May 30 | 2:30–4:30pm | Wavertree, 213 Water Street | Free
In celebration of the opening weekend of The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation enjoy free General Admission to the Seaport Museum and the new exhibition, as well as outdoor and indoor performances presented by the Seaport Museum and The New York Chinese Cultural Center. These performances explore the experience of immigration—stories of arrival and belonging that are deeply connected to the American ideals of diversity and inclusion.
Inspired by prints in the exhibition’s section entitled The American Century, this opening-weekend focuses on those who may not always feel reflected in traditional narratives of the nation’s founding, but whose histories are essential to the American story.
Separate registration is required for each performance due to different capacity limits per space. Preregistration is encouraged for these free events. Walkups will be accommodated as possible.
Add a commemorative gallery guide to your order for just $3 and get even more out of your exhibition visit! Designed in a style that celebrates the freedom of the press, this informative guide deepens the themes explored in the exhibition and highlights the South Street Seaport’s rich connection to the history of printing in Lower Manhattan.
The Unfolding Voyage
2:30pm | Wavertree | Free
Step aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree for a site-specific experimental theater performance that brings migration stories to life through music, movement, object theater, and spoken narrative. The Unfolding Voyage traces the journeys of those who crossed oceans—immigrants carrying memories across borders, ancestors building new homes, and travelers still searching for belonging. Through sound, body, and image, the performance reflects on what it means to arrive, to take root, and to remember. This work is created and performed by Shan Y Chuang, Fang Tseng, and Timmy Ong with music by Timmy Ong.
Register now to claim your spot at this unique program aboard a one-of-a-kind ship. Access to Wavertree involves climbing a few stairs, walking up an angled gangway, and descending a few stairs onto the deck. This performance does take place outdoors, rain or shine.
HOME—Our Mutual Nostalgia and Drift and Belong
4pm | 213 Water Street | Free
Conclude the afternoon at the newly reopened Thomson building with an interdisciplinary performance honoring Chinese immigrants who began new lives in the United States while holding tight to cultural traditions. Through music and movement, HOME—Our Mutual Nostalgia reflects on what it means to leave, to arrive, and to build a sense of home across distance, generations, and memory. The Artistic Director of this work is Nico Li.
As part of the program, experience Drift and Belong, a 15-minute cross-cultural music performance that will unfold in four movements—from memories of a homeland, through the hardships of migration, to cultural collision and integration, and finally, the emergence of new belonging. Traditional Chinese instruments including the guzheng and bamboo flute will anchor the performance, blending Eastern roots with global musical elements. Projections and select dancers will add a visual layer that deepens the story of movement, identity, and home. This work is performed by Wei Sun (Guzheng) and Katelyn Weng (Chinese Flute) with music arrangement and video editing by Wei Sun.
Sign up today to guarantee your space to these special performances. Access requires walking up six steps, with wheelchair access available via a platform lift.
Acknowledgements
The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation and accompanying events are organized in cooperation with Sail4th 250 and made possible through the generous support of Citadel founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin and his civic engagement initiative Griffin Catalyst.
Additional support for this exhibition and Sail4th 250 is provided by Bulova and Jefferson’s Bourbon.
More About The New York Chinese Cultural Center
The New York Chinese Cultural Center (NYCCC) is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to sharing Chinese culture through the arts to help build cross-cultural understanding and appreciation in New York City and across the U.S. Founded in 1974 by artists and community leaders in Chinatown, NYCCC offers performances, workshops, and classes in Chinese performing and visual arts. Art forms include Chinese dance, lion dance, music, kung fu, tai chi, calligraphy, ink brush painting, lantern-making, and others. We nurture and showcase creative new works by our professional artists that reflect the rich cultural heritages and diverse communities of today. Our work preserves traditional Chinese arts for current and future generations to enjoy.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Free access to the new exhibition The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation and General Admission to the historic ships and three additional exhibitions is included with your ticket to this event! You’re welcome to explore anytime between 11am and 5pm on the day of your visit. Last entry is at 4:30pm.
Your ticket 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?
Sailing season is on the horizon! Book your tickets today to look forward to 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.
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.