At a Glance
Time Needed: 75 min.
Ages: 5+
Allows Food/Drink: No
Luggage Storage: No
103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 Get Directions
Tenement Museum Tours Videos
Most family names were not changed at Ellis Island, but many immigrants—and their children—changed their names at some point. Tenement Museum President Annie Polland hosts historian Kirsten Fermaglich to debunk the myth of Ellis Island name changing and more importantly, to explore the fascinating naming—and renaming—traditions of some of our own tenement families, and perhaps your own, across various cultures.
Our tenement at 97 Orchard is over 160 years old, and we’ve been telling its story for close to forty years. And yet every day, visitors ask new questions, prompting new research and new programs. This trio of virtual programs explores frequently asked questions about tenement architecture and social, cultural, and political history, from “Is that a fireplace?” to “Why did people change their names?” to “How did immigrants form an ethnic-American identity?” Join tenement staff and special experts to explore these FAQs and add your own questions to the mix! What is a tenement anyway? How did they get built, and what features did they have? For our first public program of the year, historic preservationist and architect Andrew Dolkart takes us back to tenement basics with a virtual architectural tour of 97 Orchard Street. Learn how a gas jet, a toilet, and faded wallpaper shed light on American history.
How did the model minority stereotype arise, and what does the existence of this stereotype tell us about American history? Join a discussion with Tenement Museum Vice President of Programs Kat Lloyd and historian Ellen Wu to explore how Chinese Americans navigated the post-Chinese Exclusion period and discuss how World War II and the Civil Rights Movement shaped what it means to be American for immigrants and their children. VISIT: Get your tickets now for on-site building and walking tours, available daily at: https://www.tenement.org/tours/ REGISTER for our upcoming free public virtual programs: https://www.tenement.org/events/ DONATE to support the Tenement Museum: https://www.tenement.org/donate/
Devoted watchers of The Gilded Age know it explores a rarely depicted elite Black professional community in 19th century New York City. We will bring to life the world of Black women in New York—from tenements to brownstones—through primary source materials and conversation—with Denée Benton of The Gilded Age, historian Leslie Harris, The Tenement Museum’s Marquis Taylor, and WNYC’s Alison Stewart. Presented by the Tenement Museum and WNYC. DONATE to support more public programs like this at the Tenement Museum: https://www.tenement.org/donate-virtual-programs/ VISIT: Get your tickets now for on-site building and walking tours, available daily at: https://www.tenement.org/tours/ SUBSCRIBE to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKhJvFvNWyOS7sVSiHyX3IA/?sub_confirmation=1 The Tenement Museum’s public programs are made possible with support from the National Park Service, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State on the Arts. These programs are also made possible with the generous support of Tenement Museum members and donors.
Peek behind-the-scenes as our collections manager, Lana Dubin showcases the latest additions to our 'Union of Hope: 1869' exhibit, bringing the story of young Louis Mundy and his family to life. Check out our tour to learn more about them - https://www.tenement.org/tour/a-union-of-hope-1869/?tour_date=2024-08-28
Where did tenement residents spend their time when they weren't at home? Join us on a walking tour through the historic public spaces and landmarks that shaped New York's diverse communities in the 19th and early 20th centuries. From the Daily Forward Building to Seward Park, uncover the vibrant history of identity, advocacy, and cultural exchange. Check out the link to learn more about our walking tour "Outside the Home": https://www.tenement.org/tour/outside-the-home/?tour_date=2024-08-23
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Tenement Museum Tours News
The New York Philharmonic will present New York Stories: Threads of Our City, January 14-27, 2019, two weeks of concerts and events examining New York City's roots as a city of immigrants. It will center on the World Premiere of Julia Wolfe's Fire in my mouth, co-commissioned by the New York Philharmonic, which reflects on the New York garment industry at the turn of the 20th century and the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which killed 146 garment workers, most of them young immigrants. New York Stories: Threads of Our City will also feature a program of new chamber music by composers influenced by their time in America; a special guided tour of the Tenement Museum featuring Philharmonic musicians; an archival exhibit featuring materials from the New York Philharmonic Archives, The Forward, the Museum of the City of New York, and the National Archives at New York City; and a free Insights at the Atrium event.
Tenement Museum Tours Frequently Asked Questions
The closest subway stops to the Tenement Museum Tours at 103 Orchard St in New York City are:
1. Delancey St - Essex St (F, M, J, Z lines): This subway stop is just a short walk away from the museum. You can take the F, M, J, or Z trains to reach this station.
2. Grand St (B, D lines): Another option is to take the B or D trains to the Grand St station, which is also within walking distance of the museum.
Both of these subway stops provide convenient access to the Tenement Museum, allowing you to easily explore the Lower East Side neighborhood.
