How to Celebrate Women’s History Month with a Lower Manhattan Walking Tour
March is Women’s History Month. That means it’s time to celebrate the utterly audacious women who shaped the city and world we live in today.
Some people read books. Some visit museums. And some just post a nice quote on Instagram and call it a day. But in New York City, history lurks within every inch of the 13,000 miles of sidewalks, especially in Lower Manhattan, the birthplace of our great metropolis.
You probably know about the suffragettes marching through the streets demanding the right to vote or the famous women who fought for equal rights - and finally got a statue in Central Park on August 26, 2020. But did you know that the first woman to run for U.S. president also ran a stock brokerage on Wall Street? Or that women were once banned from trading on the New York Stock Exchange, so they stood outside and made deals on the street instead? Yep, that’s right, we had women “curbers” and you might be surprised to learn about their paths to the New York Stock Exchange.
Women were never exactly invited into finance and business, in fact they were actively blocked by many (but not all) of the power players. So they found their own ways in: as investors, brokers, and behind-the-scenes dealmakers. They built businesses, ran secret stock trades, and even helped shape NYC’s skyline.
Fast forwarding to today, let’s talk about women and the survival of Wall Street, a connection most people don’t even know exists. And if you want to really hear more about women on Wall Street, a Lower Manhattan walking tour with Vibe Tours is a great way to do it.
Some of the themes you will explore on this New York City walking tour:
The First Woman to Run for President? She Ran a Wall Street Brokerage First.
Banned from Trading? No Problem, Women Made Deals on the Street Instead.
Women Were Told They “Weren’t Good with Money.” They Proved Otherwise.
The First Woman to Buy a Seat on the Stock Exchange Had to Fight for It.
And Today? Women Are Still Fighting for Their Place in Finance.
Women now work in finance, own firms, and lead major investment companies. But even today, fewer than 2% of hedge funds are run by women even though they often outperform the men. The gender pay gap in finance is also bigger than in most industries across America which inspired the 2017 commission of The Fearless Girl statue who now stands facing the NYSE.
So while history has changed, the fight for equal footing in finance isn’t over.
Why a Lower Manhattan Walking Tour is the Best Way to Celebrate Women’s History Month
Developed by a female trader who is passionate about the city she grew up in, this local tour is rich with little known facts and a storytelling style that will even captivate and engage the husbands, sons and boyfriends you drag on tour with you. Why does this walking tour exist? To bring the past to life in a way that’s fun, interactive, and maybe even a little dramatic because that’s how Vibe Tours rolls. This is New York City after all, and we are a city of characters.
Our “Nasty Women of FiDi” Lower Manhattan walking tour is the best way to celebrate Women’s History Month, because:
You’re literally walking through history. Instead of just hearing names and dates, you’ll stand in the places where these women made history.
It’s offbeat and unexpected. Everyone knows about the Statue of Liberty, but how many people know about the women who ran Wall Street, broke gender barriers, and stirred up scandals?
It’s not your average history lesson. The tour is led by our guide and founder Dana, who knows how to tell a great story. Expect laughs, surprises, and a few “wait, that actually happened?” moments.
You’ll never look at Lower Manhattan the same way again. After this historical tour NYC, you’ll walk through the Financial District and actually know the stories behind the streets, buildings, and statues.
Making Women’s History Exciting for High School Groups
If you’re a teacher or planning a school trip, the “Nasty Women of FiDi” tour is one of the best top NYC walking tours to introduce students to women’s history in a way that’s actually interesting.
No boring lectures. Just real stories, real places, and real impact.
Perfect for history, women’s studies, and social studies classes.
Small group sizes make the experience more interactive and engaging (you can book a private NYC tour just for your class).
A Lower Manhattan walking tour is one of those rare field trips that are both educational and fun which can be a truly hard combo to find.
Other Unique Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month in NYC
If you’re looking for more ways to honor Women’s History Month, NYC has plenty to offer:
Visit the New York Historical Society’s Center for Women’s History: A whole museum section dedicated to the impact of women in NYC.
Check out the Statue of Liberty Museum: Did you know Lady Liberty was inspired by a real woman? Now you do.
Take an Offbeat NYC Tour: Learn about the rebels and rule-breakers of Heroes & Villains or the high-stakes world of The “Walls Out” Wall St Tour, or go on a Private Tour customized just for you.
Book a Lower Manhattan Walking Tour with Vibe Tours
History is something you experience. A Lower Manhattan walking tour with Vibe Tours is the perfect way to celebrate Women’s History Month, no matter if you’re a history lover, a teacher, or just someone who appreciates a good story. We make it fun, informative, and entertaining, all at the same time.
Come walk the streets where NYC’s fiercest women made their mark. You might just be surprised at what you learn.
Book your tour today and see history through a whole new lens!
