Visitor Guide and Frequently Asked Questions

What is included with my General Admission ticket?
General Admission tickets include entry to: 

• 1885 tall ship Wavertree at Pier 16
• 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16
• Maritime City exhibition in floors 1–3 of A.A. Thomson & Co. at 213 Water Street
• South Street and the Rise of New York in the first-floor Schermerhorn Row Galleries at 12 Fulton Street
• Millions: Migrants and Millionaires Aboard the Great Liners, 1900–1914 in the first-floor Schermerhorn Row Galleries at 12 Fulton Street

To learn more about Admission to these historic ships and engaging exhibitions visit the General Admission webpage.

In the event of extreme or inclement weather, access to the Museum’s historic ships and non-climate-controlled spaces may be limited. To confirm what will be available during your visit, or if you have specific questions regarding accessibility, we encourage you to contact the Museum in advance.

What is the cost of General Admission to the Museum?

• Adults $18
• Seniors and Students $15
• Children $5
• General Admission for Seaport Museum members is always free.

Tickets are available for purchase online and in-person. To learn more about Admission and book your tickets visit the General Admission webpage.

Is The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nationincluded in General Admission?
The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation requires a special exhibition ticket. Prebooking your ticket is encouraged. Walkups are accommodated as space allows. Due to the sensitive nature of the materials on display and to make sure all visitors have the best possible experience, the number of people allowed in the exhibition at one time is limited. Admission for ticket holders is on a first-come, first-served basis. Explore more that the Seaport Museum has to offer by adding a General Admission ticket. When you reserve General Admission and The Promise of Liberty in advance you can get a special discounted combo ticket!

Are there fees on tickets?
Yes. While the Seaport Museum does not charge any fees, both the credit card and ticketing processors do. These fees go directly to processing partners; the Museum does not set the amount of these fees or keep any of these funds.

Is my ticket refundable?
No. All General Admission, special exhibition, program, and sailing tickets at the Seaport Museum are non-refundable.

Most events and each sail takes place rain-or-shine. Sails can be canceled if the captain determines conditions are unsafe. In such cases, ticket holders are notified by the Museum and may choose to convert tickets to a tax-deductible donation to support the Seaport Museum, transfer tickets to another voyage, or request a full refund.

Can I transfer my tickets to another time?
No, all tickets are non-transferable unless noted otherwise.

I’m a member. What do ticket prices mean to me?
Seaport Museum members enjoy free General Admission tickets both in-person and online. As a member, you’re welcome to visit as many times as you’d like, free!

To take advantage of your member benefits online, simply enter the email address associated with your membership when prompted at checkout. You receive a verification email to validate your membership. A link in the verification email redirects you to your online reservation where the ticket price for each item in your cart adjusts accordingly.

To claim free General Admission tickets in-person, visit any location throughout the Museum campus, and show Museum personnel your membership card or tell them the last name associated with your membership. They quickly locate your membership, apply all applicable member benefits to tickets in your order, and check in your group.

Are discounts available for General Admission tickets?
Yes, Seaport Museum members receive free General Admission tickets.

The Seaport Museum also offers the following General Admission ticket discounts, available in person only:

• Neighborhood Residents: Free for group with ID or bill displaying the 10038 zip code
• Active Military Personnel: 2 free tickets with Common Access Card/active military ID
• Retired Military Personnel: 2 free tickets with Uniformed Services/military veteran ID
• Gold Star Families: Free tickets for group with Gold Star Family ID Cards/Survivor Access Cards
• Individuals with Disabilities: 2 free tickets, 1 for individual, 1 for personal care attendant or caregiver
• NYCHA Residents: Free tickets for group with documentation showing NYCHA Tenant ID
• SNAP/EBT Participants: Free tickets for group with valid card
• New York City Teachers: 2 free tickets with school ID
• Cool Culture Families: Free tickets for group with Family Pass
• SUNY Maritime Students: Free tickets for group with student ID
• New York Harbor School Students: Free tickets for group with student ID
• Staff from other museums, gardens, zoos, and culture organizations: 2 free tickets with organization ID
• Volunteers from other museums, gardens, zoos, and culture organizations: 2 free tickets with organization ID
• Museums Council of New York City Members: 2 free tickets with membership card
• American Alliance of Museums Members: 2 free tickets with membership card
• International Council of Museums Members: 2 free tickets with membership card
• Council of American Maritime Museums Members: 2 free tickets with reciprocal admissions card
• Tall Ships of America Members: 2 free tickets with pass

To book, simply visit any check-in location throughout the Museum campus. If you have questions about an offer, contact [email protected].

