Past Exhibition
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Millions: Migrants and Millionaires aboard the Great Liners, 1900–1914 presents passenger life aboard ocean liners, focusing on the differences between the experiences of business and wealthy travelers in luxurious First Class and immigrants and working-class travelers in spartan Third Class.
From 1900 to 1914, nearly 13 million immigrants traveling in Third Class arrived in the United States. During this same period, America’s wealthiest citizens, totaling no more than a hundred thousand passengers each year, traveled to Europe in First Class, spending over $11.5 billion (2017) on luxury vacations. Even though First Class and Third Class sailed on the same ships, their journeys were worlds apart.
This exhibition features both original and reproduced artifacts from the South Street Seaport Museum’s permanent collection, including ocean liner memorabilia and ephemera, ceramics, and trunks from both immigrants and First Class passengers. The exhibition highlights the critical role of New York Harbor in the history of American immigration, including a model of the Museum’s lightship Ambrose (LV-87).
Millions is located in Schermerhorn Row, 12 Fulton Street. Access to the exhibition is included with Museum general admission. Click below to purchase admission tickets.
South Street Seaport Museum
By subway: Take the A, C, 2, 3, J, Z, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street.
By bus: Take the M-15 SBS or M-15 to Fulton Street.
By water: The NYC Ferry, and New York Waterway provide service to Pier 11. The Staten Island Ferry provides services to Whitehall Terminal.
Parking: Parking lots can be found at Front and John Streets, as well as 294 Pearl Street.