August 13 | 6:30pm | Wavertree | Free
Step aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree for a special screening of Down by the Riverside, the inspiring documentary that tells the story of how legendary folk musician Pete Seeger helped launch one of the nation’s most influential environmental movements.
In 1969, Seeger set out to “build a boat to save the river,” creating the 106-foot Hudson River sloop Clearwater, which became the catalyst for decades of environmental advocacy, education, and community action. Through rare archival footage, music, and intimate storytelling, Down by the Riverside traces the remarkable journey of Pete and Toshi Seeger and the grassroots movement they inspired—revealing how one bold idea transformed the Hudson River and sparked a green revolution that continues today.
The evening begins with an introduction from the filmmakers, followed by the screening in Wavertree’s atmospheric tween deck and a post-film Q&A. Presented aboard a historic ship in the heart of New York Harbor, this unique event also celebrates Seeger’s connection to the South Street Seaport, where he performed in 1967 and 1968 while rallying support for the construction of Clearwater.
Preregistration is encouraged for this event. Walkups will be accommodated as possible. Sign up today to join an unforgettable evening of film, history, music, and maritime heritage that explores the enduring power of community to protect the waterways that connect us all. Access to Wavertree involves climbing a few stairs, walking up an angled gangway, and descending a few stairs onto the deck. The lower decks are accessible via stairs, while the upper deck requires navigating steep ladder-like stairs.
A Kew Ten Film
Founded by Jodie Childers and Dan Messina, two filmmakers born in the Rust Belt, Kew Ten is a Queens, New York-based production company that specializes in nonfiction film. Dedicated to creating hand-crafted nonfiction content, Kew Ten is named after our neighborhood and the intrepid Q10 bus, which links Queens to the world, via JFK airport.
About the Speakers
Jodie Childers is a documentary filmmaker and writer based in New York City and Charlottesville where she is an assistant professor at the University of Virginia. She produced The Other Parade, and she directed and shot Down by the Riverside, which premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival. Her writing has been featured in American Quarterly, the Journal of Transnational American Studies, Comparative American Studies, The Conversation, Jacobin, Transatlantica, The Pittsburgh Review of Books, Boulevard, and The Hopkins Review, among others. She holds a Ph.D. in American studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Brooklyn College.
Dan Messina is a showrunner, director, and editor with 20 years of experience in nonfiction film and television. He directed the documentary feature Down by the Riverside, which premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival, and The Other Parade, which screened at Frameline and was broadcast on RTE. Dan is currently the showrunner for the hit series The Real Murders of Atlanta on Oxygen. He also executive-produced Women on Death Row for A&E, and he has served as showrunner, producer, and editor for shows on Discovery+, National Geographic, Investigation Discovery, and OWN, among others.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree at Pier 16 is included with your ticket to this event. Access to the additional historic ships and exhibitions on view is not included. If you would like to explore more that the Museum has to offer, book in advance or ask Museum staff about General Admission tickets when you check in.
General Admission brings you aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16, and into both exhibitions on view in the first-floor Schermerhorn Row galleries at 12 Fulton Street. General Admission also sets you on course to explore Maritime City, the Museum’s immersive, three-floor exhibition at A.A. Thomson & Co., located at 213 Water Street.
Want to experience even more?
Reserve your tickets for the special exhibition The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation, on view this Summer! Book in advance and save with a discounted combo ticket that includes both General Admission and The Promise of Liberty.
Sailing season is here! Book your tickets today to enjoy an on-the-water adventure aboard the 1885 schooner Pioneer or the 1930 W.O. Decker.
Plan Your Visit
We look forward to welcoming you! Before your visit, please review the Visitor Guide and Frequently Asked Questions. You’ll find helpful information on ticketing and discounts, planning a family visit, directions and accessibility at each of our historic sites, the visitor code of conduct, what is and isn’t permitted across the Museum campus, tips for using technology during your visit, and more.
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.