Waterfront Logo
Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge
 Waterfront Logo
dsharps@waterfrontmuseum.org

 
Welcome Aboard! ... we're expecting you.

Come aboard the “floating classroom and showboat barge,” the last covered wooden barge of its kind. Barge #79 is restored and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Print a PDF of our tour page

Docked near Civil War-era warehouses along original cobble­stone streets, the Waterfront Museum features stunning views of the New York Harbor, its many vessels and the Statue of Liberty. Three miles from the Brooklyn Bridge and five minutes from the BQE, the Waterfront Museum is located in a tranquil waterfront garden and boardwalk.

Tailored group tours, schools and camp visits may be scheduled for almost any day of the year, by appointment. The museum is handicapped accessible. All ages and motorcoaches welcome. Tours: $7 per person. $100 minimum. Maximum group: 149

Built in 1914, the Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge #79 was one of thousands of barges bringing coffee, spices and other cargo from shore to shore in the NY Harbor.

She was made obsolete by major shifts in the shipping industry in the 1950’s. In 1985, when bought for $1, she was filled with 300 tons of mud. Now restored, Barge #79 is the only one still floating.

A unique venue for teaching geography, history, social studies and science.

A one-hour visit features an introduction to topics such as the role of barges in trade, obsolescence due to today’s bridges, tunnels & highways, and water quality as well as:

  • A look at the Captain’s original living quarters
  • Tools used by longshoremen and stevedores
  • The gongs and bells of the tug and barge system
  • Traditional showboat entertainment
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    Our current exhibition, “SHOWBOAT ‘Round the Bend” tells the story of this popular form of American entertainment on the country’s waterways.

    Just like the Showboats of old, a visit is not complete without some of the Captain’s “Serious Foolishness” variety act, the barge pet bunny, and artist George Roads’ ever-popular ball machine that whirls, jumps and plays music via gravity.

    We’ve partnered with Fairway Market to offer healthy box lunches on request. Sit and enjoy the view of Lady Liberty.

    We make a great destination for a walking tour, coupled with a visit to nearby glass artisan studios, the Key Lime Pie guy, the BWAC Art Festival and more. A bus tour can design a package with the Transit Museum or a boat tour could partner with New York Water Taxi.
    For reservations or information, please contact:
    David at 718-624-4719, ext. 11 or dsharps@waterfrontmuseum.org
    www.waterfrontmuseum.org