South Street Seaport Museum Announces Unearthing New York: 60 Years of Archaeological Discovery

South Street Seaport Museum announces Unearthing New York: Marking 60 Years of Archaeological Discovery, set for November 14, 2026 at 3pm at 213 Water Street. Sign up here.

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 andProfessional 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.

Enjoy More That the Museum Offers

Access to the historic ships and exhibitions on view is not included with your ticket to this event. 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. General Admission is available Wednesday through Sunday, from 11am to 5pm and brings you aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16, and into all current exhibitions on view in the first-floor Schermerhorn Row galleries at 12 Fulton Street. Your ticket also sets you on course to explore Maritime City, the Seaport Museum’s immersive, three-floor exhibition at A.A. Thomson & Co., located at 213 Water Street. seaportmuseum.org/admission

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 South Street Seaport Museum

The South Street Seaport Museum, located in the heart of the historic seaport district in New York City, preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city. Founded in 1967, the Museum houses an extensive collection of works of art and artifacts, a maritime reference library, exhibition galleries and education spaces, working 19th century print shops, and an active fleet of historic vessels that all work to tell the story of “Where New York Begins.” seaportmuseum.org

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