Beyond the Horizon Black History & Maritime Heritage Class

New York City, New York

Beyond the Horizon Black History & Maritime Heritage Class

New York City, New York

0 (0)

Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Overview

Explore the powerful legacy of Black mariners in this engaging class that traces their influence from ancient trade routes to modern maritime leadership. Join Ben “Moody” Harney—founder of MotherShuckers and NYC’s go-to oyster expert—for a deep dive into the overlooked contributions of Black mariners!

🛶 Step into the legacy of Black coastal communities and learn how maritime trade shaped early civilizations—plus get hands-on with oyster shucking guided by Ben “Moody” Harney
📜 Hear about pioneers like Captain Hugh Mulzac and Paul Cuffe, who pushed boundaries in the maritime world
🌍 Trace the roots of global trade built on oysters, shells, and ingenuity across continents
🚢 Discover how today’s Black maritime professionals are redefining the future—one tide at a time

Full description

Learn about centuries of untold history in this engaging class on Black contributions to the maritime world. From ancient coastal communities to today’s industry trailblazers, this experience sheds light on the innovations, leadership, and resilience of Black mariners across time. Discover how early African traders used maritime routes for commerce, how shell mounds reveal stories of resourceful communities, and how seafarers like Captain Hugh Mulzac and Paul Cuffe helped shape maritime history.
Perfect for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone curious about the intersection of Black heritage and the sea, this class dives deep into forgotten narratives and modern progress. Learn about pre-colonial African voyages to the Americas, the rise of Black professionals in today’s maritime fields, and the enduring impact of pioneers who changed the course of history—both literally and figuratively.

Availability

When do I choose a date?

After purchase, you can request your preferred dates and times by following the instructions in the email you receive. If it's a gift, the recipient will also get an email with booking instructions.

Year-Round,
Once per month, typically on Friday evenings at 6:00pm or 7:00pm

Practical information

Any restrictions to participate?

Age: Must be 16 years or older
Experience level: All levels are welcome
Who can you accommodate for?
Children: This is not an experience for children under 16
Individuals with disabilities: Accessibility at Pier57 may vary; please contact in advance for specific accommodation needs.
Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed
What to expect on the day of the experience?
Duration:
40 minutes of history
40 minutes of shucking instruction
What’s included:
40-minute deep-dive into Black maritime history
40-minute interactive component exploring cultural and historical narratives
Led by knowledgeable facilitators passionate about Black history and maritime culture
Group discussion and Q&A
Who will be present: A trained instructor will guide the group; up to 20 participants may join the session
Spectators: No spectators are allowed; all participants must be registered
Photo/ video: Personal photos are welcome
Specific rules to follow: Participants must follow all safety instructions during the shucking portion
How to prepare?
Weather dependency: This is an indoor experience
Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance
Parking: Paid parking may be available near Pier57; public transportation is recommended
What to wear: Comfortable attire is recommended; aprons or protective gear may be provided for shucking
What to bring: Bring a valid ID and your confirmation details
Restrooms/ lockers/ changing rooms: Restrooms are available at the venue
Anything else I should know before going on this experience?
A minimum of 5 participants is required for the class to run; the provider may reschedule if the minimum is not met

Returns, exchanges and cancellation

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 15 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds or rescheduling are allowed once the experience is booked.

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