Our company history

A plaque commemorating the company's 100th anniversary was unveiled in the New York Life Home Office lobby in 1947 rather than 1945 due to World War II

A history of celebrating our anniversary through difficult times.

We proudly marked the company’s 179th anniversary on April 12, 2024.

About New York Life

New York Life building

Read a history of New York Life’s first 175 years.

Civil War-era correspondence between a policy owner and New York Life.

From the Archives: A soldier’s duty to his family.

This month in New York Life history — April

Women's History stories

Womens suffrage

Equals in life.

New York Life's first female agent

New York Life's first female agents.

Image of an old news article about Mrs Douglas Horton

Honoring the first female Director in our history.

Read more about women at NYL

Black History stories

Cirillo McSween and MLK

The inspired life of New York Life’s first African American agent.

Martin Luther King Jr working with others

Shared economic goals: Cirilo McSween and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Franklin Thomas

The life of Franklin A. Thomas, our first Black board member.

View more Black history stories

Social Responsibility

vintage photo during influenza outbreak

The influenza epidemic of 1918 and how NYL responded.

The civil rights march on the National Mall

Reiterating New York Life's stance against discrimination.

vintage photo of plans for progress meeting

A history of valuing equality through policies and actions.

Our history of innovation

women using vintage computer

Innovating in life insurance for 178 years and counting.

Did you know Ben Franklin established early annuity payments?

world's fair 1893

Chicago, 1893: Showcasing the marvels of life insurance.

More Newsroom stories