Museum Gallery Programs

Visit the Seaport Museum’s Indoor Galleries

South Street Seaport Museum’s galleries—the artifacts, exhibits, and even the walls themselves—tell the story of the growth of New York from Lenape settlement to Dutch colonial outpost to thriving metropolis. Students visiting the Museum galleries in our 200-year-old building go back in time to learn about the past, the present, and the future.

Please contact us below to be the first to receive updates on our schedule.

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Millions: NYC Immigration in the 20th Century

90 minutes | Grades 3–5              

For years, the lightship Ambrose stood watch in New York Harbor, marking the entrance for ships to America – including ocean liners like Titanic and Aquitania that once dominated transatlantic travel.  Thousands of people arrived on each voyage: the first-class passengers in the lap of luxury, with the third-class confined to the stuffy lower decks. 

• Tour the lightship Ambrose as well as the museum gallery.
• Study photos, maps, and artifacts to develop an understanding of immigration in early 20th century New York.
• Compare the different experiences of first-class and third-class passengers.

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The 2025 opening of Maritime City and the reopening of A.A. Thomson & Co. will be accompanied by a range of education programs designed to invite students of various ages to make a deeper connection to New York’s rich maritime heritage. Check back for updates.

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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.

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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