February 27
On Thursday, February 27, the Seaport Museum welcomed NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, District 1 Council Member Christopher Marte, District 6 Council Member Gale Brewer, tribal leaders from the Ramapo-Munsee Lenape, members of the Board of Trustees, donors, artists, volunteers, long-time partners and friends, and staff to the Ribbon Cutting and Opening Celebration for the A.A. Thomson & Co. warehouse and the inaugural exhibition Maritime City––which opens to the public this coming Wednesday, March 12!
The invitation-only event brought people together to commemorate this significant milestone for the Museum, with exhibition tours, delicious food, lively music by the Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra, and wine kindly provided by Pasanella & Son Vintners.
Capt. Jonathan Boulware, President & CEO of the South Street Seaport Museum, said that Maritime City is “specifically designed to welcome broad and diverse audiences—adults and students—to experience this marvelous collection of artifacts, to pull on the threads of a broad New York story. We invite all to visit this maritime museum for a maritime city, this maritime museum for all people.”
Commissioner Laurie Cumbo acknowledged, “that 400 years ago, the Dutch landing here in what was created, New Amsterdam, is a very complicated history. And it’s one that this Museum is going to tell, but it’s going to tell it in a way that’s going to bring 80,000 visitors together.”
Reflecting on the exhibition’s connection to the Museum’s galleries and historic ships, Council Member Gale Brewer shared that, “The great part of this Museum is that it’s for everybody. People will understand why New York City is so great from this Museum.”
Highlights of the Evening
About Maritime City
The Seaport Museum’s latest exhibition Maritime City highlights how New York City, as we know it today, arose from the sea. Throughout the extensive three-floor exhibition, 540 deliberately-selected objects on view underscore how the city’s identity as a global capital of culture and finance is rooted in its origins as a seaport. By sharing the material culture of New York and its people, the exhibition highlights stories of the working class people employed by ships, shipping lines, and other local industries throughout history, as well as the emigrant workers and immigrant families that came through the port as their first stop in America.
About A.A. Thomson & Co.
This Italianate cast iron and stone warehouse, located at 213 Water Street, was designed by the renowned New York City architect Stephen D. Hatch (1839–1894) in 1868 for Alexander and William A. Thomson of A.A. Thomson & Co.. Before the structure was built, this lot was occupied by two three-story buildings, originally part of a 1750 water lot grant, on what would have been considered one of the principal streets in New York City. At the Building Rededication Ceremony for the warehouse in October 2024, the Museum rededicated the historic warehouse to a renewed purpose, converting this former industrial space to an education venue, welcoming all to see themselves reflected in the Museum.
The public opening of Maritime City is accompanied by a range of dynamic public programs designed to invite visitors of all ages to make a deeper connection to New York’s maritime history. Check out the compelling list of upcoming events below. There’s something for everyone! Advanced registration is encouraged for each of these events but walkups will be accommodated as possible.
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.