The Port of Waterford Presents
A Celebration of Maritime Heritage Preservation

Saturday, May 3rd, 6 pm
Waterford Harbor Visitor's Center

The Waterford Harbor Visitor's Center is hosting a cocktail reception on the waterfront to honor the North River Tugboat Museum of Kingston, NY, for its continuing efforts in preserving maritime heritage on Saturday, May 3, at 6 pm.

The cost is $40 per person, and all proceeds go to benefit the "Friends of the North River Tug Boat Museum," a 501-(c)3 corporation. Reservations are requested. For more information contact the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center at (518) 233-9123. Please respond by April 26th, if possible.

Port of Waterford

In 1999, a new tradition was started in Waterford. With the waterfront still in disarray and construction of a new promenade still in full swing, seven tugboats assembled for the first annual Tugboat Roundup.

The Tugboat Roundup has grown steadily in size and scope. In five years, it has become one of the premiere waterfront festivals in the northeast, thanks in part to its unique theme. While we gather each year to marvel at these ancient steel behemoths, we seldom stop to consider what takes place in the many months in between to keep these great old vessels running, gleaming, and (in some cases) merely floating.

One of the biggest draws since the inception of the Tugboat Roundup has been North River Tugboat Museum of Kingston, NY. Through the last few years, this organization, headed by Captain Steve Trueman, has attended the Tugboat Roundup with storied vessels such as the Pennsylvania Railroad Barge 399, the Tug K. Whittelsey, the Tug Chancellor, and the Tug Susan Elizabeth. His dedication to the restoration of these vessels, and maritime heritage preservation in general, has been a major contributing factor toward the success of the Tugboat Roundup.

However, the task Captain Trueman and his partner Jack Schatzel face is enormous. He has the largest collection of historic working (towing) vessels in the country. In addition to the above tugs, the museum’s collection includes an oceangoing tug dating to the 1800s, another canal tug in wonderful working condition, and an immaculately preserved wooden dry-dock. While he continues to labor tirelessly towards the restoration of these vessels, Captain Trueman is hampered by his inability to raise both attention and funds.

The North River Tugboat Museum is located on the banks of the Rondout Creek in Kingston, NY, and despite the fact that the museum takes thousands of school children across their decks each year, their current site is relatively inaccessible.

North River Tugboat Museum on Rondout Creek, Kingston, NY

There exists a growing group of waterfront advocates in Waterford who believe that the North River Tugboat Museum belongs at the long empty Matton’s Shipyard in Cohoes, NY. Relocation of the museum to this site would benefit both the museum and the Capital District. However, attention needs to be given to both the plight of the Shipyard, owned by NYSOPRHP and is part of the Peeble’s Island State Park, and the North River Tugboat Museum's search for a permanent home.

A small event will be held at the Waterford Visitor’s Center on May 3rd to address both concerns. Dress will be informal. If you enjoy the Tugboat Roundup each year, or if you believe these great old boats should be preserved for future generations, here is your chance to help. Please respond by April 26th if possible.

North River Tugboat Museum

Travel Directions to Waterford

Historic Fleet; Tugboat Museum Seeks Home, Volunteers, Money, Data
From the Sunday Freeman, April 6, 2003