The Key to the City of New York (2024)

The Key to the City was first awarded in 1702 by Mayor Phillip French, when he offered "Freedom of the City" to Viscount Edward Cornbury, Governor of New York and New Jersey. By the mid-1800s, it became customary to award the Key to the City as a direct symbol of the City’s wish that a guest feel free to come and go at will.

In the modern era, the Key to the City is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement.

The current Key resembles the large skeleton key that opens the back door of City Hall, but is now purely symbolic – it does not open any locks or doors.

Keys to the City Awarded by Mayor Bill de Blasio

  • December 11, 2019: Kenneth and Kathryn Chenault, for their leadership in the arts, business, and philanthropy
  • September 17, 2019: Det. Luis Alvarez (posthumous), for his advocacy for 9/11 survivors and first responders
  • July 10, 2019: U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, World Cup Champions
  • June 29, 2019: 1969 “Miracle Mets” World Series Champion Team
  • December 11, 2018: Laurie M. Tisch, for her leadership in the arts and philanthropy
  • December 7, 2017: Richard Parsons, for his leadership in the arts, business, and philanthropy
  • April 28, 2017: Dwight “Doc” Gooden, member of the 1986 Mets World Series Champion team who did not receive a key in 1986
  • January 9, 2016: Ray Pfeifer, for his advocacy to pass the Zadroga Bill to provide health care to 9/11 survivors and first responders
  • October 20, 2015: Joan K. Davidson, for her leadership in philanthropy and her service as the founding chair of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy
  • July 10, 2015: U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, World Cup Champions
The Key to the City of New York (2024)

FAQs

What is the key of New York City? ›

In the modern era, the Key to the City is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement.

Why did Diddy get the key to the city? ›

When Adams awarded Combs the key to the city in September, he praised the music mogul for his philanthropic contributions to the city and called him “the embodiment of the New York City attitude.”

What is the meaning to the key to the city? ›

This medieval tradition is meant to confer trust and honor; it grows from the medieval walled city whose gates were guarded during the day and locked at night. The key symbolizes the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will, as a trusted friend of city residents.

Does the key to the city open anything? ›

A key to the city doesn't unlock anything

So it doesn't really open the door to City Hall, start the secret supersonic MayorMobile kept in Springfield Underground, or open the lockbox with the names of the Springfield Illuminati and their specific tunnel route to the Pensmore Mansion.

Who gives the key to the city? ›

The key to the city is typically presented by the mayor or other city officials during special events or occasions, such as a visit from a dignitary, a prominent citizen's milestone achievement, or a gesture of gratitude to someone who has made significant contributions to the community.

Does Kendrick Lamar have a key to the city? ›

“He represents Compton with great pride and I am honored to present him with the Key to the City, which symbolizes our deep appreciation for his philanthropic work and commitment to our community.” Lamar was born in Compton in 1987 and regularly references his hometown in his music, as well as publicly.

What does it mean if you get keys to the city? ›

The granting of the Keys to the City is a symbolic presentation that represents the highest honour that a city can confer on an individual or an organisation. The tradition of using a key dates back to medieval times, when many cities were enclosed within walled fortifications.

How important is the key to the city? ›

The "Key to the City" tradition comes from the medieval "Freedom of the City" tradition. The recipient of this key or this honor received the privilege to enter or leave the city whenever he or she wanted. In the past, cities only gave this honor to its military personnel and its outstanding civilians.

Why is key to the city given? ›

The Key to the City is traditionally given by a City Council or Mayor to a hero or dignitary, symbolising that they have the freedom of the city. This Key to the City belongs to all of us - not just the chosen few - and we can award it among ourselves for any reason we choose.

Where did the key to the city originate? ›

The first “key to the city” ever awarded in America was in New York City, all the way back in 1702. At the time, then-Mayor Philip French executed a “Freedom of the City” for Viscount Edward Cornbury, who was the governor of New York and New Jersey.

What is the key to the New York accent? ›

New York accent pronunciation, inflection, and lexicon
  • Harden the “th” If a “th” sound appears at the beginning or end of a word, harden it to a “t” or “d” sound. ...
  • Forget the “r” ...
  • Master the two-syllable “aw-uh” ...
  • Add an intrusive “r” at the end (sometimes) ...
  • Consider the short-”a” split. ...
  • Speak with speed.
Jun 12, 2023

What is the original key of New York New York? ›

Frank Sinatra - Theme from New York, New York: Vocal Range & Original Key
Artist / From:Frank Sinatra (artist vocal range)
Title:Theme from New York, New York
Original Key:D Major
Vocal range:A2-F#4
Difficulty in Original Key:
3 more rows

What key is Theme from New York in? ›

Song Metrics

The track runs 3 minutes and 26 seconds long with a D key and a major mode.

What are some key facts about New York City? ›

New York City is the center of the world's principal metropolitan economy. With an estimated population in 2023 of 8,258,035 distributed over 300.46 square miles (778.2 km2), the city is the most densely populated major city in the United States.

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