H. Lee White Marine Museum facts for kids
![]() |
|
![]() Museum in 2009
|
|
Established | 1982 |
---|---|
Location | West 1st Street Pier, Oswego, New York, United States |
The H. Lee White Maritime Museum is a special place in Oswego, New York, where you can learn all about boats and the history of the water. It's located right on the West 1st Street Pier, giving visitors a great view of the water. This museum helps people understand the important role that ships and the water have played in the area's past.
Who Started the Museum?
The museum was started in 1982 by a local professor and historian named Rosemary Sinnett Nesbitt. She loved the history of Oswego and wanted to create a place where everyone could learn about its maritime past. Ms. Nesbitt worked as the museum's director for 25 years, helping it grow and collect many interesting items. She retired from her role in 2008.
Amazing Boats to Explore
The H. Lee White Maritime Museum is home to some very important and historic boats. These vessels help tell stories of the past and show how people used to work and travel on the water.
The Tugboat Nash
One of the most exciting exhibits at the museum is the tugboat Nash. A tugboat is a powerful boat used to push or pull other, larger ships, especially in harbors or narrow waterways. The Nash is a very special boat because it is a National Historic Landmark. This means it's recognized as an important part of American history. The Nash is one of the few remaining US Army vessels that took part in the Normandy Landings during World War II. These landings were a huge event in history, and the Nash played a role in them.
Derrick Boat No. 8
Another interesting vessel at the museum is the Derrick Boat No. 8. A derrick boat is like a floating crane, used for heavy lifting jobs on the water, such as building docks or clearing waterways. This boat was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. This recognition shows that Derrick Boat No. 8 is also a significant part of history, representing the kind of work that was done on the water many years ago.