Are discounts available for The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation tickets?
Yes, Seaport Museum members receive 20% off their tickets for The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation.

The Seaport Museum also offers the following The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation ticket discounts, available in person only:

• Active Military Personnel: 2 free tickets with Common Access Card/active military ID
• Retired Military Personnel: 2 free tickets with Uniformed Services/military veteran ID
• Gold Star Families: Free tickets for group with Gold Star Family ID Cards/Survivor Access Cards
• Individuals with Disabilities: 2 free tickets, 1 for individual, 1 for personal care attendant or caregiver
• NYCHA Residents: Free tickets for group with documentation showing NYCHA Tenant ID
• SNAP/EBT Participants: Free tickets for group with valid card
• New York City Teachers: 2 free tickets with school ID
• Cool Culture Families: Free tickets for group with Family Pass

To book, simply visit any check-in location throughout the Museum campus. If you have questions about an offer, contact [email protected].

Is there a maximum number of General Admission tickets that I can purchase?
No! You are invited to purchase as many General Admission tickets as you wish throughout the year. Additionally, there is no limit to the amount of visitors you can add to a single visit. The more, the merrier!

However, if you are looking to bring a group to the Museum, check out in-person group field trips for K-12 students or group bookings. Advance reservations are required and must be made by emailing [email protected]. Tickets for groups should not be reserved through the website or in-person the day of the trip. 

Do I need to print my tickets?
As a way to protect natural resources and mitigate litter, the Museum does not offer printed tickets or printed receipts in-person. All receipts are emailed to the registrant. If you do not wish to share an email address, the Museum is not be able to provide a receipt, but all tickets can be looked up in the system using your last name or order number. Personnel can also scan the QR code on your tickets.

What time should I be at the Museum? What happens when I arrive?
With a General Admission ticket, you may visit and check in at any included location throughout the Museum campus during regular open hours. Museum personnel check you in when you arrive.

For The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation, check in at A.A. Thomson & Co., located at 213 Water Street, at any time within the entry window listed in your confirmation email. After check-in, Museum personnel direct you to the fourth floor where the exhibition is on view.

Program confirmation emails include the time and location of the event along with guidance on when and where to arrive.

For sailing tickets, you must check in at the red tent located at the far east end of Pier 16 at Fulton and South Streets. You receive a boarding pass, which is your ticket to the vessel. To receive boarding passes, your full party must be present at check-in, as passes are only distributed to passengers who are physically present. Please follow the check-in and boarding times listed in your confirmation email. If you do not check in before your “Check In Ends” time, your tickets are forfeit and may be offered to those on standby.

Can I convert my General Admission tickets to a Museum membership?
Yes! Stop by any of the check-in tables throughout the campus to speak to a Museum personnel about converting your ticket to a Museum membership.

You may also email [email protected] after your visit for assistance.

Are tickets a donation to the Museum?
The amount paid for tickets is not a donation and not tax deductible. However, if a program or sail is cancelled and you may convert your ticket to a donation. 

I’m getting an error message on the ticketing site. What should I do?
If you’re getting an error when reserving a ticket, please email [email protected]. If you’re getting an error verifying your existing membership, purchasing a new membership, or renewing a membership, please email [email protected]. 

I booked my tickets online but don’t see my confirmation email. How do I get that email?
If you booked your tickets online but haven’t received your confirmation email, it may have been automatically filtered into your spam or junk folder by your email provider. Please check those folders for an email from [email protected], and if you still don’t see it, feel free to reach out to [email protected] for further assistance.

Do my sailing tickets include General Admission?
Yes! General Admission is included with your sailing tickets. While you are planning your visit, make sure that you assemble at the Pioneer and W.O. Decker gangway at the check-in and boarding times outlined below.

How many children can I bring in my group?
Up to four children are allowed per adult. Children aged 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

On both sailing vessels, the 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker, an adult may be accompanied by up to four children over the age of 10. On Pioneer, an adult may be accompanied by up to four children under the age of 16. 

Do all children need a ticket?
Children are required to have tickets to visit the Museum’s exhibitions and historic ships, attend programs and events, and come aboard sailing vessels. 

All passengers, including infants and children, must have tickets to enjoy the voyage aboard the 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker. Ticketed infants and children of all ages are welcome to enjoy Pioneer sails. W.O. Decker can only accommodate children ages 10 and up. 

