The Museum preserves the flavor of life along the river by transforming an obsolete vessel into a classroom and auditorium. Participants feel the decks move beneath their feet, hear waterfront sounds, experience the tides, and smell the salt air. From the barge and pier, visitors are treated to a rare front view of the Statue of Liberty, and to the tugs, freighters, container and cruise ships which crisscross the harbor daily. Within a low-income community and underutilized waterfront area that has lost contact with its shores, we also represent a source of public pride where all ages can come together and enjoy the social, scenic and historic charm of the new life aboard an old barge.

The Barge, an otherwise plain, utilitarian vessel, has served as a catalyst to pioneer access to the water's edge in several communities. Successful in getting people to return to the waterfront for fishing, picnicking, cultural activities, and harbor vistas, now the time is right to focus on the site as a destination for maritime history. Unlike many large historic vessels with small confines, the barge can be easily transported within the Harbor and sports a large covered open deck. By developing an interactive and exciting program to offer both tourists and schools throughout New York State, the barge offers an authentic learning environment which can weave education into a fun experience.

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