100 Years of 100 Things: New Year's in Times Square

Katie Thornton, a Peabody-winning journalist and public historian, dives into the vibrant history of Times Square, particularly its iconic New Year’s celebrations. She unveils how the first official event in 1904 sparked a century of evolving traditions, including the legendary ball drop. Thornton discusses the area’s complex transformation from a gritty past to a revitalized entertainment hub, including the significant changes of the 1990s. Listeners will appreciate anecdotes that reflect on nostalgia, safety measures, and community dynamics surrounding this beloved annual gathering.