The East End Seaport Maritime Museum is located in Greenport, Long Island. The Maritime Museum is located in a former railroad station, adjacent to the Shelter Island North Ferry Dock. The museum features an array of exhibits on the maritime heritage of the area, including displays on the Greenport menhaden fishing industry, lighthouse lenses, the oyster industry, a model ship of the USS Ohio, and more. One of our favorite exhibits is the Fresnel lenses and the quality of the lenses on display is extremely uncommon.
Children are always welcomed at the Museum and during the month of August, there are two scheduled readings. On Wednesday, August 11th, list to stories about lighthouses, view photos of lighthouses, and children can make a replica to take. Wednesday, August 18th gather around to hear tales of pirates and participate in making your very own treasure map to take home. This is a great way to learn about history and have fun along the way. Of course, add a special visit to the Village Blacksmith Shop on the weekends and see a real blacksmith at work.
The Annual Maritime Festival will be held on September 24th thru 26th. This is a special opportunity for locals and visitors to the Greenport area to learn about the East End’s Maritime heritage and contribute towards its preservation. The Festival is organized by volunteers and the East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation. The Village of Greenport will be packed with a variety of craft and food vendors, local merchants will have exciting displays, and guests can enjoy the array of galleries, antique stores, and restaurants.
The small seaside village of Greenport has become famous for its quaint shops, fine dining, and maritime history. Greenport has a colorful history and has long been the home of many famous artists in the past including Walt Whitman, playwright William Gillett, and painter Whitney Hubbard . Today, visitors can spend an entire day just exploring the historic homes of Greenport. Of course, add a lovely lunch, visit a few museums, and do a little shopping and you have created a lovely getaway to Long Island.
Museums to put on your list to visit should include East End Seaport Museum, Bootleg Alley, and the shipyards of Greenport. If you are looking for artists, Greenport is still the home of famous artists including award-winning actress Peg Murray, sculptor Arden Scott, crafts-person Gail Horton, and award winning songwriter Hugh Prestwood. With outdoor theater, live music events, and galleries galore, the arts of very much alive in the Village of Greenport.
Of course, make sure to have some fun and enjoy a visit to Mitchell Park, which overlooks Greenport Harbor. Mitchell Park has an outdoor amphitheater, harbor side boardwalk, winter ice skating, and public docks which are quite busy during the summer months. Combine that with Greenport’s famous 40-foot carousel which was built in the 1920’s and donated to the village of Greenport in 1995 and you are sure to enjoy the wonders of visiting Greenport at any time of the year!