named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
John A. Noble's Houseboat Studio
Preservation and interpretation of the artist’s original floating studio, offering insight into Noble’s life and work as a maritime artist.
Ship Model Gallery
Permanent exhibit showcasing detailed ship models that illustrate the maritime heritage of New York Harbor and the Age of Sail.
Treasures of Sailors' Snug Harbor
Exhibition displaying artifacts and personal items from the historic retirement home for sailors, highlighting its cultural and social significance.
We Who Are Weary
Exhibition exploring the history of Sailors’ Snug Harbor, featuring archival photographs and documents that highlight the lives of retired merchant seamen and the institution’s evolving policies on race and inclusion.
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Community Art Education Workshops 1 activity
- Conduct printmaking and art workshopsOffers printmaking and watercolor painting workshops where students tour John A. Noble’s Houseboat Studio, study maritime art by artists like Winslow Homer, and create original monoprints or paintings using professional tools such as etcher’s presses. Activities integrate sensory storytelling and artistic expression centered on seafaring life.
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Educational Field Trips and Experiential Outings 1 activity
- Deliver educational programs on maritime history and careersProvides immersive, interactive education programs for students that combine museum visits with hands-on learning experiences, including meeting maritime workers, touring shipyards, and engaging with historical figures like Kate Walker and Annie Moore. Programs cover topics such as immigration, navigation, seafaring life, and maritime careers, and include take-home materials like workbooks and books.
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Curated Art Exhibitions and Public Displays 1 activity
- Maintain and exhibit maritime art and artifact collectionsCurates and maintains a permanent collection of maritime fine art and artifacts, including John A. Noble’s Houseboat Studio restored to its 1954 appearance, and rotating exhibitions such as OCEANUS that feature contemporary artists responding to maritime themes. Exhibits include oil paintings, photographs, sculptures, and ceramic artworks focused on the sea, urban-maritime environments, and conservation.
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Local History Museum Operations 1 activity
- Operate a maritime museum and study centerOperates a museum and maritime study center dedicated to the work of artist John A. Noble and the history of New York Harbor's working waterfront, featuring exhibitions, galleries, classrooms, studios, libraries, and archival access. The facility is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, with accommodations for accessibility and participation in the Museums for All program.
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Local History Preservation and Education 1 activity
- Preserve and interpret the history of Sailors’ Snug HarborMaintains stewardship over the historical legacy of Sailors’ Snug Harbor through preservation, curation, and interpretation of its art, artifacts, and archival materials. This includes managing a collection amassed over 145 years, recreating period-specific spaces such as a 1844 dormitory room, and exhibiting historically significant works. The organization became custodian of the Sailors' Snug Harbor Trust’s collection in 2010 and continues to present it through exhibitions and publications.
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Historic Vessel and Equipment Preservation 1 activity
- Restore and operate Robbins Reef Lighthouse as a museumOwns, restores, and operates Robbins Reef Lighthouse as a museum following its transfer under the U.S. Lighthouse Preservation Act in 2011. Created a facsimile of keeper Katherine Walker’s home using original family artifacts and curated an exhibition on the lighthouse’s history, including her legacy, volunteer restoration efforts, and artistic interpretations.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$447K
Contributions & grants$247K55%
Program service revenue$28K6%
Investment income$67K15%
Other revenue$105K
expenses
Total expenses$553K
Program expenses61%
Admin / overhead25%
Fundraising15%
Salaries & benefits$319K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$1.19M
Cash$122K
Investments$538K
Liabilities$248K
Net assets$940K
Liquid reserves14.3 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -37.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEGAN BECK | Executive Direc | 40 | $95K |
board members · 16
- AL MIESEMER — Trustee
- CAPTAIN TIMOTHY FERRIE — Trustee
- CHRISTINE A JOHNSON — Trustee
- DAVID DALLON — Trustee
- EILEEN SCHNOCK-MONTANEZ — Secretary
- ELIZABETH BENNETT — Trustee
- GALE BELLAFIORE — Trustee
- GLEN MILLER — Trustee
- HEATHER BUTTS — Trustee
- JAMES M CASSIDY — Treasurer
- JEFFREY WOLLMAN — Trustee
- LESLIE A PETOSA DDS — VICE CHAIR PERS
- MARIA PETERSON — Trustee
- SAMUEL TURVEY — Trustee
- SHELAGH MAHONEY — Trustee
- STEVEN KALIL — CHAIRPERSON
relationships · 42
Who they work with
- AXS Map Partner — Partnered with AXS Map to document and share accessibility features for visitors.
