Who Really Built The Empire State Building?

n this conversation, Glenn Kurtz discusses his book 'Men at Work: The Empire State Building and the Untold Story of the Craftsman Who Built It,' shedding light on the often-overlooked workers who constructed the iconic skyscraper. He emphasizes the lack of documentation about these laborers, the dangers they faced, and the diverse backgrounds they came from, primarily as immigrants. The discussion also highlights the role of photographer Lewis Hine in documenting these workers and the racial dynamics present in the workforce. Ultimately, Kurtz aims to give recognition to these individuals and their contributions to one of America's most famous landmarks. Guest Information Glenn Kurtz Website Social: Facebook Instagram Get your copy of Men At Work by Glenn Kurtz As an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Empire State Building's Builders 03:10 The Unsung Heroes: The Workers Behind the Construction 06:05 The Dangers Faced by Workers 09:03 The Diverse Workforce: Immigrants and Their Stories 1:46 The Challenge of Documenting Workers' Lives 14:51 Lewis Hine: The Photographer of the Workers 17:59 The Changing Perception of Immigrant Labor 21:05 Recognition and Legacy of the Workers 24:09 Conclusion: The Importance of Remembering the Builders For more intriguing and engaging interviews each week,

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Who Really Built The Empire State Building? is an episode from Now I've Heard Everything by Bill Thompson.

This episode is 00:34:21 long.

This episode was published on Feb 27, 2026.

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