South Street Seaport Museum announces Flirtation Cards: Press Your Luck in Love on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 6pm, at 207 Water Street. seaportmuseum.org/bowne-singles-mixer

Join the Seaport Museum and Downtown Alliance for a post-Valentine’s Day singles mixer and workshop at the 19th century-style letterpress print shop Bowne & Co. and explore the tradition of acquaintance cards—or flirtation cards—a playful variation on the Victorian calling card.

Before the right swipes and emoji winks used today, Victorian singles had their own flirtation rituals that utilized letterpress printed cards. Per Becky Little in National Geographic, these flirtation cards “were a way for 19th century singles to cheekily bend the rigid rules of social interaction and sidestep existing formalities, working like an ink-and-paper Tinder.”

Guided by expert designers from Bowne & Co., we’ll explore the history of these cards, see the Seaport Museum’s working collection of historical printing equipment in action, and even print our own flirtation cards. Who knows? You might make an acquaintance or two! Throughout the evening, enjoy light refreshments, lighthearted games, and a chance to win prizes.

Sign up today to join the perfect post-Valentine’s Day outing to mix, mingle, and create something memorable! Advanced registration is encouraged for this free workshop but walkups will be accommodated as possible. Anyone ages 21 and up is welcome. All participants get to take home the items they print during the evening.

A Brief History of Flirtation Cards
In the 19th century, when meeting someone new, or visiting someone’s home, it was a polite gesture to exchange or leave behind calling cards—small cards imprinted with your name. If calling cards were for polite connection, acquaintance cards were for more playful connections. Often adorned with flowery descriptions of the suitor, or a witty poem, flirtation cards were a way to politely express your interest in making a new romantic connection in a lighthearted way. The use of flirtation cards usually followed a set of unwritten rules. Upon a passing glance, or a smile across a room, an interested party would politely leave a card. Upon reading the card, if interest is mutual, the card is returned to the owner, and a new connection is made. If the spark is not there, the card is not returned, and no further connection is made, and both parties go about their way. Flirtation cards were not inherently romantic but a tangible way to make a first impression. Are you witty? Do you take yourself seriously? Are you loud and boisterous, or gentle and kind? Like all personalized stationery, a good flirtation card should be a physical manifestation of your personality, sensibility, and perhaps, desire.

About Downtown Alliance
Since 1995, the mission of the Alliance for Downtown New York has been to provide service, advocacy, research and information to enhance the quality of life in Lower Manhattan and advance the dynamic, vibrant neighborhood as a global model of a 21st century Central Business District for businesses, residents and visitors. Serving an area from roughly City Hall to the Battery, from the East River to West Street, the Downtown Alliance manages the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Business Improvement District (BID). By supporting economic development, public safety, sanitation, transportation and more, the Downtown Alliance strives to make Lower Manhattan an exciting, clean and safe place to live, work and play. downtownny.com

About Bowne & Co.
Established by Robert Bowne in 1775, Bowne & Co. holds the distinction of being New York’s oldest operating business under the same name. After growing as a financial printer throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Bowne & Co. Inc. partnered with the Seaport Museum in 1975 to open a 19th century-style print shop at 211 Water Street in the South Street Seaport Historic District. Today, it is comprised of the Bowne & Co. Printing Office––a workspace that continues the age-old tradition of job (or small batch) printing using historic presses from South Street Seaport Museum’s working collection––and Bowne & Co. Stationers, a 19th century-style emporium selling gifts and fine goods. seaportmuseum.org/bowne-co-stationers

About the South Street Seaport Museum
The South Street Seaport Museum, located in the heart of the historic seaport district in New York City, preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city. Founded in 1967, the Museum houses an extensive collection of works of art and artifacts, a maritime reference library, exhibition galleries and education spaces, working 19th century print shops, and an active fleet of historic vessels that all work to tell the story of “Where New York Begins.” seaportmuseum.org

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• February 20

  February 20, 2025
• South Street Seaport Museum
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