Historic vessels are an exciting medium to learn about a wide array of subjects, from history and science to geography and transportation. A one-hour visit on board the barge features:
- introductions to topics such as the role of barges in trade, why barges are obsolete today due to bridges, tunnels and trucking, the geography of the New York Harbor, the water quality, buoyancy and gravity;
- a visit to the barge's "galley" and original Captain's living quarters and a look at the tools used by longshoremen and stevedores;
- the Museum's ever-popular 25' long ball machine that whirls and plays music via gravity
- a show of the Captain's juggling variety act.
About 50 area schools and universities use the Museum's floating classroom and resources annually for educational programs. In addition, we are a popular venue for senior center trips, summer camps and tour groups.
Kindergarteners love walking across the gangway and the feeling the boat moving beneath their feet. They guess the color of the river water and are always surprised when it's clear (but don't tell them!). Fourth graders use our curriculum to prepare for all the sights, sounds, and smells of the trip. University students learn about waterfront use and development issues, transport and commerce history, and many more topics. Tourists and history buffs marvel at the Civil War-era warehouses, original cobblestone streets, and the stunning views of the NY Harbor from on board the barge.
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. To design a boat tour, we can partner with the New York Water Taxi.
The Waterfront Museum is 3 miles from the Brooklyn Bridge and 5 minutes from the BQE. Buses welcome.
Tours: $9/person $175 minimum. Maximum group: 149 people from May to October, 59 from November to April.
To book a trip, email David at dsharps@waterfrontmuseum.org.
Print a PDF of our group tour flyer.
