Learn about the history of Lower Manhattan and Congregation Shearith Israel on a historic walk to the oldest Jewish Cemetery in the USA.

In 1654, 23 Sephardic Jews escaping the Inquisition in Recife, Brazil, landed in Dutch New Amsterdam and asked Peter Stuyvesant to let them settle there. He initially refused, but was “persuaded” by his investors at the Dutch West India Company to comply. As more Jews arrived, they founded Congregation Shearith Israel in 1655, the first Jewish Congregation in the United States.

Join us with historian Bradley Shaw as he expands on the history of Lower Manhattan, the Two Bridges neighborhood, and this fabled religious organization on a historic walk to the “Jews Burying Ground,” the oldest Jewish Cemetery in the United States. Learn about little known history of the block where the cemetery is located, the people buried within, and the area around Chatham Square.

As it is a private ancient religious site and not open to the public, we will NOT enter the cemetery during this tour.

Please note that all participants must adhere to the Museum’s COVID-19-related policies. You can view our full COVID-19 policy here.

More details about where you will be meeting and other safety guidelines will be available in your email confirmation.

12 Eldridge Street Map
212-219-0302