These days, when many world maps are a sobering sea of coronavirus red, it’s comforting to reflect on a simpler time when views of global inter-connectivity were more optimistic. Take, for example, the mosaics that adorn the lobby of our pre-pandemic home in the AT&T long distance building in Tribeca. Our temporary home offices can’t complete with those inspirational surroundings—particularly the world map bearing the inscription TELEPHONE WIRES AND RADIO UNITE TO MAKE NEIGHBORS OF NATIONS. Today, when the web is more essential than ever for both business collaboration and a feeling of social connection, it’s interesting to look back at its origins.