Liss and the Culper Spy Ring - A Walking Tour of Historic Lower Manhattan

Experience the story of a new founding figure for America named Liss - and see New York City in a whole new way. You'll learn about the life of an enslaved Black woman seeking her freedom in a country fighting for its own, while traveling through the very streets where she walked during the Revolutionary War. You'll also follow in the footsteps of the spy Robert Townsend of the Culper Spy Ring and learn about the secret codes and invisible ink used to send intelligence to George Washington. Each participant will engage with the true story of a Person of Color connected to Liss and understand more about the extent of slavery in New York during America's founding.

Led by Claire Bellerjeau, the historian and author who discovered Liss's amazing story, the tour lasts 2 ½ to 3 hours and includes 1.7 miles of walking in lower Manhattan, visiting 14 locations. From well-known sites like Trinity Church, Bowling Green and South Street Seaport to more hidden corners and courtyards that reveal her unique journey, this interactive tour includes spy-related puzzles and primary documents revealing the untold history of enslaved New Yorkers during the Revolution.

Capacity is limited to 16 people per tour. The tour is not recommended for children under age 9.

Any rain or weather cancellation will be sent by 5pm on the day before the tour. Please check your email for this and other updates.

The tour will start promptly at 10:00AM at Elizabeth H. Berger Plaza and concludes at Peck Slip

This tour is presented by Remember Liss, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to sharing her story, and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

By signing up for a Remember Liss Walking Tour, you are agreeing to read and fully understand our waiver of liability.