It might not be one of the big museums that get the lion's share of spotlight and visitors, but South Street Seaport has been keeping it real for half a century and showing us what it used to be like in ye olde New York. For its 50th birthday, enjoy complimentary admissions, letterpress printing demos, live music, special ceremony and more. The highlight will be stepping aboard the museum's own fleet of 6 gorgeously restored, historic ships.

• South St Seaport Museum 50th Anniversary Details