Our mission is to provide waterfront access, and promote historic preservation. We foster an understanding of the NY Harbor as a waterway carrying commerce and commuters as well as a means for culture and recreation.

The next time you happen to be in Red Hook during our Open Hours, be sure to stop by as simply vising the historic floating barge museum supports our goal to preserve maritime heritage.

Current Programing: Visit the barge and exhibition Thursdays 4-8pm for Open Hours. Admission free, donations requested. On the walls, “Showboats-‘Round the Bend!” tells the story of the American showboat along the nation’s water highways. Produced with Theatre Museum, NYC.

Our permanent collection includes a 94 year old wooden covered barge and a visit aboard to see the bells and gongs for tugboat communicating, rope cannon, showboat captain’s attire, the ever-popular ball machine by George Rhoades, and much more.

Beginning in May 2008: Saturday Open Hours 1-5pm

Visitors can also learn about our harbor geography, rise and fall of the tides, guess the color of the water and more. The visit ends with a juggling performance by Showboat Captain David Sharps, and a possible appearance by Showboat pet rabbit Duey.

Our youngest visitors are our biggest fans. Our favorite quote:
"How do you keep up with yourself? You must be very tired" Hugh, Peter and Mary (4-18-2000).

During the summer of 2002, the museum completed a critical Drydock Project to repair the last surviving railroad barge and protect it from further damage from wood-eating shipworms. We ask that you consider becoming a sponsor and contribute to this preservation project. [ Click Here ] for project details. We invite you to contact us for information about our education programs or visit our links of resources.

The Municipal Arts Society of New York awarded the Waterfront Museum its 2003 Certificate of Merit for the work we have done to make life better in NYC. The United Nations designated the Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge #79 the “Regional Craft of the Year of the Oceans ’98” for its efforts in opening up access to waterfronts for the general public within the NY Harbor.

The Waterfront Museum has returned to its new homeport Pier 44 off Conover Street in Red Hook. Special thanks to Greg O'Connell for creating a wonderful walkway and garden and offering us the chance to build a great docking facility. The Museum is especially grateful to John Quadrozzi, Jr. of Gowanus Industrial Park, Inc. for temporarily offering us dock space in the Gowanus Bay during our critical time of need. View our Captain's Log for our latest news and updates.

We accept contributions and reservations by credit card,