In 1914, a humble wooden barge, Lehigh Valley No. 79, first kissed the waters of the Hudson. Now, picture this: The Waterfront Museum, bobbing gently in Red Hook, Brooklyn. This isn’t just any museum. It’s that very same barge, reborn. The Waterfront Museum, once a workhorse hauling goods across the river, now stands as a testament to New York City’s rich maritime past. Imagine the Hudson bustling with similar barges, a vital artery of commerce. The Waterfront Museum offers a glimpse into this bygone era. It’s a time capsule, preserving a piece of history that almost vanished completely. The Waterfront Museum owes its survival to David Sharps, a juggler with a vision. He rescued the dilapidated barge in 1985, recognizing its historical significance. He painstakingly restored it, transforming it into the unique museum we see today. The Waterfront Museum isn’t just about the barge itself. It’s also a performance space. Sharps, the museum’s founder and president for its first 25 years, uses the barge to share stories of the city’s relationship with its waterways. Inside, you’ll find remnants of the barge’s working life, alongside nautical artifacts and even rotating art exhibits. It’s a blend of the old and the new, a testament to the ever-evolving spirit of New York. The Waterfront Museum isn’t just a museum; it’s a living piece of history. It’s a place where you can connect with the past, appreciate the present, and imagine the future of New York City’s vibrant waterfront.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to