This last-of-her-kind historic ship combines a museum of itself with a cultural center hosting art exhibits, music events, and tours relating to the boat's history and the history of the working waterfront.

The Waterfront Museum, founded in 1985, is located in Red Hook, Brooklyn. It is housed aboard the 1914 Lehigh Valley Barge #79, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Copying from their website, its mission is to:

• provide free and low-cost opportunities for education, exhibition, and the performance arts;
• promote historic preservation and our maritime heritage and an understanding of the importance of our water highway for commerce, carrying commuters, culture, and recreation;
• provide public access to waterfront piers, their unparalleled vistas and recreational opportunities;
• be an active voice for public waterfront access issues up and down the river.

Come aboard! The Museum offers free Open Boat Tours every Thursday 4-8pm and Saturday 1-5pm. In addition, we are open year-round for school and group tours by appointment and feature many performances, art exhibits, and other special events throughout the year.

Our Red Hook homeport, across the street from the Food Bazaar (former Fairway Market), is also home to a wonderful pier, garden and unbeatable views of the sunset over Lady Liberty. 

Photo credit: Steve McGill