March 10 | 6:30pm | 213 Water Street | $10
Join South Street Seaport Museum in partnership with the New Amsterdam History Center for a presentation by celebrated historian Russell Shorto focusing on his newly-released book Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America.
The engaging presentation will tell the riveting story of the birth of New York City as a center of capitalism and pluralism, a foundation from which America would rise. Following the presentation, Trustees from the New Amsterdam History Center will lead a Q&A with Russell Shorto.
Kick off the opening week of the Seaport Museum’s highly-anticipated three-floor exhibition Maritime City with this first public program held in the newly-renovated exhibition space located within the 1868 warehouse, A.A. Thomson & Co.. Attendees are invited to explore the exhibition before the event starting at 5:30pm, or following the presentation until 8:30pm.
Advanced registration is encouraged for this event but walkups will be accommodated as possible. Books will be available for purchase. A book signing and reception with wine and sparkling water will follow the presentation.
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About the Author
Russell Shorto is the author of eight books of narrative history, including the international bestseller The Island at the Center of the World.
Shorto is the director of the New Amsterdam Project at the New-York Historical Society and Senior Scholar at the New Netherland Institute.
In 2009 he was awarded a knighthood from the Dutch government for his work in increasing historical understanding between the Netherlands and the United States.
About the New Amsterdam History Center
The mission of the New Amsterdam History Center (NAHC) is to encourage exploration of the Dutch history of New Amsterdam as it laid the foundational character for today’s New York City, with special reference to its ethnic, racial, and religious diversity, urban landscapes, economic vitality, and global legacy.
NAHC fulfills its mission by linking the past to the present through public lectures and panel discussions, newsletters, tours, and online research resources all of which since 2005 have enriched public understanding of the continuing Dutch contributions to New York City.
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.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the Maritime City exhibition in A.A. Thomson & Co. located at 213 Water Street is included with this event. Access to the historic ships and introduction galleries at the Seaport Museum is not included with this event. If you would like to explore more that the Museum has to offer, book in advance or ask Museum staff about admission tickets, available Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm when you check in.
Museum admission tickets grant access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16 as well as all current exhibitions on view in the introduction galleries inside Schermerhorn Row located at 12 Fulton Street.
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.