August 5 | 6:30pm | 213 Water Street | Free
Dive into the history and future of New York City’s public pools with the South Street Seaport Museum when we are joined by + POOL’s Program Director—and proud public pool superfan—Nora Cronin. This lively, interactive presentation will be all about the role of pools in city life.
From floating bathhouses to pools of the Works Progress Administration to the dream of swimmable cities, we’ll explore how public pools have made waves socially, politically, and culturally across New York and beyond. We will also get an update on how the + POOL project is evolving.
Bring your curiosity and your questions. This fun and engaging event is all about making a splash—no goggles required. A reception will follow the presentation. Preregistration is encouraged for this event. Walkups will be accommodated as possible.
About the Speaker
Nora Cronin is a swimmer, lawyer, educator, advocate for public spaces, and Program Director at Friends of + POOL, where she oversees the implementation and execution of all programs, including free and low-cost swimming lessons for children and adults, water stewardship initiatives, and STEM education opportunities. Nora is also a proud member of Team New York Aquatics, a masters swim team founded and led by members of the LGBTQ community, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she keeps up with her lawyerly life by teaching courses on Landmark Supreme Court Cases and Social Movements.
About + Pool
+ POOL reclaims New York’s natural resources by opening our waters. What began as an idea for a water-filtering floating swimming pool, conceived by a small group of designers, has since launched a movement to restore the utility of our waterways. + POOL supports the preservation, restoration and conservation of natural bodies of water; promotes water stewardship; and provides quality swim instruction and environmental education for New Yorkers. It enables people to care for and co-exist with nature, and work towards a future where everyone has the ability to enjoy the water that surrounds them.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the historic ships and exhibitions on view is not included with your event ticket. 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.
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.