Town Dedicates Historical Marker For Famed 1800s Oyster Sloop

Press release from the Town of Oyster Bay:

Sept. 18, 2020

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board joined with representatives of the Waterfront Center, Christeen Oyster Sloop Preservation Corporation, Friends of the Bay, and numerous volunteers in dedicating a new historical marker in Oyster Bay Harbor for The Christeen - a fully restored 38-foot gaff rigged oyster sloop, the oldest oyster sloop in America and National Historic Landmark. The new historical marker was graciously donated by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation under their Historic Signage Grant Program, which has provided over 600 historic markers throughout New York State since 2006, spanning the time frame of 1740-1920.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “Since the founding of the Town of Oyster Bay in 1653, Oyster Bay hamlet and the surrounding harbor have played an important role in history, and an important role in the development of trade and commerce in New York State. Originally built in Glenwood Landing in 1883, The Christeen is an amazing and historical vessel that has served a number of roles over the years, from oyster sloop to cargo carrier. Its story of survival is an incredible one, and I am proud to dedicate this historical marker today to bring more attention to this incredible vessel.”

Originally built in 1883 in Glenwood Landing for harvesting oysters in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor, over her 125 years the Christeen survived 16 major hurricanes, numerous nor’easters, two sinkings, and severe neglect to be fully restored by master shipwrights from the Christeen Oyster Sloop Restoration Foundation. Upon her completion and relaunch in 1999, the Christeen was gifted to the Waterfront Center where she now serves as a floating classroom educating passengers about maritime history, marine science, coastal ecology, the oyster industry, and aquaculture.

This press release was produced by the Town of Oyster Bay. The views expressed here are the author's own.