Celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson's Major League Debut

The Dodgers might not be in Brooklyn anymore, but the memory of their most famous player lives on in the annals of baseball history. This spring is the 70th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s breaking of baseball’s color barrier, and Brooklyn Historical Society is holding an exhibit in honor of the momentous event.

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The showcase, Until Everyone Has It Made: Jackie Robinson’s Legacy, highlights the achievements Robinson made both on and off the field in honor of his debut as the first African-American to play major league baseball in 1947. There are artifacts from Robinson’s Dodger days, including the 1955 World Series championship banner, signed baseballs, third base from Ebbets Field, and a letter from John F. Kennedy to Robinson. Additionally, there are never-before-seen home movies of Robinson for viewing.

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During the 2017-18 school year, Brooklyn Historical Society educators will be on hand to discuss Robinson’s role in desegregation and the fight for civil rights.

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In addition to the Brooklyn Historical Society’s celebration of Robinson’s life and impact, a more permanent tribute to the baseball great is in the works. Earlier this month, ground was broken on the Jackie Robinson Museum in Manhattan.

The exhibition at the Brooklyn Historical Society opened April 6 and will run through June of 2018. For more information on the exhibit, click here.

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