February 20 | 6pm | 207 Water Street | Free
Join the Seaport Museum and Downtown Alliance for a post-Valentine’s Day singles mixer and workshop at the 19th century-style letterpress print shop Bowne & Co. and explore the tradition of acquaintance cards—or flirtation cards—a playful variation on the Victorian calling card.
Before the right swipes and emoji winks used today, Victorian singles had their own flirtation rituals that utilized letterpress printed cards. Per Becky Little in National Geographic, these flirtation cards “were a way for 19th century singles to cheekily bend the rigid rules of social interaction and sidestep existing formalities, working like an ink-and-paper Tinder.”
Guided by expert designers from Bowne & Co., we’ll explore the history of these cards, see the Seaport Museum’s working collection of historical printing equipment in action, and even print our own flirtation cards. Who knows? You might make an acquaintance or two! Throughout the evening, enjoy light refreshments, lighthearted games, and a chance to win prizes. Sign up today to join the perfect post-Valentine’s Day outing to mix, mingle, and create something memorable!Advanced registration is encouraged for this free workshop but walkups will be accommodated as possible. Anyone ages 21 and up is welcome. All participants get to take home the items they print during the evening. Access to this workshop includes walking up and down a few stairs.
A Brief History of Flirtation Cards
In the 19th century, when meeting someone new, or visiting someone’s home, it was a polite gesture to exchange or leave behind calling cards—small cards imprinted with your name. If calling cards were for polite connection, acquaintance cards were for more playful connections. Often adorned with flowery descriptions of the suitor, or a witty poem, flirtation cards were a way to politely express your interest in making a new romantic connection in a lighthearted way. The use of flirtation cards usually followed a set of unwritten rules. Upon a passing glance, or a smile across a room, an interested party would politely leave a card. Upon reading the card, if interest is mutual, the card is returned to the owner, and a new connection is made. If the spark is not there, the card is not returned, and no further connection is made, and both parties go about their way. Flirtation cards were not inherently romantic but a tangible way to make a first impression. Are you witty? Do you take yourself seriously? Are you loud and boisterous, or gentle and kind? Like all personalized stationery, a good flirtation card should be a physical manifestation of your personality, sensibility, and perhaps, desire.
About Downtown Alliance
Since 1995, the mission of the Alliance for Downtown New York has been to provide service, advocacy, research and information to enhance the quality of life in Lower Manhattan and advance the dynamic, vibrant neighborhood as a global model of a 21st century Central Business District for businesses, residents and visitors. Serving an area from roughly City Hall to the Battery, from the East River to West Street, the Downtown Alliance manages the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Business Improvement District (BID). By supporting economic development, public safety, sanitation, transportation and more, the Downtown Alliance strives to make Lower Manhattan an exciting, clean and safe place to live, work and play.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the historic ships and exhibition galleries at the Seaport Museum is not included with this event. To explore more that the Museum has to offer, book in advance or ask Museum staff about Pay What You Wish admission tickets, available Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm when you check in.
Admission tickets grant access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree at Pier 16 and all current exhibitions on view in the introduction galleries inside Schermerhorn Row located at 12 Fulton Street. Timed tours of the 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16 are available separately.Advance Pay What You Wish tickets for the forthcoming Maritime City exhibition, opening in March 2025 in A.A. Thomson & Co. located at 213 Water Street are now also available. Be among the first to explore this exciting new exhibition!
Bowne & Co.
Bowne & Co. is New York’s oldest operating business under the same name. Using seven historic presses from the Museum’s working collection, our resident printers continue the age-old tradition of job (or small batch) printing, creating individual designs using custom plates or historic fonts.