The Museum tells the story of immigrant families and visitors view restored apartments of past residents from different time periods.

Irish Outsiders

Experience the heart of the immigrant saga through the music of Irish America, then tour the restored home of the Moore family, Irish-Catholic immigrants coping with the death of a child in 1869. Compare the Moore's struggle to keep their family healthy with that of the Katz family, Russian-Jewish immigrants who left their 'mark' on our building in the 1930s.

Shop Life

Explore the changing neighborhood through the eyes of German saloon keepers, a kosher butcher, a Depression-era auctioneer, and an underwear discounter from the 1970s - tour a German saloon and see how generations of immigrant entrepreneurs brought their dreams for economic success to 97 Orchard Street's basement storefronts.

The Museum's walking tours explore the Lower East Side and the American immigrant experience

Foods Of The Lower East Side

Taste dumplings, fried plantains, cream puffs and more while exploring the immigrant experience and some of the ways immigrant foods have shaped American food.

*An alternate indoor version is offered in inclement weather and January and February for public and private groups.

Visit with a costumed interpreter playing one of the residents of 97 Orchard Street.

Victoria Confino

made possible by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation

Visit the apartment of a Greek Sephardic family and meet a costumed interpreter playing 14-year-old Victoria Confino, who lived in the tenement in 1916. Visitors take on the role of newly arrived immigrants, and ask Victoria questions about adjusting to life on the Lower East Side . Designed for families, this tour allows visitors to handle household objects.