Our New England Maritime Museums

Many of our most remarkable national treasures are held in the Maritime Museums of New England. Here lie the archives that tell the story of how this country was built. Along the waterfronts of some of the most beautiful coastline towns we celebrate our history with exhibits and events throughout the year.

There are always several restoration projects going on from old sailing ships to small boats. And while many of our antique boats are left untouched, they serve as three dimensional models not only for the study of past human affairs, but for fine reproductions we can enjoy and use.

Want to get out on the water?

Many of our favorite maritime museums give you a chance to get out on the water. Traditional wooden boats are wonderful to look at, but they
become alive when they are observed and experienced under sail and oar. To know what it feels like aboard one of these boats is truly the best way to appreciate and learn about the wonderful age of sail and the heritage that belongs to us.

Whether you're up for a spur of the moment day-trip or plan an longer stay, a New England vacation would not be complete without visiting one of these spots.

Museums along the coast

• Schooner Adventure
  Take a tour of this epic restoration project aboard the last Gloucester Fishing Schooner.

• Boston National Historic Park
  Take a walking tour along the Freedom Trail and visit the U.S.S. Constitution "Old Ironsides"

• Boston Harbor Islands
  Visit the the Civil War fort on George's Island. Go for a cruise or take your own boat for a day trip.

• Cape Cod Maritime Museum
  Attractions include an active boatshop, antique lifesaving boats and the annual Cape Cod Maritime Festival.

• Derby Wharf Natinal Park
  Friendship, a 171 foot, three-masted Salem East-Indiaman is open for tours on historic Derby Wharf, Salem MA. She sails as the Essex County Flagship at the Gloucester Schooner Festival.

• Essex Shipbuilding Museum
  Join the members for a sail on the Lewis Story, the museum's flagship Chebacco Boat.

• Schooner Ernestina
  Sailing classes and workshops from Cape Ann to the Islands are held aboard this vessel run by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

• Schooner Fame
  Sail out for a cruise from Salem Harbor on this replica of an 1812 privateer.

• Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center
  In addition to their many historical preservation projects and exhibits, the Maritime Heritage Center provides community rowing, with a program for teens and adults.

• Hart Nautical Collection
  Exhibits and archives of our foremost Naval Architects including drawings by Nat Herreshoff.

• Hull Lifesaving Museum
  Launch from Hingham Harbor for or stop at World's End for a picnic.

• Herreshoff Marine Museum
  Exhibits of Herreshoff Classics, lectures and Sailing Classes in Bristol Rhode Island.

• Jones River Landing
  Although not your typical maritime museum, the Jones River Landing Environmental Heritage Center merges history, boat building and environmental interests into one project. Kingston, MA.

• Lowell's Boat Shop
  Take a dory out for a row or learn about traditional boat building on the banks of the Merrimac River.

• Mystic Seaport
  This years highlights include the Small Craft Workshop Weekend and the WoodenBoat Show.

• Nantucket Life-Saving Museum
  Sail to Martha's Vineyard or straight to Nantucket. Take the ferry from Boston or from Woods Hole on Cape Cod.

• Plimouth Plantation
  Climb aboard a full-scale reproduction of the original Mayflower or colonial Shallop. Learn from about the Wampanoag indian people from their direct descendants.

• Salem Maritime
  Derby Wharf is a National Historic Landmark where the Friendship is docked and the site for the Salem Maritime Festival each summer.

• Peabody Essex Museum
  Among the many exhibits including ship's figurehead carvings,
  the museum holds boat plans by Sam Crocker.

• Penobscot Marine Museum