Sinister Secrets of the Seaport tells the scandalous, dubious, and sinister tales lurking in the cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and waterfront.
South Street Seaport Museum will present Sinister Secrets of the Seaport, a 90-minute walking tour that takes participants on a winding journey to unravel the darker past of the South Street Seaport Historic District and Lower Manhattan. One of "The Best Things to do in NYC" (Time Out), tours continue through September!
Created with support from the Alliance for Downtown New York's Walking Tour Incubator program, Sinister Secrets of the Seaport tells the scandalous, dubious, and sinister tales lurking in the cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and waterfront. Throughout this interactive tour, your guide will share historical stories ripped from the headlines of newspapers and publications from the 1790s to the 1990s. These dark tales, delivered in an entertaining and lighthearted manner, provide a new perspective on the history of the area that helped to make New York a global metropolis. You'll also be able to test your "Ear for Crime" in an interactive game throughout the walk. seaportmuseum.org/sinister-secrets
"Sinister Secrets takes on the scandalous, dubious and sinister tales lurking throughout this historic district. While many stories come from the area's crime heyday in the 1800s, some stories stretch back to the 1790s and others up to the 1990s. It's grim subject matter, of course, but it's delivered in a lighthearted way. You'll never see the Seaport in the same way again. These tours make for a memorable afternoon in a historic neighborhood." - Time Out New York
"Guests at the South Street Seaport who expect a stuffy museum tour filled with boring facts are in for a surprise when they sign up for the Seaport Museum's 'Sinister Secrets of the Seaport' tour of the historic district in Lower Manhattan...[The tour guide] is entertaining and engaging when he talks about the area's dark past. The sinister, dubious, and sometimes scandalous stories are ripped from the headlines of newspapers and publications from the 1790s to the 1990s and tell a tale about murder, arson... blackmail, and illegal animal fights. The stories involve prominent business people, scorned husbands, New York politicians, crooks, and organized crime-" - AMNY
Meet your tour guide at Ryan Maguire's Bar & Restaurant, at 28 Cliff Street, where one happy hour drink or soft drink is included in your registration for the tour. Arrive up to 30 minutes early and be treated to a few scandalous stories inspired by the historical images on view at the bar.
Registration is required. Tours are rain or shine. Content is appropriate for fans of true crime stories, those who are looking for unique New York experience, and history-buffs aged 13 and up. Tickets are $40 for adults, with discounts available for Seaport Museum members, seniors, students, and youth. Please note that the tour requires walking approximately one mile and some stops on this tour require walking up and down small flights of stairs. This tour takes place exclusively outdoors, so make sure to dress accordingly!
Tour Dates through September 2024:
Saturday, August 3, 2:30-4pm
Wednesday, August 7, 6:30-8pm
Saturday, August 10, 2:30-4pm
Sunday, August 11, 2:30-4pm
Wednesday, August 14, 6:30-8p
Saturday, August 24, 2:30-4pm
Sunday, August 25, 2:30-4pm
Saturday, August 31, 2:30-4pm
Sunday, September 1, 2:30-4pm
Wednesday, September 4, 6-7:30pm
Monday, September 9, 6-7:30pm
Saturday, September 14, 2:30-4pm
Sunday, September 15, 2:30-4pm
Saturday, September 21, 2:30-4pm
Sunday, September 22, 2:30-4pm
Monday, September 30, 6-7:30pm
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