South Street Seaport Museum

Tucked between two striking sculptures that frame the story of the Americas, this Manhattan institution showcases centuries of Native heritage through thoughtfully curated galleries housed in a landmark building that commands attention the moment you walk in. The Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House provides an elegant setting near Battery Park, and wandering through these corridors—especially peaceful during the quieter winter months—you'll encounter thousands of artifacts, textiles, recordings, and artistic pieces that bring multiple perspectives and voices to life. Best of all, there's no admission fee to experience it. Families find plenty here to explore together, from regular film screenings and live music performances to dance presentations that keep things engaging beyond the galleries. Educators can tap into their lending library of classroom materials organized by region and tribal nation, making it accessible for lessons at every grade level. The entire operation carries a genuine commitment to sharing what they've collected, ensuring visitors of all backgrounds find something meaningful. Whether you're planning a school group visit, a winter afternoon with relatives, or just looking for an enriching experience that won't strain your budget, this museum delivers both education and a deeper understanding of the lands and peoples that shaped this country.

Nothing has shaped the world quite the same as sports. On the heart of Broadway in Manhattan sits the illustrious National Sports Museum which is dedicated to featuring the celebration of sports and the impact it has had on our culture and our lives. Inside this technologically advanced structure is an amazing assortment of interactive exhibitions, in-depth retail areas and some of the finest dining in all of New York. The center attraction begins with the immersion theater which is a 360-degree display that shows a presentation on the history and progression of sports. As visitors continue on, they will find themselves in a variety of different exhibits dealing with every major sport imaginable. You will get to see a historical timeline of the individual sports as well as video presentations on what makes that sport so great. Another feature of the National Sports Museum is the exploration of the perfect athlete. The museum presents the mental, physical and psychological preparation that goes into becoming a great athlete. Through the science, the presentation and the sheer charisma that this building produces, the National Sports Museum is a landmark in New York and one of the single best experiences available to sports fans today.

What speaks to American Freedom quite like the Statue of Liberty? Liberty Island, right off the coast of Manhattan, hosts this world famous landmark that has been featured as an American symbol of freedom for generations. Inside the statue itself is an amazing museum experience unlike anything in the world. This Lower Manhattan museum has an extensive collection of the history behind the statue and offers an insight into the hows and whys of the construction of the monument. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the various chambers of the statue and gaze upon the many exhibits including looks at some of the dismantled original pieces such as the original torch which is now inside. An added attraction is the Ranger tours which take visitors around the island itself while enlightening and explaining the immense wealth of knowledge associated with the statue. Although closed through Summer 2012 due to renovation, visitors can still see many of the museum’s pieces including the special American Chopper “Liberty Bike” now housed in a special outdoor exhibit. No trip to New York is complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty and of course the Statue of Liberty Museum.

Just steps from the "Charging Bull" sculpture, Battery Park and The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation and walking distance from many favorite New York City attractions, lays the home of the greatest tribute to skyscrapers of NYC. Celebrating the great architectural history of the city and boasting many scale models this Manhattan museum houses a vast resource of information in print and via computers, chronicling the architecture, building styles and techniques used to create the great hub that is New York. Saturday mornings are all about family, with a rotating schedule of enticing events that families are sure to enjoy. Explore the principles of urbanism, architecture, and engineering through hands-on activities, a great way to get the family together to learn really intriguing facts and functions. The Skyscraper Museum also shares a building with the Ritz Carlton; so, after your fun-filled day you will surely want to stop by Crumbs Bake Shop and get yourself a taste of awesomeness offering a wide variety of flavors to satisfy any sweet tooth. The s'Mores cupcake will definitely leave you longing for s'more to take home and enjoy! Leave the area satisfied that you have learned most everything about the buildings that surround and captivate you.

The Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust honors those who died by celebrating their lives - cherishing the civilization that they built, their achievements and faith, their joys and hopes, and the vibrant Jewish community that is their legacy today. <br><br> In the Museum's core exhibition, personal objects, photographs, and original films illustrate the story of Jewish heritage in the twentieth century. The Museum's unique collection forms the solid foundation of this important archive, a significant educational resource for students, teachers, and scholars. In addition, the collection provides source materials for permanent and temporary exhibitions, and for traveling exhibitions.

From Battery Park, you can take the ferry across to the famous Ellis Island Immigration Museum. You will be astounded by the wealth of information they have. Make sure you check out the American Family Immigration History Center where you can access passenger records. A great sense of pride comes with finding out about your family’s history by accessing this great interactive exhibit. The museum is also currently featuring a special exhibit in the west wing “The Spirit of America” Gibson Les Paul guitar is up on display. Made of artifacts preserved during the centennial restoration of the island, this exhibit is an amazing mixture of art, culture and beauty. Wood grain details from the preserved steps and doors of the main building really catch the eye, while the copper inlay is composed of copper preserved from the Statue of Liberty National Monument. While the creators seem to use the universal language of music to send a message of freedom and convey a great sense of pride for the land we call America. Visit often during the year to experience some of the most intriguing New York museums and culture. You may find you can spend a whole day lost in history at this one of-a-kind museum.<br>

Money - to think of America and New York City, is to think of money. No other single object has been such a driving force for power and prestige than money. The Museum of American Finance houses a collaborative history celebrating money and the American free-enterprise system. Walking into the brass and concrete entrance you will see several displays focused on the growth of American commerce and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Visitors have the opportunity to look at many of the economic issues that have faced America, including exhibits dedicated to the history of money and the stock market. Spring 2012 brings two new exhibits to the museum. “Checks & Balances” focuses on the presidential side of economic security and the issues each president has faced. The second exhibit is the credit crisis which focuses on the bottoming of the stock market in 2007 and displays the vast change that resulted in the American financial institution over the last few years. The Museum of American Finance, Manhattan, is a unique perspective into a hub of the United States. If you wish to understand more about money and the desire to better the economy, then definitely make a stop in here.