- Achelis and Bodman Foundations Funder — Funded the exhibition of the Sailors' Snug Harbor collection.
- Barbara Pezzengrilli Partner — Provided original furniture and artifacts from the Katherine Walker family collection for exhibition use.
- Barnett Shepherd Partner — Donated multiple artworks to the collection.
- Caddell Dry Dock and Repair Company Funder — Provided grant funding for the Robbins Reef Lighthouse exhibition.
- Donjon Marine Company Funder — Provided grant funding for the Robbins Reef Lighthouse exhibition.
- Herman Goldman Foundation Funder — Supporter of the museum's education initiatives.
- Institute of Museum and Library Services Funder — Provided funding for the development of the "Maritime Careers of New York Harbor" program.
- Institute of Museum and Library Services Partner — Participates in the Museums for All program, which it administers.
- Lily Auchincloss Foundation Funder — Private foundation that awarded a grant to support the OCEANUS exhibition.
- Marine Society of the City of New York Funder — Provided significant funding to conserve the works of art in the exhibition.
- Marine Society of the City of New York Funder — Supported the development of the "Maritime Careers of New York Harbor" program.
- NOAA Government — Maintains weather-data equipment at Robbins Reef Lighthouse.
- National Park Service, Department of the Interior Government — Administers the National Maritime Heritage Grants Program, which provided public funding to support exhibitions.
- National Trust for Historic Preservation Government — Recognized the Noble Crew's preservation work with a commendation.
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Funder — Provided grant funding for the exhibition in partnership with former Councilwoman Debi Rose and the City Council.
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Funder — Provides support for the museum's education programs in partnership with Councilman Joseph Borelli and the City Council.
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Government — Funded the exhibition in partnership with the City Council.
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Government — Provided public funds for exhibitions in partnership with the City Council.
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Government — Provides public funding for the museum's exhibitions in partnership with the City Council.
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Government — Public funder supporting the museum's exhibitions in partnership with the City Council.
- New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Government — Public funder that supported the OCEANUS exhibition in partnership with the City Council.
- New York State Council on the Arts Funder — Provided funding for the exhibition with support from former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
- New York State Council on the Arts Funder — Supports the museum's education programs with funding provided through the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — Provided state arts funding with support from the Governor and Legislature.
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — Provides support for the museum's exhibitions with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — State arts agency that provided funding support for the OCEANUS exhibition, with backing from the Governor and State Legislature.
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — State funder supporting the museum's exhibitions with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
- Noble Family Partner — Donated artworks and family-related items to the collection.
- Northfield Bank Foundation Funder — Generous supporter of the Noble Maritime Collection's education programs.
+ 12 more
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Art-Integrated Cultural Interpretationmethodology: art-integrationBy integrating historical and contemporary artistic interpretations with maritime heritage, the organization deepens public understanding and emotional connection to maritime history, because art serves as an accessible and affective medium for conveying cultural and historical significance.
- Authentic Preservation as Immersive Historical Engagementmethodology: authentic-reconstructionBy restoring and presenting authentic historic structures and domestic environments using original artifacts and furnishings, the organization fosters deeper visitor connection to personal narratives in maritime history, because physical authenticity enables experiential learning and emotional resonance.
- Citizen-Engaged Stewardship Modelmethodology: citizen-led preservationBy engaging citizen volunteers in large-scale preservation projects and relying on community demand and contributions, the organization sustains its mission, because community ownership increases long-term support and leverages collective labor and resources for cultural preservation.
- Inclusive Education Through Universal Design and Community Relevancemethodology: universal_design_for_learningBy aligning educational programming with state standards and applying Universal Design for Learning principles, the organization ensures accessibility and academic utility for diverse learners, because structured yet adaptable curricula increase engagement and integration into formal education contexts.