Meet Joe Zito (video) ~ New York City Architectural Critic

Joe Zito is a NYC treasure. A respected architectural historian of the city of New York, he has presented lectures at the NY Public Library, and other prominent venues, covering various neighborhoods of the city. He has spent most of his life studying the literature and digging through historical records to uncover information that no one else has ever discovered or published. Born in 1912, he not only knows the city's history, he's lived it -- and is also a retired NYPD Captain.

Joe's fascinating stories are laced with wide-ranging references and a never ending cache of personal and often humorous anecdotes. He calls out the mistakes in the various published histories of New York City, for instance the omission in "The Encyclopedia of New York City" of any mention of Edna St. Vincent Millay! He relates the time he was walking up Eighth Ave. and at 49th Street, came upon literally thousands of crying women -- the funeral of Rudolf Valentino. Or he will point out the three stone cartouches on the facade of the Tompkins Square Branch Library, translate the latin and explain how New York got it's name.

Over the years he has written many columns for the Clinton Chronicle, (a New York City neighborhood newspaper) on Hell's Kitchen. Herewith you will find 37 of these articles. In addition, his musings and thoughts will be posted from time to time. (posted with the help of family, friends and admirers)