Author: Jamie Aronson

The South Street Seaport Museum (SSSM), along with The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) have announced $4.8 million in federal funds for the renovation of SSSM’S Water Street properties as an education and community space.

This is all made possible thanks to a grant from LMDC, which is funded through Community Development Block Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer told The National Maritime Historical Society that, “The South Street Seaport is where New York City began.” These funds will help ensure the museum’s “long term vitality and ability to provide appropriate space for its extraordinary programming.”

Captain Jonathan Boulware, the Museum’s Executive Director, is thrilled that the LMDC is supporting the Seaport Museum saying, “This grant will support the renovation and activation of the Seaport Museum’s historic buildings in support of its education and community programs. Together with significant restorations of our ships, these new spaces will form the basis for outstanding programming.”

The South Street Seaport Museum, located on 12 Fulton Street, engages visitors in the history of the port city of New York, where goods, labor and cultures are exchanged through work, commerce and the interaction of diverse communities. Using artifacts, historic ships and the buildings of the district themselves, the museum programs shine a light historical New York while keeping it exciting and interactive.

With such close access to Pace University students, as well as elementary school kids, there is no doubt these renovations will attract curious new visitors with a newfound appreciation for New York.

-Jamie Aronson