The Key to the City of New York

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