October 30 | 6:30pm | 213 Water Street | $5
Get into the spirit of All Hallows’ Eve with a spine-tingling dive into the histories and mysteries of mythical creatures said to haunt New York’s waterways. Led by the Seaport Museum’s Director of Engagement and Public Programs, Zak Risinger, this spooky program will take you from the eerie depths of the Great Lakes to the winding canals and the Hudson River—places long rumored to be home to serpents, monsters, and other strange beings lurking just beneath the surface.
During this fun and light-hearted evening, you’ll meet ten maritime monsters who have terrified, fascinated, and entertained New Yorkers for centuries. From the infamous Silver Lake Serpent and the mysterious Kipsy of the Hudson River, to Joshua the Frog of the Erie Canal and more, we’ll uncover legends rooted in folklore, history, and even Indigenous traditions.
To set the mood, the Museum will dim the lights and create a campfire-inspired atmosphere to share stories that blend folklore, history, and a touch of fright.
But beware—among the monsters is a trickster! A “fake” creature, complete with an AI-generated image and fabricated lore, will be hidden in the lineup. Will you be able to spot the imposter? Join us for a night of mystery, maritime monsters, and campfire vibes at the Seaport Museum. Preregistration is encouraged. Walkups will be accommodated as possible.
Get More Halloween Fun at the Seaport Museum Throughout the Month
October is the perfect time to join the Seaport Museum’s 90-minute Sinister Secrets of the Seaport walking tour that will take you on a winding journey that unravels the sinister past of the South Street Seaport Historic District and Lower Manhattan. This timely tour will tell the scandalous, spooky, and dubious tales lurking in the cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and waterfront. Throughout this interactive tour, your guide will share historical stories ripped from the headlines of newspapers and publications from the 1790s to the 1990s.
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On Saturday, October 12, stop by the Seaport Museum at 207 Water Street between noon and 2pm for Halloween Paper Crafts and Letterpress Printing. In this free hands-on experience you’ll learn how to craft folded-paper bats, and other spooky paper creatures, along with Halloween-themed paper chains. For an extra thrill, our skilled Bowne designers will be on hand to guide you through crafting your own letterpress-printed broadside posters using a 19th century printing press from the Seaport Museum’s working collection.
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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.