Ever wondered what immigrant life was like back in the day? The Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side is a fabulous educational destination.
With the rate that New York is evolving and constructing, it’s amazing how gems like the Lower East Side Tenement Museum at 97 Orchard Street are still intact. That’s precisely the point of this educational building, which “preserves and interprets the history of immigration” for over 44,000 NYC kids a year. Open to the public every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, the Tenement Museum boasts recreated tenements – the lowly living quarters for much of America’s early immigrants. Get a glimpse of how they lived and learn about the problems they faced. Currently 6 apartments have been restored which accurately reflect the life of those who lived in them.
About 7,000 people are estimated to have lived in 97 Orchard between 1863 and 1935, and 1,300 have been confirmed. That’s a whole lot of folks!
Visitors can take a guided tour of the apartments as well as a walking tour around the neighborhood. Explore daily life and the history of of the Lower East Side with in depth exposition by a super-knowledgeable tour guide.
Interestingly enough, the museum hosts workshops that teach English to new immigrants using the history of old immigrants. They also offer readings, discussions and performances in the Museum Shop to engage visitors further.
Check out their site before heading over for a tour to impress your tour guide with your newfound knowledge. Tours begin and end at 103 Orchard, the Visitor Center and Museum Shop. Check out the schedule to buy your tickets in advance.
THE VISITOR CENTER
& MUSEUM SHOP
103 Orchard Street
New York, NY
(212) 982-8420
Let Seastreak take you into Manhattan in 21st century style. If you’re interested in more tours, check out our sightseeing cruise which passes the Statue of Liberty.
Sea you soon,
The Seastreak Family
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Filed Under: Tenement Museum