Photo of Seaport vessels by Robert Simko 2007

To the Volunteers of the South Street Seaport Museum

South Street, or The Seaport, has always been an idea and an experience, more than a place. Still, as an original waterfront, it is a special place so rare in American cities.  These low brick buildings, cobbled streets, and ships, preserve an atmosphere that, however faint, is a direct connection to the real roots of New York. Built in a hurry, on landfill dumped in haste, needed to access the ships that constantly came and went, what built environment better defines the eagerness to bring the commerce of the world, and with it a polyglot assemblage of  ideas and peoples, to the "Island at the Center of the World?" It is that eagerness itself that defines America, and made New York its foremost city. A generation ago it took vision to recognize this most disguised, tarnished, jewel of a place, and hard work and innovation to save it. If lost, it will not be readily revived.

To have a few of the vessels that came to South Street as part of this creation is integral to the vision. Ship's decks have been the stage for much of the human drama. Ships were the original space stations, great tools for exploration.  They still are for the voyages of the mind. The greatest worth of South Street is in experiences, impressions, lessons, relationships, nowhere more vivid than onboard the vessels.  The life imparted to them is entirely from the people who serve in them. I salute your efforts to keep this spirit alive. Forty years ago South Street gave me an entry into the world of maritime tradition, and has inspired many lives since.  Hold Fast!

Sincerely,

Walter P. Rybka

Senior captain, U.S.Brig Niagara

Erie Maritime Museum

President, Council of American Maritime Museums (back to top)