Can I bring my children sailing?
Yes! It’s important to note that the deck space on a schooner may be more confined than what children are accustomed to, and there is not ample space for running around. Additionally, it’s good to be aware that there isn’t a shaded area for breaks from the sun. The Museum’s 90-minute 4pm Sunday daytime sail is a great option for younger children. If you would like to see if this experience is right for you or your kids, please reach out to the Museum at [email protected].

Can I bring a stroller into the Museum’s spaces?
Strollers are permitted throughout the A.A. Thomson & Co. art galleries at 213 Water Street and the first-floor Schermerhorn Row Galleries at 12 Fulton Street.

For Sailing, storage space is not available on board. Strollers can be parked at the base of the gangway when boarding Pioneer. Please note that strollers left on Pier 16 for sails will not be monitored.

When touring Wavertree and the lightship Ambrose, strollers can be parked behind the forward gangway of the 1885 tall ship Wavertree.

The Museum is not responsible for any strollers parked on the pier or left unattended.

Are wearable baby carriers permitted?
Yes. Any wearable baby carriers must be worn on the front of your body.

How do I reach the Seaport Museum?
The Seaport Museum is accessible by subway, bus, water, and car. Use the interactive map below to plan the best route for your visit.

Where can I store my bike or scooter during my visit?
To maintain a safe environment, bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, e-scooters, and other personal transportation devices are not permitted inside the Museum buildings and on board the historic ships.

At this time, no designated bike racks or storage systems are available on Museum property. If you commute via bicycle or scooter, secure your transportation in designated public areas nearby. 

What should I know about accessibility at the Seaport Museum?
South Street Seaport Museum is a campus Museum, occupying several landmarked buildings and historic ships. The Museum includes locations from Water Street to Pier 16 throughout the South Street Seaport Historic District. Traveling among Museum locations may require navigating cobblestone streets, sidewalks, a busy intersection, and a historic weathered wooden pier. Accessible bathrooms are located underneath the FDR near Pier 16.

In the event of extreme or inclement weather, access to the Museum’s historic ships and non-climate-controlled spaces may be limited. To confirm what will be available during your visit, or if you have specific questions regarding accessibility, we encourage you to contact the Museum in advance.

What should I know about the accessibility of the 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree?
Entry to Wavertree requires climbing a set of seven steps followed by an angled gangway. At the top of the gangway, there are several small steps down, and one large step down onto the main deck of the ship. On board, the main deck is fully exposed to the elements with limited opportunities for shade. Access to the interior spaces of Wavertree requires stepping over high sills. The below-deck areas of Wavertree are frequently open to visitors; you must take one flight of grating stairs to access the tween deck, and two flights of grating stairs to view the cargo hold. Visiting the upper deck, or quarterdeck, requires navigating steep, ladder-like stairs.

What should I know about the accessibility of the 1908 Lightship Ambrose?
Entry to Ambrose requires walking up an angled, mobile gangway. At the top of the gangway, you must step down to board the vessel. Visiting interior spaces and the lower decks requires stepping over high sills and navigating steep ladder-like stairs. 

What should I know about the accessibility of the exhibition galleries at 12 Fulton Street and the Program Space at 14 Fulton Street?
The first-floor galleries in Schermerhorn Row are at street level and are wheelchair accessible. The bathrooms in the gallery spaces are located on the mezzanine level; visiting the bathroom requires walking up a flight of with one handrail. Accessible bathrooms are located underneath the FDR near Pier 16 and inside 213 Water Street.

What should I know about the accessibility of the Program Space 207 Water Street, the Bowne & Co., Printing Office at 209 Water Street, and Bowne & Co. Stationers at 211 Water Street?
The preserved, historic façades of the Program Space, the Bowne & Co., Printing Office, and Bowne & Co. Stationers, the entrances are just above street level. You must navigate two steep, historic steps without handrails. The door and aisles in Bowne & Co., Stationers can accommodate wheelchairs up to 30 inches wide. These spaces do not have a public or employee bathroom. Event attendees in this space may be directed to use bathrooms at Pier 17 or in Cannon’s Walk outside of regular Museum hours.

