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.
Group Visits: Call us and arrange for an educator to talk about our collections, the amazing story behind our 19th century whaleboat, and artifacts with your group. We will also show the 30 minute film, "On Board the Morgan." Minimum of 10 people; Regular Museum Admission + $30 flat fee for Museum Educator (up to 30 adults) Schedule your tour: (631) 367-3418 x10 |
Special Exhibit !
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NEW! Vote for which artifact Is Displayed
The museum houses 6,000 artifacts - most of which are in storage simply because there's not enough exhibit space. But Friends & Members of the museum can vote for what they'd like to see in our Members' Choice Display, which rotates every three months.
If you're not a Friend (which is free!) or a member, we'd still love your vote - and we'll send you a link to join the museum!
Vote for what you like to see on display:
(Click to Enlarge)
If you're not a Friend (which is free!) or a member, we'd still love your vote - and we'll send you a link to join the museum!
Vote for what you like to see on display:
(Click to Enlarge)
Included With Your Visit
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.
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.
CollectionsThe 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.
Interested in donating a piece to our collection? Please check out our guidelines. Click here to view a sampling of our Collections Gallery. |
MissionOur 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. |
Museum History
The Whaling Museum has served three generations of Long Islanders, having opened its doors to the public in 1942. We currently serve 20,000 individuals each year.
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 students annually, birthday parties, scout programs and overnights, family events, senior days, and camp programs - not to mention our extensive outreach program which reaches 3600 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 students annually, birthday parties, scout programs and overnights, family events, senior days, and camp programs - not to mention our extensive outreach program which reaches 3600 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 © 2015 Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum. All Rights Reserved.