What are Those Anchors on Water Street? |
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J. Rich Steers, Inc., pulled out a ca. 1850 iron anchor from the East River. South Street Seaport Museum Archives H14-0045 |
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It's not unusual to see large anchors on lawns or other outdoor public spaces. Many maritime museums, lighthouses, and historic houses close to the water proudly show large objects like these, either as romantic nautical motif decorations, or as historical markers.
In our recent Collections Chronicles blog, our Director of Collections explains a brief history of anchors, the provenance of the two mid-late 19th century anchors we have on display outdoors on Water Street, and their care.
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Soon May the Wellerman Come |
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“Flenser”, 19th century, iron. Seamen's Bank for Savings Collection, South Street Seaport Museum 1991.072.0232 |
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With #SeaShanties entering the internet zeitgeist, we thought we would take a look at the lyrics of "Soon May the Wellerman Come," specifically at the mention of "tonguing," the process of removing whale blubber, which is done with a flenser.
This flenser is from our extensive collection of tools of the work of the Port of New York and its related trades. You can learn more about flensing, and this tool and its use, at the link below.
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Virtual Programming at the Seaport Museum |
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Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music |
Ready to sing a chorus or two of "Wellerman" yourself? Or maybe just listen in as people from around the world share sea songs and maritime music?
Sign up for the next installment of our sea song sing-along that includes a virtual look at objects from our collection. If you would like to lead a song, please register at least a week in advance. The next session is Sunday, February 7.
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Highlights From Our Social Media Channels |
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#BernieMittens
We had a welcome moment of levity watching Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders show up in our feeds sitting in some unlikely places outside of some of our favorite institutions.
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Unique Ephemera
This very narrow booklet is a specialized instrument for documenting passengers from the liner SS Edam.
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New York Never Stops
Even an icy river in the dead of winter wouldn't stop these McAllister Tugs from completing their task.
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#IsolationType
Our mood as we enter 2021 is hopeful and excited for a fresh start.
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National Handwriting Day
Check out these postcards that are great examples of the many pieces of handwritten ephemera in our collection.
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Nesbitt's Wood Type
We love this old advertisement for what was once New York's largest job-printer.
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Our Campaign to Save the Seaport Museum |
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This pandemic has dealt our beloved city a terrible blow, the full extent of which is still unclear. As New Yorkers, we have faith that the city will rebound as it has time and again. For a city that constantly reinvents itself, there must—there will—be a bright future.
Our Campaign—Our City, Our Seaport—is engaging our friends and neighbors to save the South Street Seaport Museum.
Read this article that ran in amNY which highlights the benefits the South Street Seaport Museum could receive as a result of a plan put forth in the district. Chief among these are elements that would help provide for the Museum’s long term sustainability as well as for reopening Museum galleries.
Stop by ourcityourseaport.org for news and updates, click the button below to sign up for campaign updates, or text SEAPORTMUSEUM to 22828 |
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Become a member of the South Street Seaport Museum and get unlimited admission, invitations to special events, and great discounts year-round. Memberships start at $50 and directly make it possible for us to present both virtual and in-person programming, whether online or outdoors.
Join today to help support the Museum’s exhibitions, preserve the ships and the collections, grow public programs, and serve over 12,000 students annually through education initiatives. Availability of some benefits is subject to temporary COVID-19 restrictions, but your support will truly go a long way to ensuring that the Museum weathers this storm.
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Join, renew, or buy a membership for a friend today! |
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Follow us on social media and keep an eye out for upcoming digital object-of-the-month features and posts that will help you find your #MuseumMomentofZen
Not on social media? Not a problem!
No account needed, our content is open and available to all. Simply click the buttons below to visit our pages. Bookmark us if you'd like to find us later.
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The South Street Seaport Museum preserves and interprets the origins and growth of New York City as a world port, a place where goods, labor, and cultures are exchanged through work, commerce, and the interaction of diverse communities. |
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Header Image: Brig Sun Off Castle Garden, ca. 1850, by James Edward Butterswoth (1817-1849). Peter A. and Jack R. Aron Collection, South Street Seaport Museum 1991.068.0036
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