The Great Blizzard struck from March 11 to 14, bringing between 10 and 58 inches (25 to 147 cm) of snow to parts of New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Sustained winds of more than 45 mph (72 km/h) created enormous snowdrifts, some exceeding 50 feet (15 m) in height, while roads, railways and telegraph lines were severely disrupted, bringing transport and communications across much of the region to a standstill.

Also called the “Children’s Blizzard” or “Schoolhouse Blizzard” because so many children were caught in the snow and frozen to death on their way to school. The children who made it to school were generally kept in the school by the teachers until they could safely travel home- days later. The official death toll is around 230, but some say the actual number of deaths could be over 1,000. (This is people in general, not just children.)

The 2026–2027 season at the famous Rockefeller Center rink is now underway, marking 90 years of skating history. The rink first opened as a temporary skating pond on Christmas Day in 1936.

Above the rink stands Prometheus, Paul Manship’s gilded sculpture, created in 1934. In Greek mythology, Prometheus defied Zeus and gave fire to humanity a gift often associated with knowledge, creativity, and progress.

Above the building’s main entrance is Wisdom, a work by Lee Lawrie. Together, the sculptures suggest two connected ideas: the fire Prometheus brought to humanity and the wisdom that guides how it is used.

Had you noticed the figure on the façade when you visited the rink?