Step back in time and immerse yourself in New York City’s rich maritime heritage at the South Street Seaport Museum. Nestled in the heart of Lower Manhattan, on the historic streets that once teemed with sailors, merchants, and shipbuilders, the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the stories of New York’s rise as a global port city. More than just a collection of artifacts, the South Street Seaport Museum brings history to life through engaging exhibitions, tours of historic ships, interactive activities, and captivating events, all within the authentic setting of the historic seaport district.
The museum’s campus itself is a living exhibit, incorporating entire blocks of historic buildings and the cobblestone streets from New York’s past. Visitors can wander through these streets and immediately feel transported to a bygone era, where the sights and sounds of maritime commerce dominated daily life. Currently, the museum is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm, offering a perfect weekend outing for history buffs, families, and anyone curious about New York’s fascinating past.
Visitors walking on cobblestone street with historic buildings.
Explore the Maritime City Exhibition: A Deep Dive into NYC’s Seafaring Legacy
Don’t miss the “Maritime City” exhibition, a cornerstone of the museum experience. Tickets are available now for this immersive exhibit, which delves into the multifaceted story of New York’s maritime development. Learn how the city’s geographical advantages and entrepreneurial spirit combined to forge its destiny as a major global trade and cultural hub. The exhibition utilizes a rich array of historical artifacts, documents, and engaging displays to paint a vivid picture of New York’s seafaring past and its enduring impact on the city we know today.
Set Sail on History: Aboard the 1885 Schooner Pioneer
For a truly unforgettable experience, climb aboard the 1885 Schooner Pioneer, a National Historic Landmark and a working piece of maritime history. Sailing tickets are now available, offering you the chance to cruise New York Harbor just as sailors did centuries ago. Feel the wind in your hair and witness breathtaking views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty from a unique vantage point. This isn’t just a boat ride; it’s an active participation in living history.
Schooner Pioneer sailing with Statue of Liberty in background.
Tour Historic Ships: Walk the Decks of Maritime Legends
Extend your historical exploration by touring the museum’s fleet of historic ships. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm, these ship tours provide a fascinating glimpse into different eras of maritime technology and seafaring life. Imagine life at sea as you explore the decks, cabins, and cargo holds of these meticulously preserved vessels. Each ship has its own unique story to tell, contributing to the rich tapestry of New York’s maritime narrative.
People touring the deck of a historic ship.
Discover the Art of Print: Explore the Letterpress Print Shop
Step into the past at the Letterpress Print Shop, open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. Witness the traditional craft of letterpress printing, a vital part of communication history, especially in a bustling port city like New York. See demonstrations, learn about the intricate process, and perhaps even create your own printed piece to take home as a unique souvenir of your visit to the Street From New York and the Seaport Museum.
Interior of the Letterpress Print Shop with printing equipment.
Explore the Collection Online: Maritime Treasures at Your Fingertips
Even if you can’t visit in person right away, the South Street Seaport Museum offers a wealth of resources online. Explore their extensive collection digitally, anytime, from anywhere. This online access allows you to delve into maritime history, research specific topics, or simply browse the fascinating artifacts and documents preserved by the museum.
This Week at the Seaport Museum: Engaging Events and Activities
The South Street Seaport Museum is a vibrant hub of activity, hosting a variety of events throughout the year. Check out what’s happening this week:
Seaport Museum Book Club: Literary Discussions with a Maritime Twist
Join fellow literature enthusiasts and museum staff for the Seaport Museum Book Club. This free program fosters lively discussions inspired by literature, history, and preservation. It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage with maritime themes in a relaxed and intellectual setting.
Image for Seaport Museum Book Club event.
Whiskey Tasting Aboard the 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree: A Unique Sensory Experience
For a truly unique evening, don’t miss the Whiskey Tasting aboard the historic 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree. In partnership with New York Adventure Club, the museum offers this two-hour tasting experience on a legendary vessel. Enjoy fine whiskeys in an unforgettable historical setting.
Image for Whiskey Tasting event on Wavertree.
Sinister Secrets of the Seaport: Uncover the Grittier Side of History
Embark on the “Sinister Secrets of the Seaport” walking tour and discover the darker, more intriguing stories from the Seaport’s past. This interactive tour, guided by historical accounts from newspapers and publications spanning centuries, provides a fresh perspective on the area that shaped New York.
Image for Sinister Secrets of the Seaport walking tour.
Hybrid Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music: Sing Along to Sea Shanties
Experience the lively tradition of sea chanteys at the Hybrid Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music event. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just enjoy listening, all are welcome to participate in this free and engaging musical gathering.
Image for Hybrid Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music event.
Family Activity Weekends: Fun for All Ages
Make it a family outing with the museum’s Family Activity Weekends. Enjoy free, hands-on activities designed to engage kids of all ages and illuminate maritime history in a fun and interactive way.
Image for Family Activity Weekends event.
Museum Admission and Shop at Bowne & Co.
Plan your visit for a Saturday or Sunday to explore the museum. And don’t forget to stop by Bowne & Co., the museum’s unique gift shop. You don’t need museum admission to browse their carefully curated selection of books, stationery, home décor, and unique gifts, perfect for finding a memento of your visit to the historic streets of New York. Bowne & Co. is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Collage of images related to museum admission and Bowne & Co.
Sail New York Harbor: Tickets Now on Sale
Don’t miss the chance to sail New York Harbor aboard the Schooner Pioneer. Tickets are selling fast for this unparalleled experience. It’s a must-do adventure for both tourists and locals seeking a unique perspective on the city’s iconic skyline and maritime heritage.
Featured Blog: Queen Mary is in the House!
Dive deeper into the museum’s collection with the featured blog post, “Queen Mary is in the House!”. Learn about the fascinating restoration of the monumental Queen Mary ship model, now on display in the newly renovated A.A. Thomson & Co. building.
Image from the blog post about Queen Mary model.
Update: 1868 Warehouse A.A. Thomson & Co. Restoration Nearing Completion
Exciting news! The restoration of the historic 1868 Warehouse A.A. Thomson & Co. is almost finished. This transformed space will provide a large-scale exhibition area, educational programming facilities, and a community gathering space, further enhancing the South Street Seaport Museum experience.
Archival image of A.A. Thomson & Co. Warehouse.
The South Street Seaport Museum offers a captivating journey into New York City’s maritime past, right in the heart of the historic streets from New York. Plan your visit today and discover the stories waiting to be uncovered.
