August 26 | 7–10pm | Wavertree | $30
Celebrate the greatest city in the world with a one-night-only literary party aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree presented by Dream Baby Press and the South Street Seaport Museum.
Join an evening of celebrity readings, music, dancing, wine, pizza, and a little flirtation as some of New York City’s most recognizable voices share their favorite stories about the City they love. Then, take your turn at the press: guests can use historical letterpress equipment from Bowne & Co. to print custom 19th century inspired flirtation cards to save for later or give to someone special on board.
With the lights of New York and the East River as your backdrop, this is a chance to experience the city, its history, and its literary spirit in a whole new way.
Preregistration is encouraged for this event. Walkups will be accommodated as possible. Tickets will be distributed through Dream Baby Press. Visit their website below to sign up. 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
Readings will be presented by
Jemima Kirke: Actress; Girls
Desus Nice: Comedian, writer, and podcaster; Bodega Boys podcast; Desus & Mero
Karen Elson: Supermodel and singer-songwriter
Chi Ossé: New York City Council Member, representing the 36th District, including Bedford–Stuyvesant and parts of northern Crown Heights
Max Friedlich: Playwright; Job
Alexi Wasser: Actress; Messy
Mel Ottenberg: Editor-in-Chief of Interview Magazine and stylist
Ronald Wohlman: Co-founder of LBRB Collective
Aminatou Sow: Co-founder of Tech LadyMafia; co-host of the podcast Call Your Girlfriend
Angela Trimbur: Actress; The Final Girls; Search Party
James Frey: Best-selling author; A Million Little Pieces; I Am Number Four
Lili Anolik: Contributing Editor at Vanity Fair
Carole Radziwill: Author, journalist, and television personality; The Real Housewives of New York City
Karah Preiss: Co-founder of Belletrist Book Club
Jonathan Boulware: President & CEO, South Street Seaport Museum
Please note this list is subject to change
About Dream Baby Press
Dream Baby Press is a New York-based literary entertainment company that throws events all over the world in interesting locations with interesting people focused on making reading and writing more exciting. They created the Love/Hate Lists and host a writing club in Burger King.
About the 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree
Wavertree was built at Southampton, England, in 1885 and, after a 24-year sailing career and circumnavigating the globe at least three times, is now the last remaining iron-hulled three-masted full-rigged cargo ship. Today, Wavertree is visited by guests of all ages from around the globe and serves as the centerpiece of the “Street of Ships” at the Seaport Museum. She was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 13, 1978 and symbolizes the profound influence of sailing ships, their intrepid sailors, and the bustling waterfront in shaping New York City into a modern metropolis. As a historic vessel with a fascinating past, Wavertree embodies the rich maritime heritage that played a pivotal role in transforming South Street into the vibrant heart of “Where New York Begins.”
About Bowne & Co.
Established by Robert Bowne in 1775, Bowne & Co. holds the distinction of being New York’s oldest operating business under the same name. After growing as a financial printer throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Bowne & Co. Inc. partnered with the Seaport Museum in 1975 to open a 19th century-style print shop at 211 Water Street in the South Street Seaport Historic District. Today, it is comprised of the Bowne & Co. Printing Office—a workspace that continues the age-old tradition of job (or small batch) printing using historic presses from South Street Seaport Museum’s working collection—and Bowne & Co. Stationers, a 19th century-style emporium selling gifts and fine goods.
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.