This Week
Extended Through November 29
The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation
Now Free With General Admission
The Promise of Liberty takes you on a journey through the nation’s founding ideas—tracing how they have evolved over time through rare defining documents and pivotal moments in history.
Through rarely-seen documents and ephemera—including the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, as well as remarkable 19th and 20th century treasures such as Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech—you discover pivotal moments that pushed the nation closer to equality. You also experience how New York played a central role in this history.
Reserve your General Admission ticket now to experience the ongoing story of a nation shaped by words—where ideals have been tested, expanded, and reimagined over centuries.
Now On View
Maritime City
Explore the three-floor exhibition Maritime City, which highlights how New York City, as we know it today, arose from the sea.
Throughout the extensive exhibition, 540 deliberately-selected objects from the collections and archives of the Museum are on view to underscore how the city’s identity as a global capital of culture and finance is rooted in its origins as a seaport.
As you walk through the exhibition you discover how the waterways, people, and industries of the Greater New York area led to the creation of a truly diverse city.
Shop at
Bowne & Co.
Wednesday–Sunday
Bowne & Co. weaves together New York’s rich maritime and printing legacy through two distinctive experiences: the Printing Office and Bowne & Co. Stationers. The Printing Office is a workspace that continues the age-old tradition of job (or small-batch) printing using historic presses from the Seaport Museum’s working collection. Next door, Bowne & Co. Stationers is a 19th century-inspired gift emporium selling a carefully curated selection of unique wares.
Stop by Bowne & Co. Stationers to browse house-designed and letterpress-printed paper goods, along with charming books, candles, stationery, home decor, and delightful oddities.
You can also ask our friendly staff about ordering your own custom letterpress printing and joining in seasonal and monthly activities, workshops, and open houses!
Sail New York Harbor
The 2026 sailing season has come to a close for 1885 schooner Pioneer and 1930 tugboat, W.O. Decker. The Museum looks forward to welcoming you in 2027!
Perfect for history buffs, maritime and sailing enthusiasts, or anyone who loves the water, rides on the National Register-listed schooner and tugboat are unforgettable ways to experience New York City. It’s not too early to start thinking about next year. Check out the different public options and private charters today. Your 2027 on-the-water adventure awaits.
Featured Blog
Small Cards, Big City
What Trade Cards Can Tell Us about the Old New York Social Scene
In the latest Collections Chronicles Blog post, Kallen Mitchell, Collections and Exhibitions Management Intern, takes you on a fascinating exploration of the Museum’s extensive collection of trade cards.
Long before the internet, businesses used colorful, eye-catching trade cards to advertise their products and services. See highlights from the collection and discover the striking designs, advertising trends, and lithographers behind these small but fascinating pieces of ephemera—and what they can reveal about 19th century New York.
Read the latest Collections Chronicles blog post to discover the many themes and creative approaches found across these colorful advertisements.
