Discover the world aboard the Great Liners, where Third Class immigrants endured tough voyages in cramped lower decks while First Class American passengers traveled in luxury, in the South Street Seaport Museum’s new exhibition, open June 23.
Millions: Migrants and Millionaires aboard the Great Liners, 1900-1914 explores the dynamic between First and Third Class as they traveled to and from New York Harbor during one of America’s greatest waves of immigration. Viewers will learn about daily passenger life aboard the liners, how the journey differed for wealthy American vacationers and poor European immigrants, and the importance of immigration in American and local New York history.
“Third Class Passengers attempting to embark with First or Second Class Passengers will not be received on board”
The exhibition is curated by William Roka, Historian, and Michelle Kennedy, Collections and Curatorial Assistant, at the Seaport Museum and features original and reproduced artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection.
Look at original memorabilia and luggage trunks from ship passengers, view films about immigrants and ocean liners at the turn of the 20th century, and watch master woodcarver Deborah Mills recreate a piece of wood paneling from the RMS Mauretania. Lectures and public programs for all ages will also take place throughout the exhibition.
Visitors can explore the exhibition Wednesday-Sunday from 11am-7pm in the Museum’s mezzanine gallery level, located at 12 Fulton St.. The exhibition is included with Museum admission: free for Museum members, $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors and $6 for children ages 2-17. Tickets can be purchased online (www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org) or in person.