Meet the Jewish family behind the New Year’s Eve ball drop

Jacob Starr designed the very first New Year’s Eve ball in 1907

Photo by Getty Images

By Thea Glassman December 27, 2016

Jewish immigrant Jacob Starr designed the very first New Year’s Eve ball in 1907 (and personally lowered it himself). Three generations later, we talked to his granddaughter Tama Starr about the legacy of the ball drop.

Watch their story below:

Thea Glassman was an associate editor for the Forward. Follow her on twitter @theakglassman.

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