10/18/2025
Happy International Archaeology Day! Today is a celebration of archaeology and its contributions to society. Every October the Archaeological Institute of America and archaeological organizations around the world present archaeological programs and activities for people of all ages and interests.
Did you know that Lower Manhattan is New York’s richest archaeological area, and a mecca for anyone who wants to study the past using the objects people have left behind underground? The Seaport Museum has a long history of documenting, preserving, and sharing such important heritage and today you can come see some of our archaeological artifacts on view in the exhibition Maritime City.
These tiny bottles, for example, are part of a larger collection of 48 bottles donated to the Museum in 2019 by Chrysalis Archaeology that were unearthed near 65 Fulton Street between 2009 and 2016. Notice the words “New York” or a single “R,” “M,” or “P” inscribed on the side of the green or aqua bottles. These marks provide information about the manufacturer or who might have used these bottles.
Discover even more about New York’s past by visiting the Museum today, Saturday, October 18, when the Professional Archaeologists of New York will join us for an afternoon of engaging presentations—Archaeology of the Maritime City: Stories from the Depths. Come hear directly from the experts!
🎟️: Free, bit.ly/archaeology-seaport
Image: “Ink and mucilage bottles excavated along Fulton Street between Ryders Alley and Cliff Street”, ca. 1860s-1880s. Gift of Chrysalis Archaeology 2019.006
