City Island Nautical Museum

The City Island Nautical Museum is dedicated to the maritime and shipbuilding history of City Island. Visitors can explore historic photographs, ship models, and artifacts related to the sea and the lives of the island’s residents.

The museum is a perfect addition to a trip to Hart Island, as it is located near the ferry terminal to the island.

Hart Island — New York City’s Island of the Dead

History

The museum is housed in a former school building constructed in 1897. The building is recognized as a historic landmark in New York City. The City Island Historical Society, which founded the museum, collects and preserves historical photographs, documents, and artifacts related to the island and its maritime past.

Originally, City Island was inhabited by the Lenape people. In the 17th century, the territory came under English colonial control and was known for a long time as Minneford Island, named after one of the owning families. Due to its advantageous location, the island became an important navigational landmark for ships heading to New York.

In the mid-19th century, entrepreneur Benjamin Pell sought to transform it into a major maritime center and gave it the new name City Island. This marked the beginning of the island’s development as a shipbuilding and maritime hub.

By the end of the 19th century, City Island had become one of the leading shipbuilding centers on the U.S. East Coast. Sailing ships, motorboats, naval vessels, and famous racing yachts were constructed here, some of which competed in prestigious regattas, including the America’s Cup.

Collection and Exhibitions

The museum is organized into several thematic galleries:

Main Hall and Gallery — features photographs, maps, and models of ships, wooden canoes, and motorboats.

Shipbuilding and Sailmaking Gallery — displays sails, photographs of sail workshops, tools for sewing sails, and shipyard artifacts.

Library — houses a collection of books, newspapers, magazines, and clippings related to the island’s maritime history.

Community Room — showcases historic photographs of the island’s streets and homes, along with antique household items used by residents.

School Room — pays tribute to the building’s past as a school.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and thematic projects. For example, the Rosenfeld Collection exhibition features one of the largest archives of maritime photography, covering the period from 1881 to 1992.

The museum also organizes lectures and webinars.