New York City is the capitol of the world for so many activities - finance, theatre, art, sports, etc. For this reason you will find on almost any day someone is giving a speech to entertain, convince or inform. They talk about local, national and world affairs; they talk about themselves; they talk about others; they talk. Whether the speech is given at the United Nations, a ball-park, a hotel meeting room or a church, the greats, and not so greats, of the world come here seeking an audience.
This page brings together a range of speeches delivered by politicians, authors, religious leaders, ball players and scientists. So read and sometimes listen as these speakers help you on your path to discovering the wonderful richness and variety of the New York experience
A
Bella Abzug, American feminist and politician
On opposition to the movement for sexual equality. Listen (This is a link to the History Channels speech archives. In the search box - search on the last name.)
B
Bernard Baruch, American financier and diplomat
Address to United Nations:
Calls for international control of atomic weapons.
Listen (This is a link to the History Channels speech archives. In the search box - search on the last name.)
George W. Bush, President of the United States
Address to the Nation - September 11, 2001. Read or Listen
C
Mario Cuomo, former Governor of New York and St. John's University Graduate
Keynote address at the 1984 Democratic Convention in San Francisco.
Listen. (This is a link to the History Channels speech archives. In the search box - search on the last name.)
Shirley Chisholm, American politician and activist
Campaigns for President of the United States. Listen - (This is a link to the History Channels speech archives. In the search box - search on the last name.)
D
Lee De Forest, Inventor
On his contribution to the radio. (Speech delivered at the New York World's Fair in 1939.)
Listen - (This is a link to the History Channels speech archives. In the search box - search on the last name.)
Charles Dickens
Speech given in New York
Joe DiMaggio, Baseball Player
Announces his retirement. Listen - (This is a link to the History Channels speech archives. In the search box - search on the last name.)
G
Lou Gehrig, Baseball Player
Bids farewell to fans. Listen - (This is a link to the History Channels speech archives. In the search box - search on the last name.)
Bids farewell to fans. Read
Rudolph Giuliani, former Mayor of New York City
- National Press Club Luncheon - Roll back unfunded mandates
March 30, 1995. Listen
- At Ground Zero - October 11, 2001 Watch
J
Pope John Paul II
Address to United Nations General Assembly:
The quest for freedom cannot be suppressed.
Listen - (This is a link to the History Channels speech archives. In the search box - search on the last name.)
Barbara Jordan, Congresswoman
Democratic Convention Keynote Address: Who Then Will Speak for the Common Good? (New York July 12, 1976).
K
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Desegregation and the Future King delivers this address at New York City's Commodore Hotel to the annual luncheon of the National Committee for Rural Schools, which sought to improve and equalize public education in the rural South. (New York City December 15, 1956)
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Time to Break Silence. Speech given at the Riverside Church in New York City April 4, 1967.
L
Fiorello H. La Guardia
Listen to LaGuardia
- - speak about Prohibition. (2 min)
- - speak about slum clearance. (9 min)
- - attack the dairies of New York City for promoting more expensive Grade A milk. (15 min)
Abraham Lincoln
Cooper Union Address
M
Malcolm X Listen
Meeting in August, 1959, New York City.
William J. McDonough, President and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Technology and Structural Change in the U.S. Economy. Remarks by President William J. McDonough before the New York State Bankers Association Annual Financial Services Forum, New York, New York. Listen
R
Babe Ruth, Baseball Player
Addresses Fans. Listen - (This is a link to the History Channels speech archives. In the search box - search on the last name.)
W
Washington's Inaugural Address
Read Washington's inaugural address as given in the City of New York on Thursday, April 30, 1789.
