executive Director of the Straus Historical Society."

See: https://vimeo.com/362158094

♦ Educational Resources ♦

Return to Special Exhibits Wing