While you're in the area, I recommend checking out some other nearby attractions and dining options. Here are a few recommendations:
1. Katz's Delicatessen: A famous Jewish deli located at 205 E Houston St, just a few blocks away from the museum. They're known for their delicious pastrami sandwiches and pickles. [Visit their website](https://katzsdelicatessen.com/) for more information.
2. The Pickle Guys: If you're a pickle lover, make sure to stop by The Pickle Guys at 49 Essex St. They offer a wide variety of pickles and other preserved goodies. [Check them out here](https://www.pickleguys.com/).
3. Economy Candy: A nostalgic candy store located at 108 Rivington St, where you can find all kinds of sweet treats from your childhood. [Learn more here](https://economycandy.com/).
4. Essex Market: A vibrant food market with a variety of vendors offering delicious food and drinks. It's located at 88 Essex St, just a short walk from the museum. [Explore their website](https://www.essexmarket.nyc/) for more details.
Please note that subway schedules and routes may change, so it's always a good idea to check for any updates or service changes before your visit. You can find the most up-to-date information on the [MTA website](http://www.mta.info/). Enjoy your visit to the Tenement Museum and have a fantastic time exploring the Lower East Side!
The closest bus stops to the Tenement Museum Tours at 103 Orchard St in New York City are:
1. Delancey St/Essex St: This bus stop is served by the M9, M14A, and M14D buses. You can check for updates on bus schedules and routes on the MTA Bus Time website.
2. Allen St/Delancey St: This bus stop is served by the M15 and M15 SBS buses. You can find the latest bus updates on the MTA Bus Time website.
Please note that bus schedules and routes may be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your visit.
The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to the Tenement Museum Tours in New York City depends on the type of tour you choose. The museum offers several different tours, each with its own duration.
For the "Shop Life" tour, which explores the history of immigrant entrepreneurship, you should plan for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This tour takes you through a recreated 19th-century German saloon and a 1930s kosher butcher shop.
If you opt for the "Sweatshop Workers" tour, which focuses on the garment industry, you should allocate about 1 hour and 15 minutes as well. This tour takes you through the cramped living and working spaces of garment workers.
For the "Hard Times" tour, which delves into the struggles faced during the Great Depression, you should plan for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This tour explores the lives of the Moore family, who lived in the tenement during this challenging period.
The "Under One Roof" tour, which highlights the experiences of three different families who lived in the building from the 1950s to the 2000s, lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
If you're interested in a more immersive experience, the "Tenement Museum: Behind the Scenes" tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. This tour takes you to areas not typically accessible to the public and provides a deeper understanding of the museum's operations.
Overall, I would recommend allocating at least 1 hour and 15 minutes for a visit to the Tenement Museum Tours. However, if you have the time and interest, exploring multiple tours or opting for the "Behind the Scenes" tour can offer a more comprehensive experience.
The Tenement Museum Tours in New York City does not allow food or drinks during the tours. This policy is in place to ensure the preservation and protection of the historic artifacts and spaces within the museum. However, there are plenty of dining options available in the surrounding Lower East Side neighborhood where you can enjoy a delicious meal before or after your visit to the museum. From trendy cafes to traditional delis, there's something to satisfy every palate. Just be sure to plan your dining accordingly and enjoy your visit to the Tenement Museum!
The Tenement Museum in New York City does not have a luggage storage facility on site. Due to limited space and security concerns, they are unable to accommodate large bags or suitcases. However, there are several luggage storage options available nearby, including several businesses that specialize in providing secure storage for travelers. Some popular options include LuggageHero, Schwartz Luggage Storage, and Vertoe. These services allow you to safely store your belongings while you explore the museum and the surrounding area. Just remember to check their operating hours and fees before dropping off your bags.
Yes, the Tenement Museum Tours in New York City are definitely worth visiting for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. The museum offers a variety of guided tours that explore the history and experiences of immigrants in New York City. These tours are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Italian, among others. The knowledgeable guides provide a fascinating and immersive experience, sharing stories and insights that resonate with people from all backgrounds. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience in New York City, the Tenement Museum Tours are a must-visit attraction.
The Tenement Museum Tours in New York City are suitable for visitors of all ages. However, it is important to note that the content of the tours is geared towards older children and adults. Younger children may not fully appreciate or understand the historical significance of the museum. If you are visiting with younger children, it is recommended to opt for the "Sweatshop Workers" or "Meet Victoria Confino" tours, which are specifically designed for families with children aged 5 and up. These tours provide a more interactive and engaging experience for younger visitors. Overall, the Tenement Museum offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages, so don't hesitate to include it in your itinerary!
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