What should I know about the accessibility of the exhibition galleries at A.A. Thomson & Co. at 213 Water Street?
The entrance to the exhibition galleries in the A.A. Thomson & Co. building is six steps above street level, with wheelchair access available via a platform lift. The lift and accessible entrance are located on the left side of the building entrance. Each of the floors with public offerings are accessible by elevator or flights of stairs with one handrail. Accessible, single stall, gender neutral bathrooms are located on floors 2–5. If you are planning a visit and would like to use the lift, please email [email protected] to arrange use.

Please note: the platform lift to the A.A. Thomson & Co. building is currently unavailable while undergoing repairs. It should be back in service soon. If you are planning a visit and would like to check the status of the lift, please email [email protected].

What should I know about the accessibility of the 1885 Schooner Pioneerand the 1930 Tugboat W.O. Decker?
Boarding both vessels requires walking a set of stairs, angled ramps, and surfaces that are moving. Boarding either Pioneer or Decker requires going up one step, walking an angled gangway ramp up and down, stepping down onto a floating dock, and then stepping across a gap from the floating dock onto the ship. Once onboard, there is bench-style seating on each vessel. Both vessels have marine toilets for emergencies only. Ticket holders are encouraged to use the nearby public restrooms on the fourth floor of Pier 17 or on the esplanade under the FDR, between piers 15 and 16, prior to the start of the trip.

Are there places to sit in the Museum?
Limited seating is available throughout the exhibition galleries and aboard the schooner Pioneer and tugboat W.O. Decker. The tall ship Wavertree and lightship Ambrose do not regularly have seating available. Leaning and sitting on the floor, decks, gangways, railing, lines, platforms, exhibition cases, or ledges is not allowed unless expressly permitted by signage or Museum personnel.

Can I bring my service animal?
Service dogs are welcome at all Museum locations. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed in the Museum galleries.

How do I make the most of my visit if I am partially sighted?
If you are partially sighted or blind you may have a more meaningful experience if you visit with a sighted companion.For more information related to your specific needs, please call (212) 748-8600 or email [email protected] with any questions or requests for accommodation.

What behavior is expected at the Seaport Museum?
Treat fellow visitors and all Museum personnel with respect and courtesy. Verbally abusive, harassing, discriminatory, or threatening language or behavior is not tolerated.

Are there any behaviors that are prohibited at the Museum?
Conduct that poses any risk to other visitors, Museum personnel, or the Museum’s collections or ships—such as running, rough play, or disruptive behavior—is prohibited.

How do I make sure to have a safe visit?
Follow all posted access and safety signage and the guidance of Museum personnel at all times.

Do not block pathways, stairs, ladders, gangways, elevators, or doorways in galleries or aboard historic ships, and do not sit on the floor or ship decks unless expressly permitted by signage or Museum personnel.

To avoid accidents, follow the instructions of Museum personnel and be aware of your surroundings to keep a safe distance from works of art, cases, platforms, and lines.

Can I touch objects on view in the exhibitions or on board the ships?
Do not touch exhibition elements, display cases, artifacts, ropes, tools, hardware, or ships unless clearly invited to do so by signage or Museum personnel. 

Am I allowed to have art supplies on my visit?
To protect the artifacts on view, as well as the historic buildings and ships, writing and sketching is only allowed using graphite pencils or graphite sticks.

You may bring a handheld notebook, clipboard, or sketchpad up to 14 x 17 inches. Use of any wall surface, pedestal, or platform to prop up work is not permitted.

Certain spaces on campus are used for educational purposes. You may be able to do certain art activities on campus for Education Programs, family activities, and more art focused programming.

Due to the sensitive nature of the objects on view, The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation exhibition on the fourth floor of the A.A. Thomson & Co. building does not allow sketching and any other art supplies on the floor.

Is there anything that I won’t be allowed to bring on my visit to the exhibition spaces, aboard the historic ships, or at onsite or off-site events?

Yes, for the safety of visitors, Museum personnel, and the artifacts, the following items are not permitted: 

• Food and drink, other than water in a resealable container, unless expressly permitted by signage or Museum personnel. Water bottle filling stations are available in A.A. Thomson & Co. at 213 Water Street.
• Large bags, suitcases, and recreational equipment as there is no storage space to accommodate these items. (Note: Purses, tote bags and backpacks are permitted.)
• Pullable kids’ wagons.
• Selfie sticks. 
• Weapons, including firearms and knives.

Is smoking allowed?
Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is not permitted throughout the Museum campus, including in the exhibition spaces, aboard the historic ships, or at onsite or off-site events.

Is there WiFi available at the Museum?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the historic buildings, galleries, and aboard the ships at Pier 16. Ships do not have WiFi while sailing. Ask Museum personnel about WiFi when you check in.

