ACTIVIST NEW YORK  Opens May 4th at the MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK  (1220 Fifth Avenue @ 103rd St.) explores the drama of social activism in New York City through 14 case studies that range in time from the 17th century to the present.  They explore a range of citizens' movements on topics as diverse as religious freedom, civil rights, historic preservation and the rebuilding of the South Bronx.  Artifacts, photographs, audio and visual presentations, and interactive devices elucidate the passions and conflicts that underlie the city's history of agitation for social change.  Together, they highlight the story of New York as a city of perpetual transformation where activists have helped to drive the engine of history.  ACTIVIST NEW YORK in the first exhibition in the newly endowed PUFFIN FOUNDATION GALLERY.