Current Exhibits
Our current exhibits display the whaling history of Cold Spring Harbor and Long Island, and our events highlight the relationship between people and the ocean.
Highlights of the collection include New York State’s only fully-equipped 19th century whaleboat with original gear, and one of the notable scrimshaw collections in the northeast. Find out what ambergris is, see ship models, explore artifacts and tools used by whalers, stand next to a sperm whale jaw, see a meticulously-crafted diorama of Cold Spring Harbor in 1850, and touch whale bones up close, such as a giant rib. Your visit includes a showing of On Board the Morgan, a 15-minute film to introduce you to life on a whaleship. Optional audiotours (no extra cost) expound on our collection for you. Our Family Workshop is full of toys, puzzles, and games (when there is not a program or party taking place). Themed scavenger hunts (no extra cost) are given to our young visitors at the front desk. Groups: Call us and arrange for an educator to talk about our collections and artifacts with your group with a tour and film, "On Board the Morgan." Minimum of 10 people; no extra charge with paid museum admission. Schedule your tour: (631) 367 -3418 x16 Our Collections
The Museum’s object and archival holdings of 6,000 artifacts document the whaling and general maritime history both of Cold Spring Harbor and Long Island in general. Click here to view a sampling of our Collections Gallery. |
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Mission
Our mission is to explore the ever-changing relationship between humans and whales through inquiry-based education and interpretation of artifacts that emphasize the cultural, scientific and environmental significance of Long Island and the Sea.
We help members and visitors make informed decisions about our marine environment.
We help members and visitors make informed decisions about our marine environment.
Museum History
The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum has served three generations of Long Islanders, having opened its doors to the public in 1942.
The Whaling Museum is the only facility on Long Island and in New York State open year-round which focuses primarily on the whaling history of the region. Its collection provides the community and its constituents with a significant link to the understanding of one of Long Island’s earliest major industries- whaling. The collection was formed by the local community who recognized the need for a repository to preserve the region’s local maritime history and Cold Spring Harbor’s whaling past.
The Museum’s object and archival holdings of 6,000 artifacts document the whaling and general maritime history both of Cold Spring Harbor and Long Island in general. Highlights of the collection include New York State’s only fully-equipped 19th century whaleboat with original gear and one of the notable scrimshaw collections in the northeast. Additional objects include whaling implements, ship’s gear, navigational aids, ship models and maritime art. The library and archival collection contains 2,800 primary and secondary volumes and manuscript material from the Cold Spring whaling fleet, ship’s logs, journals and business correspondence of the Cold Spring Whaling Company, family documents dealing with maritime commerce on Long Island, records of the Long Island coastwise trade under sail and records from the Cold Spring Harbor Customs House (1798-1908).
Through a combination of permanent and changing exhibitions, special events and educational programs, the Museum uses its resources to the fullest to provide services to the public. The Museum provides innovative Museum education programs on Long Island, including school programs for 12,000 attendees annually, birthday parties, scout programs and overnights, family events, senior days, and camp programs - not to mention our extensive outreach program which reaches 3500 children and teens each year.
Contact Information for Researchers
Research inquiries can be made in writing to the address below, or use our online form:
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
Attention: Curator
279 Main Street
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
The Whaling Museum is the only facility on Long Island and in New York State open year-round which focuses primarily on the whaling history of the region. Its collection provides the community and its constituents with a significant link to the understanding of one of Long Island’s earliest major industries- whaling. The collection was formed by the local community who recognized the need for a repository to preserve the region’s local maritime history and Cold Spring Harbor’s whaling past.
The Museum’s object and archival holdings of 6,000 artifacts document the whaling and general maritime history both of Cold Spring Harbor and Long Island in general. Highlights of the collection include New York State’s only fully-equipped 19th century whaleboat with original gear and one of the notable scrimshaw collections in the northeast. Additional objects include whaling implements, ship’s gear, navigational aids, ship models and maritime art. The library and archival collection contains 2,800 primary and secondary volumes and manuscript material from the Cold Spring whaling fleet, ship’s logs, journals and business correspondence of the Cold Spring Whaling Company, family documents dealing with maritime commerce on Long Island, records of the Long Island coastwise trade under sail and records from the Cold Spring Harbor Customs House (1798-1908).
Through a combination of permanent and changing exhibitions, special events and educational programs, the Museum uses its resources to the fullest to provide services to the public. The Museum provides innovative Museum education programs on Long Island, including school programs for 12,000 attendees annually, birthday parties, scout programs and overnights, family events, senior days, and camp programs - not to mention our extensive outreach program which reaches 3500 children and teens each year.
Contact Information for Researchers
Research inquiries can be made in writing to the address below, or use our online form:
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
Attention: Curator
279 Main Street
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Museum Photos & Program Content © 2012 Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum. All Rights Reserved.
