Group Walking Tours

Neighborhood Walks That Teach Local History

The South Street Seaport Museum tells the story of how New York’s great natural harbor gave rise to the metropolis we know today. From Lenape villages, to the early Dutch settlements of New Amsterdam, to the growing city of New York, the story of this land through time is the story of the waterfront. Practice your map skills and walk our historic district!

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The Revolutionary War in New York City – Available Now!

90 minutes | Grades 4–5          

The streets and sites of Lower Manhattan tell the story of New York during the Revolution – the ships and the seaport that were the center of trade and taxation disputes, the buildings and street corners where futures were debated and history made, and the green where the statue of King George was raised and then toppled. Images, documents, artifacts, streets, and buildings all help tell the story of this era as students consider what the news of the day meant to different kinds of New Yorkers.

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New Amsterdam Walking Tour – Available Now!

90 minutes | Grades 4–5         

Take a walk back in time to the colonial outpost that became New York City. Walking the streets of Lower Manhattan, students discover traces of Dutch colonial life in our modern city through images, documents, artifacts, archeological finds, and the street plan itself.

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African-Americans in Early New York City – Returning 2024

90 minutes | Grades 4–5           

People think of slavery as existing in the South, but did you know that in Colonial New York, almost half of the white families enslaved people of African descent? Take a walk back in time with maps, documents, and images, and walk the sites that tell how lower New York and the Seaport were central to African enslavement and the road to freedom, and how Africans helped shape our city.

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All programs are designed for groups of up to 34 students (40 people maximum including chaperones). We do not recommend combining small classes into a large group. Programs may conclude at locations other than the Museum – allow additional time (10–20 minutes) to walk back to the starting point on your own.

All programs are aligned with New York City and State Social Studies and Science Learning Standards. Programs can be customized to meet your curricular goals and the needs of your students.

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