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From Mummies to Mariners: A Conversation on Tattoo History

From Mummies to Mariners: A Conversation on Tattoo History

Past Program | Originally Held on Jul 22 | 4-5pm

Please Note This is a Past Program, Event, or Activity

You are viewing an archived page for a program, event, or activity that has already taken place. In most cases these pages are no longer actively maintained and because of that may contain inaccurate or out-of-date information. These pages are left publicly viewable to preserve institutional memory and to allow the public to learn more about the types of programs, activities, and content created and made available by the South Street Seaport Museum throughout its history.

Enjoy a webinar about the history of tattooing through the ages, with a glimpse at some early 20th century artifacts from the South Street Seaport Museum’s collection. Daredevil Tattoo co-founder Michelle Myles discussed the history of this art form from prehistoric tattooed mummies and the Roman age, to the 1770s voyages of James Cook and tattooing in America, until today. Moderated by Martina Caruso, Seaport Museum Director of Collections the talk included a showcase of digital artifacts from the Museum’s Alan Govenar and Kaleta Doolin Tattoo Collection organized by our Collections and Curatorial Assistant Michelle Kennedy.


This online program has already taken place, but you can still enjoy the video. Click below to watch.


Page spread from “Souvenirs of the Travels and Experiences of the Original Gus. Wagner Globe Trotter & Tattoo Artist” scrapbook by Augustus “Gus” Wagner (American 1872-1941), ca.1897-1941. The Alan Govenar and Kaleta Doolin Tattoo Collection, South Street Seaport Museum, 2001.039.0023
Page spread from “Canvas Flash Booklet” by Augustus “Gus” Wagner (American 1872-1941), ca.1910-1920. The Alan Govenar and Kaleta Doolin Tattoo Collection, South Street Seaport Museum, 2001.039.0024
Daredevil-Tattoo_01-rotated
Daredevil-Tattoo_03
Daredevil-Tattoo_02
Tattoo Flash, ca. 1910-1930. The Alan Govenar and Kaleta Doolin Tattoo Collection, South Street Seaport Museum, 2001.039.0060

About Michelle Myles and Daredevil Tattoo Museum

Daredevil Tattoo opened in 1997, on Ludlow Street on the Lower East Side, when tattooing was legalized in New York City. Daredevil Tattoo features several artists working in all different styles of tattooing, as well as a Museum of Tattoo History with a world class collection of tattoo artifacts focusing on the history of tattooing in New York City.Daredevil Tattoo co-owner Michelle Myles started tattooing in 1991 when tattooing was still illegal in New York City. Michelle is also a tattoo historian who leads walking tours of early New York City tattooing.

For more information visit www.daredeviltattoo.com


About The Alan Govenar and Kaleta Doolin Tattoo Collection at the South Street Seaport Museum

The Seaport Museum’s Alan Govenar and Kaleta Doolin Tattoo Collection examines the life and work of Augustus “Gus” Wagner’s (American, 1872-1941). Wagner traveled the world as a merchant mariner and tattoo artist from 1898-1902, and then pursued a career as a professional tattoo artist and tattooed man, traveling across the United States, including New York City, between 1903-1941. The collection is the most comprehensive of a single American tattoo artist during the turn of the century.


Research Policies

Conducting research is a vital part of the Seaport Museum’s work. The Museum is actively engaged in a complete inventory of its collections and archives. This ongoing project will improve future public access to the materials in our care and ensure that items are documented and preserved for future generations.

Read the Policies

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Virtual programs like this one are provided at no cost in order to serve our community in unique and engaging ways, no matter where you might be in the world. Help us make this work possible.

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South Street Seaport Museum

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

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