October | In Person and Online | Free
Celebrate architecture and design with the Seaport Museum’s Archtober offerings! Through in-person guided walking tours and self-guided virtual tours, we are joining fellow museums, cultural organizations, consulates, advocacy groups, parks, and more in fostering a deepening relationship with the places we inhabit throughout New York City.
Scroll down to see the Museum’s tours that invite you to discover the hidden history of the Seaport’s architecture and where passenger and shipping services printed their tickets and advertisements.
Additionally, check out a selection of virtual “anytime-activities” that will be available throughout the month of October, in partnership with Urban Archive, including self-led walking tours of New York City from the history of coffee consumption in lower Manhattan to the rise of Industry City.
Typography and Job Printing in the 19th Century Seaport
October 7 | 3pm | In-Person | Bowne & Co. | Free
Claim your space today for this one-of-a-kind in-person walking tour. Most printers in early-19th century New York were located where the action was: near the city’s main port of entry at South Street. Walk with us to learn about the typography on these historic buildings and discover where passenger and shipping services printed their tickets. The tour will be led by the Seaport Museum’s Bowne & Co. Art Director and Operation Manager with a special stop at Bowne & Co. to see printing in action!
Advanced registration is required for this free 90-minute tour. Rain or shine.
Hidden History of the South Street Seaport’s Architecture
October 14 | 3pm | 12 Fulton Street | Free
Sign up today to join the Seaport Museum’s in-person walking tour through history. The original architectural gems of the South Street Seaport Historic District are considered to be among the oldest standing structures in Manhattan. From taverns to warehouses, built by the most famous American architects of the 19th century, the buildings of the Seaport have big stories to tell. Come take a walk with us and discover the origins of New York’s greatness. The tour will be led by the Seaport Museum’s Director of Collections and Exhibitions and Director of Engagement and Public Programs.
Advanced registration is required for this free 60-minute tour. Rain or shine.
Virtual Walking Tours: Seaport Museum x Urban Archives
Anytime | Online | Self-Guided | Free
Take a walk with us, on your own or virtually, and discover the origins of New York’s greatness via Urban Archive, a technology nonprofit that promotes historical research and discovery. You can either come down to South Street, download the app, and follow the walk on your own, or enjoy a virtual tour from the comfort of your own home, anywhere.
Self-guided tours include Street Advertising in Manhattan in the Early 20th Century, The Rise of Industry City, the history of coffee consumption in Lower Manhattan, and more.
Looking for More?
Check out the Seaport Museum’s Nothing Else But Miracles Book Launch on October 10, at 6:30pm. This new novel, geared for audiences ages 9–12, has special ties to the Seaport Museum and shows how, when things get tough, the neighborhood can give you what you need. At this book talk, author Kate Albus will read selections from her latest book and discuss her research process and the historical events and places brought to life within its pages, including the remains of two old hotels inside the Seaport Museum’s 1810–1812 Schermerhorn Row.
October is also the perfect time to join the Seaport Museum’s 90-minute Sinister Secrets of the Seaport walking tour that will take you on a winding journey that unravels the sinister past of the South Street Seaport Historic District and Lower Manhattan. This timely tour will tell the scandalous, spooky, and dubious tales lurking in the cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and waterfront. Throughout this interactive tour, your guide will share historical stories ripped from the headlines of newspapers and publications from the 1790s to the 1990s
About Archtober
Founded in 2011, Archtober has grown into a year-round resource for all things architecture, celebrating the craft and the individuals behind the global built environment. Archtober works with partners like museums, cultural organizations, consulates, advocacy groups, parks, and more.
About Urban Archive
Urban Archive is a technology nonprofit that promotes historical research and discovery. The organization’s mission is to extend the reach of cultural organizations by providing them with collaborative tools to share local history.
Ready for more?
Head over to our Programs and Events page to see what else is happening at the Museum. Sign up for an upcoming talk, learn more about visiting Wavertree, or explore our virtual offerings.