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.

This fall, the museum heads up the North River (Hudson River) on a Tug & Barge tour to tell the story of the area’s evolution as a center for maritime technology.

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. The Museum is constantly collaborating and making great contributions to maritime history and the Red Hook neighborhood.

Current Programing: CIRCUSundays in June 2009 is in full swing. Come enjoy the showboat in its full glory. June 21 & 28, shows at 1 & 4 pm! Each week a different show!

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Public Open Hours: Thursdays 4 - 8 PM and Saturdays 1-5PM. Admission free, donations appreciated. 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.

Visit the barge and see the exhibition on the walls, “Showboats-‘Round the Bend!” tells the story of the American showboat along the nation’s water highways. Produced with The Theatre Museum, NYC and watch the showboat video! 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.

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 and Kings Harbor View Associates 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 offering us temporary dock space in the Gowanus Bay from 2002-2005. View our Captain's Log for our latest news and updates.

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