Location

The Museum is dedicated to telling the American public about the importance of its Merchant Marine in both peace and war. Founded in 1979, the Museum is true to its mission to educate our visitors, promote public interest in our nation's Merchant Marine and to preserve historic items that represent our rich seafaring heritage. On display in the Museum's 14 galleries is an extensive and valuable collection of ship models, paintings, nautical instruments and artifacts that illustrate the Museum's theme "Ships Made America." The Museum is the home of the National Maritime Hall of Fame which remembers and honors great ships and people from our nation's maritime past.

The American Merchant Marine Museum is located on the park-like McNulty Campus at the U.S Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, Long Island, New York. The Museum building which overlooks the waters of Long Island Sound is a historic structure, once the home of electrical engineer and inventor William S. Barstow.

 

The Barstow House

This house was owned by William Barstow. The original part of the building was constructed in 1910. Barstow invented the electric meter by which electric companies today configure billing information for electric usage. He also was responsible for lighting the Brooklyn Bridge. Mr. Barstow was the first mayor of Kings Point. He and his family were heavily involved with community affairs in Great Neck.