• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
The Seaport Museum will open Monday 11am–5pm.

South Street Seaport Museum

Where New York Begins

South Street Seaport Museum
Seaport Museum Logo
Shop
Donate
Book Now
  • About
    • Mission Statement
    • Message From President & CEO
    • Board of Trustees
    • Jobs and Internships
    • Event and Location Rentals
    • Press and Media
    • Policies and Documents
    • Capital Projects
    • Contact Us
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Museum Admission
    • Calendar
    • Sail New York Harbor
    • The Fleet
    • Bowne & Co.
    • Programs and Events
    • On-Demand Programs
    • Past Programs
    • Getting Here
  • Exhibitions
    • Exhibitions on View
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Collections
    • About The Collections
    • Explore the Collections
    • Collections Online Portal
    • Research Policies
    • Acquisition Guidelines
  • Learn
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • College + Adult Groups
    • STEM Programs
    • Social Studies Programs
    • Arts + Humanities Programs
    • Family + Public Programs
    • Virtual Tours
  • Support
    • Donate
    • Become a Member
    • Become a Volunteer
    • Sponsor Our Work
  • Blog
    • Collections Chronicles
Inside Thomson & Co.: A 19th Century Landmark Revealed

Inside Thomson & Co.: A 19th Century Landmark Revealed

Anytime activity | Free

Watch layers of history literally peeling back to reveal secrets of this 19th century cast-iron building, spotlighting surprises like cart tracks in the basement, historic construction methods, and the machinery of an early elevator.

This special virtual tour is led by South Street Seaport Museum President and CEO Capt. Jonathan Boulware showing and telling the process of renovating the historic Thomson & Co., at 215–213 Water Street, in the heart of the South Street Seaport Historic District.



Learn About the 1868 Warehouse A.A. Thomson & Co.

Over 150 Years of History

This newly restored Italianate cast iron and stone warehouse, located at 213–215 Water Street has seen the evolution of New York City through more than 150 years. Learn more about the history of this architectural landmark designed by the renowned New York City architect Stephen D. Hatch (1839–1894) in 1868 for Alexander and William A. Thomson of A. A. Thomson & Co.

Explore the History of the Building

The Many Names of 213-215 Water Street

Follow along with Michelle Kennedy, former Manager of Collections Information and Research Services at the Seaport Museum, as she unravels the confusion surrounding the many names given to 213-215 Water Street over the years. In this short and entertaining blog post, discover how the 1868 warehouse A.A. Thomson & Co. got a “new” name in 2022—and learn the fascinating story behind it.

Read the Blog Post

Footer


South Street Seaport Museum

12 Fulton Street
NY, NY 10038
(212) 748-8600
Open: Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–5pm

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

#SouthStreetSeaportMuseum
#WhereNewYorkBegins

Join the Mailing List

© 2025 South Street Seaport Museum · Log in