• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
The Seaport Museum is open today 11am–5pm.

South Street Seaport Museum

Where New York Begins

South Street Seaport Museum
Seaport Museum Logo
Shop
Donate
Book Now
  • About
    • Mission Statement
    • Message From President & CEO
    • Board of Trustees
    • Jobs and Internships
    • Event and Location Rentals
    • Press and Media
    • Policies and Documents
    • Capital Projects
    • Contact Us
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Museum Admission
    • Calendar
    • Sail New York Harbor
    • The Fleet
    • Bowne & Co.
    • Programs and Events
    • On-Demand Programs
    • Past Programs
    • Getting Here
  • Exhibitions
    • Exhibitions on View
    • Past Exhibitions
  • Collections
    • About The Collections
    • Explore the Collections
    • Collections Online Portal
    • Research Policies
    • Acquisition Guidelines
  • Learn
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • College + Adult Groups
    • STEM Programs
    • Social Studies Programs
    • Arts + Humanities Programs
    • Family + Public Programs
    • Virtual Tours
  • Support
    • Donate
    • Become a Member
    • Become a Volunteer
    • Sponsor Our Work
  • Blog
    • Collections Chronicles
The Fleet of Historic Ships

The Fleet of Historic Ships

South Street Seaport Museum is home to a fleet of historic ships including the 1885 tall ship Wavertree, the 1885 schooner Pioneer, the 1908 lightship Ambrose, and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker. Each vessel offers various opportunities for visitors to come aboard and experience her unique contribution to New York’s rich maritime history.

Click below to learn more about each ship, their fascinating histories, and how you can have a first-hand experience on board. From sailing on New York Harbor and guided tours, to K–12 educational offerings and opportunities to have your own private event on a vessel, our fleet has something for everyone!

About the 1885 Schooner Pioneer

Pioneer is the sole American merchant sailing vessel with an iron hull and provides an exceptional sailing experience for seasoned New Yorkers and visitors alike at the Seaport Museum. Learn about the vessel’s history.

LEARN MORE

About the 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree

Wavertree symbolizes the profound influence of tall ships, their intrepid sailors, and the bustling waterfront in shaping New York City into a modern metropolis. Explore the fascinating history of the vessel.

LEARN MORE

About the 1908 Lightship Ambrose

Ambrose recounts the story of sailors who worked and lived aboard historic lightships, shedding light on the vital role it played in shaping the development of New York as a bustling global city. Explore the history of this vessel and the development of the Ambrose Channel.

LEARN MORE

About the 1930 Tugboat W.O. Decker

Now the last surviving New York-built wooden tugboat, W.O. Decker is a testament to New York City’s maritime and industrial history, which are direct factors in the city’s global prominence today. Read about the vessel’s deep connection to New York City history.

LEARN MORE

About the 1893 Schooner Lettie G. Howard

Since 2018, the Seaport Museum’s 1893 schooner Lettie G. Howard has been operating with a with partner organization, the Flagship Niagara League in Erie, PA, providing sailing tours and delivering enriching programming to the Erie community, school groups, visitors, and volunteers.

LEARN MORE

Charter a Historic Vessel

Looking for a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family or impress your clients with an exciting corporate outing? Look no further than private charters of the Museum’s historic vessels!

LEARN MORE

K–12 Education Onboard

The Seaport Museum offers educational programs for young people on the water in New York Harbor and on our vessels that are permanently moored at Pier 16.

Learn About Education

Charter a Historic Vessel

Looking for a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate a special occasion or impress your clients with an exciting corporate outing? Look no further than the Seaport Museum’s private charters on the historic 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker.

Learn About Charters

Have Your Next Event on Wavertree

The tall ship Wavertree is the ultimate setting for your next one-of-a-kind event! This magnificent National Register-listed vessel offers a truly breathtaking setting, surrounded by inspiring views of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. Your guests will be enchanted by the unmatched historical charm and unique setting of your special event.

Learn More about Event Rentals

Footer


South Street Seaport Museum

12 Fulton Street
NY, NY 10038
(212) 748-8600
Open: Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–5pm

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

#SouthStreetSeaportMuseum
#WhereNewYorkBegins

Join the Mailing List

© 2025 South Street Seaport Museum · Log in