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South Street Seaport Museum
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South Street Seaport Museum

Where New York Begins.

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Manuscripts and Ephemera

Manuscripts and Ephemera

The manuscripts and ephemera collection augments and complements other elements of the Museum’s collections, spanning the mid 18th century to late 20th century. Everyday paper-based objects such as trade cards, menus, programs, postcards, tickets, broadsides, music sheets, and advertisements illustrate both mercantile and recreational activities of New York City, and the close connection between the bustling port and graphic arts. Examples of New York City job printing connect to the printing history collection utilized by the Museum’s contemporary printing outfit Bowne & Co.

Highlights include the Harry Handly Caldwell Collection, the Barkentine Herbert Fuller Document Collection, Trade Card and Clipper Card Collections, Fulton Fish Market and South Street Seaport Business Documents, and the Ocean Liner Museum Collection.


Bill, G.C. Hough, Plumber, Gas and Steam Fitter, November 8, 1889
Haze Clipper Card, 19th century
Formosa Oolong Tea Label, 1895-1898
New York & Brooklyn Bridge Promenade Tickets, ca. 1883
Handbill, J.N. Phillips Ship Chandler, 1844
Broadside advertising the departure of the Marcena, the Issac P. Smith, and the Marshall Nye, ca. 1854-1861
RMS Majestic, ca. 1920- ca. 1930
SS Rotterdam Passenger List, April 20, 1899
Cunard Line Sailing Calendar, 1903
John W. Campbell Fish Dealer Trade Card, 19th century

Collections Online Portal

Browse a selection of Artwork, Artifacts and objects in our collection.

View the Online Portal


Check Out the Blog!

Want to learn more about New York’s history, our collections, and how things work behind the scenes at the Seaport Museum? Head over to our blog read through our archives, and stay tuned for new posts every other Thursday!

Read the Blog

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South Street Seaport Museum

12 Fulton Street
NY, NY 10038
(212) 748-8600
Open: Sat-Sun 11-5

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