Cultural Heritage Through Experiential Education

Operates and maintains the Edward M. Cotter fireboat as a historic vessel, emphasizing its significance to the Buffalo, New York waterfront through educational and preservation efforts.

Operates a five-day sailing program for students aboard a traditional schooner, including hands-on maritime education in deck maintenance, sail hoisting, and rope coiling, with travel to Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands. This program is part of its direct educational offerings.

Provides individual grants of up to $2,500 to Shelter Island residents, primarily students, for fellowships, scholarships, and independent study opportunities that support educational programs. Awarded $24,592 in grants in support of student-focused educational initiatives.

Provides institutional grants of up to $3,500 to not-for-profit organizations such as the Shelter Island School, Shelter Island Public Library, and local youth groups for educational programs aligned with its mission. These grants support educational opportunities for students from Pre-K3 through 12th grade.

Directly implements Project Excel, a copyrighted program designed to educate children and families about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, as part of its community-based educational initiatives.

Secured designation of Harborfront Park as an approved site for school programs by Western Suffolk BOCES, enhancing access for educational use.

Hosts the annual Quick & Dirty Boat Building Competition, which began in 2011, where teams construct and race boats using specified materials to engage the community in maritime traditions.

Organizes beach clean-ups and participates in the Adopt-A-Beach program, engaging schools, scouts, and community members in collaborative environmental stewardship.

Secured $115,000 in public grants and community donations for the Bayles Boat Shop, including support from elected officials and local businesses, and participates in fundraising events such as sponsoring a golf hole at the Port Jefferson Rotary Club's Putt & Pub Crawl.

Constructed the post and beam building for the Bayles Boat Shop through volunteer labor and in-kind donations, including collaboration with the Timber Framers Guild and over 100 volunteers, organizations, and businesses.

Promotes appreciation, awareness, and understanding of the maritime history and marine environment of Long Island through educational programs, community outreach, and public communications such as the BOAT SHOP NEWS newsletter.

Preserves the nautical history of Port Jefferson and surrounding areas, including through the restoration of historic structures such as the Chandlery Building, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

Has participated in the Shellfish Restoration Program since 2000 by raising and releasing oysters, with over 500,000 adult oysters released into Port Jefferson and Mt. Sinai Harbors.

Constructing a reproduction of a colonial armed whaleboat used during the American Revolutionary War to promote Port Jefferson's role in the Culper Spy Ring, with plans for launch on May 2, 2026.

Operates the Bayles Boat Shop at Port Jefferson Harborfront Park, offering volunteer-supported construction, repair, and restoration of wooden boats up to 19 feet in length, including small boat projects and annual raffles of built craft.

Runs a Student/Youth Boat Building Program for teens ages 14 to 18, including participation in the Whaleboat 1776 Project where students shape oars, and supports scout troops in earning badges related to marine life, environment, geology, and local history.

Hosts a recurring lecture and film series featuring historians, authors, and maritime experts on regional history, ecology, river-inspired art, and maritime heritage. The "Follow the River Lecture Series" includes recorded sessions available on the museum’s YouTube channel.

Offers approximately 25–30 annual classes for youth and adults in maritime history, boatbuilding, woodworking, seamanship, sailing, and traditional crafts through the Wooden Boat School and as the only accredited US Sailing school in the Hudson Valley. Includes introductory and advanced courses, US Sailing instructor certification, and parent-child sailing classes.