Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
PO Box 25
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
(631) 367-3418
www.cshwhalingmuseum.org/

Between the years 1836 and 1862, the town of Cold Spring Harbor supported a fleet of nine whaling vessels. Though this was a small fleet compared to major American whaling centers, Cold Spring had cosmopolitan crews, many of whom spoke English only as a second language. South Sea Islanders, Portuguese, and native born members of minority groups played significant roles in the local fleet.

The Museum preserves these romantic and historical times. Its collection includes a fully equipped Whaleboat from the brig, Daisy, whaling implements, marine paintings, ship models, a diorama of Cold Spring Harbor as a whaling port in 1850, and a permanent exhibition, Mark Well the Whale!, highlighting Long Island's whaling industry. 700 scrimshawed items produced by whalemen of the nineteenth century are also on display.

The Museum supports marine mammal conservation through its education programs and exhibits. Helping people understand the history of whaling is a first step in solving the problems which currently threaten the whale population.

Many family activities are offered throughout the year, including special videos, slide shows, and workshops, as well as outings such as Whale Watching. There is something for the entire family to enjoy just about every weekend.

Adult tour groups can have special programs arranged to suit members' needs, and most of the school programs can be adapted for adult groups. Of the many Educational Programs available for grades pre-K through Adult, a few are, Whales (grades K - 4 and Adults): a study about different kinds of whales and their lifestyles. Includes a film. Whaling (grades 4 - 12 and Adults): Covers the life of the 19th century whaleman, how and why whales were hunted. Discover why whales are becoming extinct and what is being done to save them. Includes a film. Scrimshaw Workshop I (grades 1 - 6 and Adults): how to do scrimshaw. Echolocation (grades 3 - 6): the fascinating subject of whale communication is demonstrated through group activities.

Many other programs are available. All of them are fun and exciting and designed to get students, whatever their age, to really think about the subjects being covered.

Groups should consist of 20 to 50 people. Programs last from 30 to 90 minutes, except for a 4-hour FULL DAY Program, which covers a variety of subjects for up to 55 students. Great deal!