May 17 | 2–4pm | Wavertree | Starting at $1
The annual NYC Poets Afloat group poetry reading returns aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree. Poets have been invited to participate in micro-residencies aboard ships in New York Harbor, where they have been inspired to write and create poetry while being surrounded by the city’s bustling waters. Now, these poets will gather on the deck of Wavertree for a group reading, sharing their creative works with the audience.
Online registration begins at $1. Tickets will be free in-person the day of the event. Proceeds are split between the participating vessels. Preregistration is encouraged for this event. Walkups will be accommodated as possible. Tickets will be distributed through Poets Afloat. Visit their page below to get all the details and sign up. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of poetry on the high seas!
Access to Wavertree involves climbing a few stairs, walking up an angled gangway, and descending a few stairs onto the deck. The lower decks are accessible via stairs, while the upper deck requires navigating steep ladder-like stairs.
Please Note This is a Past Program, Event, or Activity
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2026 Poets
Jerome Ellison Murphy, Annie Lou Martin, Michael Montlack, Sue Landers, Kyle Liang, Robin Percyz, and Cydni Thompson
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree at Pier 16 is included with your ticket to this event. Access to the additional historic ships and exhibitions on view is not included. 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 brings you aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16, and into both exhibitions on view in the first-floor Schermerhorn Row galleries at 12 Fulton Street. General Admission also sets you on course to explore Maritime City, the Museum’s immersive, three-floor exhibition at A.A. Thomson & Co., located at 213 Water Street.
Want to experience even more?
Reserve your tickets for the special exhibition The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation, on view this Summer! Book in advance and save with a discounted combo ticket that includes both General Admission and The Promise of Liberty.
Sailing season is here! Book your tickets today to enjoy an on-the-water adventure aboard the 1885 schooner Pioneer or the 1930 W.O. Decker.
Plan Your Visit
We look forward to welcoming you! Before your visit, please review the Visitor Guide and Frequently Asked Questions. You’ll find helpful information on ticketing and discounts, planning a family visit, directions and accessibility at each of our historic sites, the visitor code of conduct, what is and isn’t permitted across the Museum campus, tips for using technology during your visit, and more.
Tall Ship Wavertree
Wavertree, built in 1885 was operated for many years as a cargo ship sailing around the world.