Waterfront Museum

Waterfront Museum. Housed aboard the historic Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge No. 79, this floating institution is dedicated to preserving the maritime history of New York Harbor and fostering community engagement. Founded by showman and preservationist David Sharps, the museum operates as a vibrant cultural center on the Erie Basin in Red Hook, Brooklyn. It offers a unique portal into the industrial and social past of the city's working waterfront, blending artifact display with live performance and educational initiatives.

History

The museum's core is the Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge No. 79, a wooden-hulled canal barge built in 1914 in Newark, New Jersey. For decades, it served as a critical link in the Lighterage system, ferrying cargo like brick and bananas between railroad rail yards and sailing ships in the harbor. After the decline of the barge trade, the vessel was abandoned and sank in the Mud Dump off Sandy Hook, New Jersey. In 1985, it was salvaged by David Sharps, who undertook a monumental restoration. The museum was formally established in 1994, receiving crucial support from the New York City Department of Small Business Services and being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its berth in Red Hook places it within a historic district that includes the Erie Basin and the Brooklyn Army Terminal.

Architecture

The structure is the barge itself, a significant artifact of early-20th century American industrial architecture. Measuring 102 feet long with a beam of 32 feet, its Douglas fir hull and oak frame showcase traditional shipbuilding techniques. The main deck features a large, open hold space, originally used for cargo, which has been transformed into a primary exhibition and performance area. This flexible space is covered by a distinctive canvas awning system, allowing for open-air events. The restoration carefully preserved original features like the steam-powered winch and the pilot house, while incorporating modern amenities for public access. The vessel's design reflects the utilitarian efficiency of the Progressive Era in United States.

Collections and exhibitions

The museum's holdings focus on the material culture of New York Harbor and the Port of New York and New Jersey. The permanent collection includes artifacts such as historic nautical charts, ship models, marine steam engine components, and tools from the lighterage trade. A notable exhibit details the history of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and its role in regional commerce. Exhibitions often extend beyond the barge, with photographic displays documenting the evolution of the Brooklyn waterfront, the Gowanus Canal, and the Statue of Liberty. The programming frequently collaborates with organizations like the South Street Seaport Museum and the Hudson River Maritime Museum, creating rotating displays that explore themes from oyster harvesting to containerization.

Public access and programs

Access is provided via its Red Hook dock, with seasonal hours and special event days. The museum is a hub for diverse public programs, most famously its free "Showboat" series featuring circus arts, jazz concerts by groups like the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, and Shakespearean theater. Educational initiatives include school group tours focusing on STEM concepts through maritime history and hands-on workshops in traditional skills like knot tying. The museum participates in citywide events such as Open House New York and the New York City Water Trail Association's paddling festivals. It also serves as a stop for the New York Water Taxi, enhancing its connectivity to landmarks like Battery Park and the Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Significance and impact

The Waterfront Museum is recognized as a vital preservation project that saved a rare example of a railroad barge, a vessel type once ubiquitous but now nearly extinct. It plays a crucial role in the cultural revitalization of the Red Hook waterfront, acting as a community anchor alongside institutions like the Pioneer Works. The museum's innovative blend of historic preservation, performing arts, and experiential education offers a model for interactive history institutions. It contributes significantly to the public understanding of New York City's economic history, illustrating the transition from sail to steam and the critical role of the Erie Canal in national development. Its ongoing operations underscore the importance of adaptive reuse in urban landscapes and the enduring heritage of maritime trade in the Northeastern United States.

Category:Museums in Brooklyn Category:Maritime museums in New York (state) Category:History museums in New York City