Is there a place where I can charge my phone?
Due to the historic nature of the landmarked buildings, pier, and ships, access to electric outlets is unavailable.

Can I take photos and videos during my visit?
Yes, you can take photographs or videos for personal, noncommercial use. They can only be taken with a hand-held camera or cell phone using existing lighting—flash photography and the use of external lighting equipment is not permitted.

Taking photos or videos of staff is not permitted unless you directly ask for and receive their consent.

In some cases, works on loan from other institutions or individuals may not be photographed. Such works are clearly marked.

Use of professional video cameras, tripods, or other equipment is not allowed without prior written approval of the Marketing Department.

If you share your visit on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok or Instagram tag the Museum at:

Facebook: @SouthStreetSeaportMuseum
Instagram: @seaportmuseum
Twitter: @seaportmuseum
TikTok: @seaportmuseum

Can I record on site for my influencer content or commercial use?
Yes, with prior approval. Audio or video recording and still photography are not permitted for influencer, professional, commercial, press, and media use without prior written approval. For inquiries, please email [email protected].

Can I record my fellow visitors and passengers?
No, audio or video recording and still photography are not permitted of Museum visitors within exhibition spaces, aboard the historic ships, or at onsite or off-site events, unless expressly permitted by signage or Museum personnel as well as those being recorded.

Will I be recorded during my visit?
During your visit you may be photographed, videotaped, or otherwise recorded. By visiting, you grant the Seaport Museum and its partners permission to use photographs and/or audiovisual recordings in which you appear for archival, marketing, and/or other purposes.

How can I listen to audio and video guides?
You must use personal headphones for any audio or video guides, including Bloomberg Connects. Guides cannot be played without headphones. Unauthorized audio or video playback, including the use of sound-amplifying devices or noisemakers, is not permitted unless expressly noted by signage or Museum personnel.

Is the route the same on every sail?
Tour routes are subject to change due to variables such as traffic in the harbor and weather, though captains do their best to include the sites listed.

What do I wear?
Trips on Pioneer are outdoors only, and there are no indoor areas accessible to passengers. Trips aboard W.O. Decker are mostly standing outside on the main or aft deck, but you are welcome to go inside the small cabin, which offers limited seating and space. It is best to dress for an outdoor activity for both experiences. The sun is very bright on the water so sun protection is advisable. To avoid slips and/or falls when entering or exiting and moving around the vessel, you are encouraged to wear slip resistant shoes on the trip. In addition, it is recommended to bring extra layers as it can be much cooler out on the water.

Recommend items to wear or bring:

• Sneakers or other secure non-slip shoes
• A hat that won’t blow away
• Multiple layers of clothing for changing wind and temperature conditions
• Sunscreen

Please note that, for safety, umbrellas are not permitted on board either vessel.

What about the weather?
The Museum’s vessels sail rain or shine. Every effort is made to run the trips as scheduled. In the event of inclement weather the captain may cancel a trip for safety reasons. This decision is usually made close to the boarding time as the weather can be highly variable. Museum personnel make every effort to contact ticket holders should a trip be canceled in advance. Be sure to provide day-of contact information when you register in order to receive any timely notifications.

Are food and drinks available on board?
Unless specifically noted, food and beverage are not available for purchase on board. You are invited to bring whatever snacks or meals you would like, in addition to alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages of your choosing. Distilled spirits are not permitted. It can be windy, so keep that in mind when deciding on your snacks and drinks.

The Seaport Museum works in partnership with concessionaire Cobble Fish, conveniently located right on Pier 16, just a few feet from the check-in area for both Pioneer and W.O. Decker. Cobble Fish offers grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and beverages daily, during all hours that Museum ships are operating.

How long are the voyages?
W.O. Decker’s intended voyage is an approximately 75-minute recreational trip in New York Harbor, the East River, and the lower Hudson River, embarking from and returning to Pier 16 at 89 South Street, New York, New York.

Pioneer offers voyages of approximately 90-minute and two-hour recreational trips in New York Harbor, embarking from and returning to Pier 16 at 89 South Street, New York, New York.

How adventurous are the sails?
Trips on the water are always an adventure. Weather and water conditions are among the variable factors. The captains and crew are constantly working to minimize the impact of such variables and to maintain safety as their top priority. Nonetheless, sailing and water-related activities do pose certain risks including, among other things, exposure to strong winds and high waves, and in such conditions, soaking spray is possible. By signing up for a voyage you agree to follow instructions of all crew members to make sure the experience is as safe as possible. The vessels and captains undergo a rigorous process to be certified by the United States Coast Guard.

