Marine Railway Upgrade

Making our work site safer and more efficient
The Marine Railway provides critical infrastructure for the Museum’s Skipjack Restoration Project and wooden boat preservation efforts, which are supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In 2002, the historic skipjack fleet was designated as “one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Places”—underscoring the significance of the Museum’s work to restore the fleet.

Improvements to the railway include relocating and rebuilding the winch house and upgrading the drive system. A new chain-driven system, replacing the current cable arrangement, will also be installed. In addition, the existing cradle, track, and superstructure will be refurbished.

These improvements will add to the safety of the Marine Railway and also enable Boat Yard staff to shorten the time needed to haul and re-launch boats under repair or restoration. The railway and the vessels being restored on it also serve as a unique, changing exhibit for our visitors, who can get up close and personal with skipjacks, buyboats, and other Bay craft, while learning about how the boats are built from our shipwrights and apprentices.

1. "At Play on the Bay" Exhibit
2. Historic Vessel Program Endowment & Skipjack Restoration Project
3. Marine Railway Upgrade
4. Information Technology
5. Old Point Restoration
6. Curatorial Acquisitions
7. Rosie Parks Restoration
8. Boat Shop Renovation
9. Chesapeake Encounters
10. Steamboat Building Expansion

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