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Arts & Entertainment

Spend Some Time at the Waterfront Museum

Visiting a historic barge in Red Hook

Have you exited the Fairway parking lot in Red Hook and wondered about that large red barge docked at Pier 44 right by the store? You really should take a closer look. The Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge displays various exciting exhibits on maritime heritage.

Upon entering the barge, my children were fixated on a large Willy Wonka like sculpture, which has balls continuously roll down a series of ramps. Created by the artist George Rhodes, it’s on display at the museum. (Watch the video!) Lucy and Max, along with a bunch of other kids, spent almost a half hour mesmerized by this odd contraption.

“I love how the balls looped around and then jumped,” Lucy remarked.

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The kids were also intrigued by the maritime history and enjoyed looking at the photos and models of old barges. The owner of the barge, David Sharps, greeted all the visitors who came in for the barge’s open hours. He was great with the kids and told them about the history of the barge and also juggled for them.

David Sharps bought the barge in 1985 for a dollar.

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“The project combines my love of the arts with my love for historic preservation, architecture and old things," he said.

Sharps says the the museum has brought more people to the harbor.

It “has pioneered public access to the NY Harbor, aided in the rediscovery of Red Hook as a cultural destination and has saved a unique and authentic piece of commerce and transportation history for generations to come," he said.

The views from the barge are incredible. You can see the Statue of Liberty and lots of waterfront. There is a small park outside the barge, where you can take great photos of the view.

All of the children visiting the museum discovered the temporary tattoos, a picture of the waterfront barge, which the folks at the barge applied to their hands (there is a two dollar donation for a tattoo). One of the parents there warned me that the tattoo stays on a bit longer than most tattoos. He was right. We went last week and it still hasn’t faded.

In addition to the open hours, the museum hosts various events. Sharps advises visitors to sign up on the website for their eblasts, so they can stay informed of the many programs that barge has to offer.

In June, the museum will present the extremely family friendly, Showboat Shazzam. Each week there will be a new show that Sharps says, “features performers from around the globe that will dazzle and delight you with feats of dexterity, comedy and skill.”

Shows are on June 5, 19 and 26 at 1 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. On July 24, the barge will host Showboat Shazzam at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 for the Tug and Barge Tour.

When there isn’t an event or show happening on the barge, you don’t need to allot a lot of time for the visit, but it’s a definite highlight to any Saturday afternoon or Thursday evening. Next time we hope to return to see the sunset.

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The museum is open to the public on Saturdays from 1 - 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 4 - 8 p.m.  Admission is free but a donation is suggested.

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