January 31 | 2:30pm | 213 Water Street | Free
The latest book by acclaimed author and journalist Julian Sancton hits shelves on January 27, 2026—and you’re invited to its New York launch at the South Street Seaport Museum!
Sancton’s new work, Neptune’s Fortune: The Billion-Dollar Shipwreck and the Ghosts of the Spanish Empire, tells the riveting true story of the San José, a legendary Spanish galleon that sank off the coast of Colombia carrying more than $1 billion in gold and silver. At the heart of the book is Roger Dooley’s decades-long, obsessive quest to locate the wreck. Get your ticket today to hear Sancton share his research, behind-the-scenes stories, and a presentation featuring photos that illuminate his journey.
This work also explores the history of the Spanish colonies, naval warfare, diving and underwater exploration technology, Cuban-American relations, treasure hunting, and the ethical quandaries of excavating historic sites. In addition to learning more about his process, the program will include readings from the book and end with a moderated discussion with the award-winning author.
The event will conclude with a dynamic conversation between Sancton and Trevor J. Wallace, an expedition leader and filmmaker who heads the Menorca Shipwreck Project, where he and his team uncover and document historic shipwrecks off the coast of western Menorca. The discussion will then open to the audience for a moderated Q&A led by Wallace.
Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event provided by Scattered Books. Unable to join the event but want your own signed copy of the book? Contact Scattered Books for an order link to receive a mailed signed copy anywhere in the US.
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About the Author
Julian Sancton is the New York Times bestselling author of Madhouse at the End of the Earth and a senior features editor at The Hollywood Reporter. His work has appeared in Vanity Fair, National Geographic, Esquire, The New Yorker, and GQ, among other publications. He has reported from every continent, including Antarctica, and lives in Larchmont, New York.
About the Moderator
Trevor J. Wallace is an expedition leader and filmmaker who leads the Menorca Shipwreck Project, where he and his team uncover and document historic wrecks in Western Menorca. He co-directed the award-winning documentary Among Thieves on the global illegal antiquities trade and was named “New Explorer of the Year” in 2018 for his work on the discovery of the oldest known Scythian tomb. His work has been featured in major outlets like National Geographic, The New York Times, CNN, and Discovery, and in academic journals including Sensors, Heritage, Remote Sensing, and the Journal of Rock Art. He served six years as Vice President for Research at The Explorers Club and now sits on its Board of Directors and Flag & Honors Committee.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the historic ships and exhibitions on view is not included with your ticket to this event. If you would like to explore more that the Museum has to offer, book in advance or ask Museum staff about General Admission tickets when you check in.
General Admission is available Friday through Sunday, from 11am to 5pm and brings you aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16, and into all current exhibitions on view in the first-floor Schermerhorn Row galleries at 12 Fulton Street. Your ticket also sets you on course to explore Maritime City, the Seaport Museum’s immersive, three-floor exhibition at A.A. Thomson & Co., located at 213 Water Street.
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.