How many other people am I sailing with?
Pioneer accommodates 35 passengers, while W.O. Decker accommodates 12 passengers.

Is the program hybrid or in-person?
The South Street Seaport Museum offers in-person-only Chantey Sings from May through November, and hybrid Chantey Sings—in-person and online via Zoom—from December through April.

How does the hybrid in-person and online format work?
Participants may join remotely over Zoom or in-person at the Seaport Museum. All attendees participate in the same simultaneous event and be able to see and hear all the featured singers who share a song in the Museum and on Zoom. Museum personnel are on site to help in-person attendees and available over Zoom to help virtual attendees.

In the Museum, there is a large screen where Zoom attendees are seen by in-person attendees. When a virtual guest is singing, the onsite microphone is muted to avoid feedback. An onsite camera and microphone live streams in-person performers over Zoom so that all Zoom participants can see and hear the performance—just as they see and hear remote song-leaders. The onsite mic also picks up the gathered guests singing along.

How do I participate in-person?
Preregistration to join the event at the Museum is encouraged. Walkups are accommodated as space allows. Any in-person attendee is welcome to lead a song during the round-robin; if you have a specific song in mind, please inform the Museum of the song title when you register.

How do I participate remotely?
When you complete your registration for the Hybrid Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music program, you receive a confirmation email that contains the Zoom link for the program.

At the time of registration, you may choose to sign up to lead a song. Due to capacity limitations, only a limited number of online participants are able to lead a song during the event. If you wish to lead a song on Zoom, provide the song title when you register. Though you can register to join the Zoom event until the start of the program, registration for leading a song on Zoom closes one week in advance.

The Zoom room for the Chantey Sing opens a few minutes before the start of the event at 2pm ET. Zoom attendees have a few minutes to greet one another but once the program begins, your microphone is muted. After that time, Zoom attendees are encouraged to use the chat feature to share comments throughout the program. Participants only unmute when they are the featured singer. When the event is over at 4pm ET, Zoom attendees have a few minutes to bid each other farewell before the Zoom ends.

Who can lead a song at an in-person program?
Everyone who attends an in-person Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music program is welcome to lead a song!

Who can lead a song in a hybrid program?
Many guests join the Chantey Sing, and in-person and Zoom song leaders are included in each hybrid event. To create an experience enjoyable for all singers, the number of remote singers is limited and set in advance. This contributes to a well-balanced yet inclusive and welcoming program.

The week before the Chantey Sing, a set list is created that combines songs from new singers, who haven’t previously led a song, returning attendees, and professionals. If there are more singers than can be accommodated, an alternate list is created. Once the set list and alternates list are complete, Museum personnel email you to confirm which list you are on. If your plans change and you are unavailable to lead a song, please email [email protected] so that an alternate can take your slot.

Are there any considerations when choosing a song to lead?
When choosing a song to share with the group, bear these ideas in mind:

• Please choose a short song. There are many attendees who would like to lead songs, and everyone deserves the opportunity to do so.
• Avoid copyright complications by choosing either a traditional song or one of your own. 
• Singers should choose lively songs with choruses so that attendees can join in. 
• All songs should be in the maritime tradition, including chanteys, forecastle songs, maritime ballads, and contemporary songs in the maritime tradition.

How do attendees deal with historical songs that have racist or misogynistic origins and themes?

• When making your selection, avoid songs with racist and misogynistic themes.
• Before the event, it is good to look into the history of a song you plan to sing so that you can better understand whether the song has racist or misogynistic origins and themes. 
• Some people change lyrics to better reflect today’s world, some leave out verses, and some skip particular songs altogether.
• When these songs are sung, the group discusses the history of the song together.
• Participants may weigh in and all attendees have the opportunity to be enlarged by the discussion.

How long has the Seaport Museum been hosting Chantey Sings?
The Seaport Museum has been hosting Chantey Sings for over half a century, beginning under the street lamps on the pier, and later aboard the tall ship Peking. After Hurricane Sandy, the Chantey Sings were paused, returning aboard the tall ship Wavertree in May 2019. In May 2020, the Chantey Sing moved to a Zoom format, joined by hundreds of singers from across the street, across the country, and across the pond. In-person programs onboard Wavertree returned in Spring 2022.