Ep 15. Mysteries at the Museum: Notorious New York

In the Mysteries at the Museum season 8 episode 15 titled "Notorious New York," viewers are taken on a tour of some of the most infamous and notorious crimes and criminals in the history of New York City. Host Don Wildman guides us through a collection of artifacts and exhibits that recount tales of daring robberies, gruesome murders, and legendary gangsters.

The episode opens with a visit to the New York Public Library where Wildman examines an old ledger book that once belonged to a notorious bank robber named George Leonidas Leslie. Leslie was the mastermind behind several successful heists during the Gilded Age, but he eventually met his demise when he was caught and executed for his crimes. The ledger book contains his meticulous notes and plans for his heists, providing a glimpse into the mind of one of history's most successful thieves.

Next, Wildman takes us to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum to learn about the notorious "Black Hand" extortion racket that terrorized immigrant communities in the early 20th century. The museum's exhibits include letters and documents from the Black Hand that were recovered during police investigations, as well as the revolver used in the infamous 1903 Rosenthal murder case.

The episode also delves into the infamous "Mad Bomber" who terrorized New York City in the 1940s and 50s. Wildman visits the New York City Police Museum to examine a letter sent by the bomber to the police commissioner in which he taunted the authorities and provided clues to his whereabouts. The museum also displays the actual typewriter used by the Mad Bomber to write his letters, as well as the pipe bomb he used in his attacks.

Another highlight of the episode is a visit to the Museum of the City of New York, which features an exhibit on infamous New York gangsters such as Al Capone and Lucky Luciano. The museum's collection includes a pair of brass knuckles owned by Capone, as well as a bullet-riddled sign from the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre.

The episode also explores the story of Leon Trotsky, the exiled Bolshevik revolutionary who was assassinated in Mexico in 1940. Wildman visits the Trotsky Museum in the Bronx to examine a collection of his personal belongings and memorabilia, including his eyeglasses and the ice pick that was used to kill him.

Finally, the episode takes us to the Old Merchant's House Museum to hear the chilling tale of the Tredwell family, who lived and died in the house in the mid-19th century. Wildman examines personal items belonging to the family, including letters, photographs, and clothing, as well as the deathbed where multiple family members passed away.

Throughout the episode, Wildman weaves together the stories of these infamous crimes and criminals, connecting them to the larger narrative of New York City's rich and storied history. With his engaging storytelling and infectious enthusiasm, he brings each artifact and exhibit to life, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the dark underbelly of America's most iconic city.