South Street Seaport Museum announces today that in-person chantey sings will continue through Sunday November 2! Starting on Sunday December 7 the Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music program will take place in the hybrid format which allows attendees to join from anywhere—in-person at the Museum or online via Zoom. For more information visit seaportmuseum.org/in-person-chantey-sing
In-Person Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music
Come aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree to enjoy the monthly sea-song sing along! Each session is hosted by a local artist who leads the group through a variety of traditional maritime work songs and ballads. Throughout the event attendees of all skill levels are welcome to take the stage for this round-robin where you can sing and share the chantey of your choice. Attendees are encouraged to sing along with the chorus but you can feel free to just sit back and enjoy the music.
Preregistration is encouraged. Walkups will be accommodated as possible. If you have a specific song that you would like to sing in mind please inform us of the song title when you register. This event takes place rain or shine. In the event of rain the event is moved from the main deck to an indoor location on the ship.
Upcoming Schedule of In-Person Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music
Sunday October 5 2025 2–4pm
Sunday November 2 2025 2–4pm
What is a Chantey Sing?
Old-time sailors on long voyages spent months living together in close quarters with no outside entertainment no new people to interact with a monotonous diet and each day pretty much just like the day before. How did they keep their spirits up? Singing together! Work songs and fun songs story songs and nonsense songs songs of nostalgia and songs of up-to-the-moment news—all were part of the repertoire onboard. At South Street Seaport Museum the chantey tradition lives on.
“Sea chanteys fit in beautifully with the New York tradition” says Laura Norwitz Seaport Museum Senior Director of Program and Education. “Sailing ships were a melting pot of languages and cultures and chanteys and forecastle songs along with hard work and shared challenges helped sailors merge into one community. When we sing these songs today—some old and some updated with up-to-the-moment lyrics—we celebrate our connection with our maritime heritage and also with the community we create by enjoying home-made music together.”
About the 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree
Wavertree was built at Southampton England in 1885 and after a 24-year sailing career and circumnavigating the globe at least three times is now the last remaining iron-hulled three-masted full-rigged cargo ship. Today Wavertree is visited by guests of all ages from around the globe and serves as the centerpiece of the “Street of Ships” at the Seaport Museum. She was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 13 1978 and symbolizes the profound influence of sailing ships their intrepid sailors and the bustling waterfront in shaping New York City into a modern metropolis. As a historic vessel with a fascinating past Wavertree embodies the rich maritime heritage that played a pivotal role in transforming South Street into the vibrant heart of “Where New York Begins.” seaportmuseum.org/about-wavertree
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree at Pier 16 is included with this event. Access to the additional historic ships and exhibitions on view is not included with this event. If you would like to explore more that the Museum has to offer book in advance or ask Museum staff about admission tickets available Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm when you check in. Museum admission tickets grant access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16 as well as all current exhibitions on view in the introduction galleries inside Schermerhorn Row located at 12 Fulton Street. Admission tickets also include entry to the new Maritime Cityexhibition in A.A. Thomson & Co. located at 213 Water Street. seaportmuseum.org/admission
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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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Tall Ship Wavertree, South Street Seaport Museum, 89 South St, New York, NY 10038, United States
