July 26 | 2:30pm | 213 Water Street | Free
Join an afternoon of music, storytelling, and hidden histories with the Ranzo Boys—New York City’s premier trans maritime trio. Through a dynamic blend of performance and historical context, this event brings to light stories long left out of traditional maritime history, offering both insight and entertainment.
Blending folk music, sea chanteys, and engaging storytelling, the Ranzo Boys will explore queer narratives of the Golden Age of Sail—from Walt Whitman’s dockside trysts to sailors using sea voyages to transition to living as men—as well as the vibrant, queer community that continues to surround sea music today.
Expect an afternoon that is as thought-provoking as it is joyful: part concert, part maritime history, and entirely one of a kind. Preregistration is encouraged for this event. Walkups will be accommodated as possible. Access requires walking up six steps, with wheelchair access available via a platform lift.
Please Note This is a Past Program, Event, or Activity
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About the Hosts
The Ranzo Boys—Lafayette Matthews (he/him), Jules Peiperl (they/them), and Lindsey Smith (they/she)—are traditional folk singers putting the queerness back into maritime and folk music. Formed in New York City in 2020, they have performed at the Connecticut Sea Music Festival, the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival, New England Folk Festival Association, and the South Street Seaport Museum. They have also recorded eight songs for public radio that were later broadcast as a national NPR special. Their repertoire includes buzzy English harmonies, Appalachian ballads, sea chanteys, droney instrumental backing, and any song that can be remotely construed as queer.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
General Admission to the historic ships and three 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?
Reserve your tickets for the special exhibition The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation, opening May 27. Book in advance and save with a discounted combo ticket that includes both General Admission and The Promise of Liberty.
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.