In the 1700’s the Schermerhorns, a family of shipmasters and chandlers, purchased much of the area that is today’s Seaport District.  After several generations of family business operations, the District’s first innovative real estate venture was conceived.  In 1810, Peter Schermerhorn began construction of a block-long series of conjoined buildings now known as Schermerhorn Row intended to serve as leased spaces for merchants of differing but compatible trades.  With both goods and patrons coming to his shops, hotels, and restaurants from the waterfront and the downtown inland areas, Schermerhorn’s project was for many decades a great financial success.

In the late 1990’s the Museum began fundraising for a major project to restore Schermerhorn Row.  The Museum began the three-year, $20 million restoration in 2001.  The project was not without its hurdles as it lost valuable time and $6 million dollars in committed financing due to the September 11^th terrorist attacks.  Despite this, the Museum completed the renovation and provided 30,000 square feet of public exhibit space within Schermerhorn Row.