November 14 | 3pm | 213 Water Street | Free
From sunken ships and colonial taverns to Indigenous villages and long-forgotten domestic sites, New York City’s past is buried in places that could have easily been lost to development. Join the Seaport Museum and Professional Archaeologists of New York City (PANYC) to celebrate 60 years of historic preservation that has helped archaeologists uncover these hidden histories and bring the stories of generations of New Yorkers to light.
Register today to mark the 60th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) with a fascinating look into archaeological preservation and the landmark legislation that has helped protect New York City’s past.
While surrounded by artifacts of the city’s rich history in the Museum’s Maritime City exhibition, hear PANYC President Kelly Britt speak with a panel of urban archaeology experts who share discoveries made possible by the NHPA. The conversation digs deep into Section 106, which requires federal agencies to consider how projects may affect historic properties and archaeological resources, both above and below ground as well as additional city and state policies. From burial grounds and military sites to working-class neighborhoods and the remains of everyday life, see how these finds show stories that written records alone cannot tell.
Sign up today to discover what these laws have made possible, what is at stake today with current and proposed changes to historic preservation legislation, and why preserving the city’s archaeological heritage matters for everyone.
About Professional Archaeologists of New York
Professional Archaeologists of New York City, Inc. (PANYC), is an organization devoted to the protection and preservation of archaeological and historic resources in New York City. Founded in 1980, its purpose is not to excavate archaeological sites but to promote cooperation and communication among the City’s professional archaeologists and to advise and educate public agencies and the general public on matters relating to the archaeology of the City. Since 1989 PANYC has co-sponsored an annual Public Program with the Museum of the City of New York to bring the fascinating discoveries of archaeology in the city to the public.
About the National Historic Preservation Act
With passage of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) in 1966, the federal government embarked on a new era of leadership in the preservation of our nation’s historic properties.
The NHPA established a partnership between the federal government and state, tribal, and local governments that is supported by federal funding for preservation activities. The National Park Service provides matching grants-in-aid from the Historic Preservation Fund to State Historic Preservation Officers, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and local governments certified as having qualified preservation programs. The NHPA also created the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), the first and only federal agency created solely to address historic preservation issues.
The NHPA established a framework to foster a new ethic through all levels and agencies of the federal government. Section 106 of the NHPA requires federal agencies to consider the impact of their actions on historic properties and provide the ACHP with an opportunity to comment on projects before implementation. Because of Section 106, agencies have to assume responsibility for the consequences of their actions on historic properties and be publicly accountable for their decisions. Section 110 calls on all federal agencies to establish preservation programs and designate Federal Preservation Officers to coordinate their historic preservation activities.
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.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the Maritime City exhibition in A.A. Thomson & Co. is included with your ticket to this event. Access to the additional exhibitions on view and historic ships is not included. 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.
In addition to Maritime City, 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.
And, your General Admission ticket now includes The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation Exhibition, which has been extended through November 29! Explore this landmark exhibition and see rare national treasures.
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.