Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today hosted a breakfast for delegates and guests from around the country to kick off “New York City History Day,” in partnership with The History Channel and the New York City Host Committee.  History Day is part of “Experience NYC,” a four-day program produced by the City’s convention organizers to give visitors to the 2004 Republican National Convention the opportunity to experience activities and events that only New York City has to offer.  The breakfast included the airing of a six-minute video, “My New York,” produced by The History Channel featuring several of NYC’s most visible residents and personalities.  After the breakfast at Gracie Mansion, delegates were taken to Central Park, where City historians led the visitors on an hour-long tour of the 150 year-old park, explaining the history of such sites as the John Lennon-inspired Strawberry Fields, the 40 foot wide Bethesda Terrace, the Angels of the Waters Fountain, and highlighting key facts about New York City’s past including its role as the nation’s first Capital.

“We are excited The History Channel is commemorating and celebrating New York City’s unique history and heritage, and we thank Mrs. Cheney, Mayor Koch and Nick Davatzes for their participation,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Today’s ‘Experience NYC’ event celebrates our City’s important contributions to American history and acknowledge how past events have made New York the great City it is today. Delegates and their guests can visit our historical monuments and landmarks, or take part in a genealogy seminar at Ellis Island, the gateway to the United States. Whatever activity they participate in today, I hope they have an unforgettable experience, and return home energized from their trip, telling all their families and friends that there’s no place on earth like New York.”

“The Host Committee is honored to partner with The History Channel for ‘New York City History Day’ which brings our City’s rich past to life for visitors, delegates and all New Yorkers,” said NYC Host Committee 2004 President Kevin Sheekey.  “We’re grateful for The History Channel’s dedication to preserving New York City’s history which inspires the public to experience and learn more about our heritage.”

“The History Channel is delighted to partner with Mayor Bloomberg, the City of New York and the NYC Host Committee to celebrate this magnificent City – its people, its places, its past and its future,” said Nick Davatzes.  “Through this joint venture, we hope to inspire the people of New York to learn about and experience the history that surrounds them.”

The “My New York” video features exclusive interviews with President George W. Bush, Mayor Bloomberg, former Mayor Edward I. Koch, Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, Mets Pitcher Al Leiter, and Regis Philbin. The “My New York” video was screened for all delegates inside Madison Square Garden and simulcast on C-Span during the convention’s opening day.

In addition to History Day, other “Experience NYC” theme days included Fashion and Retail (Monday, August 30), Sports, Parks and Community Service Day (Tuesday, August 31), which featured an Olympic Athlete Exhibition at Chelsea Piers and batting practice at Shea Stadium, and Music, Entertainment and Culture Day (Wednesday, September 1) which included tours of New York City cultural institutions.  For more information, media should visit www.nyc2004.org.