On April 14, 1912, the Titanic hit an iceberg and became one of the greatest maritime tragedies of all time. The survivors would arrive in New York a few days later, right here in our neighborhood at the once-great Pier 54 of the original Chelsea Piers complex. What would the passengers of these great liners have seen and experienced? Today, it’s reborn as a beautiful site for recreation after decades of decay, but over a hundred years ago, the Hudson River waterfront was the place where New York cemented its place as one of the world’s greatest cities. Cargo, commuters, and international passengers jostled with dock workers, freighters, ferries, railroads, and giant ocean liners. Join us for a walking tour along the waterfront to explore how this dynamic waterfront worked in the age of the Titanic, Lusitania, and other floating palaces that once docked there.

About Your Guide:

William Roka is the Director of Programs at Village Preservation. He is also an independent historian and writer. His research has focused on the history of travel and ocean liners in the early 20th century and has presented at conferences in the United Kingdom, Argentina, Australia, and across the United States.