Waterfront Museum facts for kids
The Waterfront Museum is a special place in Brooklyn, New York. It's not just any museum; it's actually an old boat! This boat, called Lehigh Valley Barge No. 79, was built way back in 1914. It's super unique because it's believed to be the only all-wooden railroad barge from the Hudson River that is still floating today.
This barge used to carry goods across the Hudson River for the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Imagine a big wooden boat moving important supplies! Now, it's docked in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, at the foot of Conover Street. It's a fun and educational spot that offers lots of programs for people of all ages.
About the Waterfront Museum
The Waterfront Museum is located in a cool part of Brooklyn called Red Hook. It's a vibrant neighborhood with a strong connection to the water. The museum offers many different activities, from educational workshops to fun entertainment events. It's a great place to learn about maritime history and the importance of the Hudson River.
This historic barge even hosted the first-ever showing in the United States of a play called The Hook, written by a famous writer named Arthur Miller.
How the Museum Started
The idea for the Waterfront Museum came from a person named David Sharps. He's a juggler and a visionary! He started working on restoring the old barge, Lehigh Valley Barge No. 79, and officially opened the museum in 1985.
After its restoration, David Sharps moved the barge to its current home in Red Hook in 1994. It has been there ever since, welcoming visitors and sharing its history. David Sharps was the museum's president for its first twenty-five years, helping it grow and become the beloved community spot it is today.
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