November 9 | 3pm | 207 Water Street | $10
Join the Seaport Museum and Michael Venturiello, founder of Christopher Street Tours, for an engaging presentation and Q&A that will navigate the historical currents that have shaped New York City’s waterfront into a cornerstone of Queer history and culture.
From the bustling seaports of the 1840s to the vibrant activism on Christopher Street during Gay Liberation, Venturiello will reveal how these waterfront spaces served as safe havens, gathering spots, and platforms for change. Together we will discover how the waterfront has shaped—and continues to shape—the Queer experience in New York City.
Advance registration is encouraged for this presentation but walkups will be accommodated as possible. Access to this program includes walking up and down a few stairs.
Please Note This is a Past Program, Event, or Activity
You are viewing an archived page for a program, event, or activity that has already taken place. In most cases these pages are no longer actively maintained and because of that may contain inaccurate or out-of-date information. These pages are left publicly viewable to preserve institutional memory and to allow the public to learn more about the types of programs, activities, and content created and made available by the South Street Seaport Museum throughout its history.
About the Speaker
Michael Venturiello is a historian, writer, educator, and New York City tour guide. He is the founder of Christopher Street Tours, an LGBTQ+-owned and -operated walking tour company whose mission is to increase access to LGBTQ+ history by sharing stories and uplifting voices from those who paved the way before us. His organization has welcomed thousands of people from across the world to tours in New York City and Boston. Venturiello has been featured as one of FindSpark’s “Top LGBTQ+ Influencers & Thought Leaders Transforming the Workplace Through Innovation and Impact.” Venturiello’s work has been featured in Time Out, National Geographic Travel, and Attitude magazine.
About Christopher Street Tours
Christopher Street Tours is an LGBTQ+-owned and -operated walking tour company with the mission of increasing access to LGBTQ+ history by sharing stories and uplifting voices from those that paved the way before us. Tours are LGBTQ+ focused and led by expert educators, storytellers, and activists in the community.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the Seaport Museum’s historic ships and exhibition galleries is not included with this event. To explore more that the Museum has to offer, book in advance or ask Museum staff about Pay What You Wish admission tickets, available Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm when you check in.
These tickets grant access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree at Pier 16 and all current exhibitions on view in the introduction galleries inside Schermerhorn Row located at 12 Fulton Street. Timed tours of the 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16 are available separately.
Advance Pay What You Wish tickets for the forthcoming Maritime City exhibition, opening in March 2025 in A.A. Thomson & Co. located at 213 Water Street are now available. Be among the first to explore this exciting new exhibition!
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.