The Wooden Boat School was founded by the Hudson River Maritime Museum in 2015 to preserve the maritime craft traditions of the Hudson Valley and to teach a hands-on interpretation of the living history of the Hudson River. We offer diverse curriculum and opportunities which inspire skills in woodworking, boat building, and maritime craft.
The school offers adult and youth courses in woodworking, boatbuilding, and hand crafts. We are constantly adding new classes and working to meet the interests of the community while maintaining a focus on the crafts and traditions of the Hudson Valley.
Our opportunities for youth students include woodworking basics as well as the YouthBoat initiative. YouthBoat, empowers students by building character and fostering teamwork through the traditional craft of wooden boatbuilding and on-the-water activities. Students from diverse backgrounds work alongside skilled shipwrights and craftspeople to put STEM skills to work, follow building plans, and use specialized tools and materials.
The school also repairs and restores non-profit and privately held wooden vessels of all types and ages. The projects are guided by shipwright and lead instructor Wayne Ford along with a team of experienced volunteers.
We periodically offer specialized maritime trainings including courses and certifications for captain licenses, boat electrical systems, and more.
Also, from the comfort of home people can explore a catalogue of the school's extensive library which includes hundreds of hard-to-find and out-of-print publications on a wide range of maritime and boat-building topics including construction, tool making, and canvas working. Thank you to dedicated volunteer Mike Sadowy for helping to make this project come to life.
Everything we do is is supported by donations and your support is invaluable to helping us continue our work. For questions about course offerings, please email Education.
The school offers adult and youth courses in woodworking, boatbuilding, and hand crafts. We are constantly adding new classes and working to meet the interests of the community while maintaining a focus on the crafts and traditions of the Hudson Valley.
Our opportunities for youth students include woodworking basics as well as the YouthBoat initiative. YouthBoat, empowers students by building character and fostering teamwork through the traditional craft of wooden boatbuilding and on-the-water activities. Students from diverse backgrounds work alongside skilled shipwrights and craftspeople to put STEM skills to work, follow building plans, and use specialized tools and materials.
The school also repairs and restores non-profit and privately held wooden vessels of all types and ages. The projects are guided by shipwright and lead instructor Wayne Ford along with a team of experienced volunteers.
We periodically offer specialized maritime trainings including courses and certifications for captain licenses, boat electrical systems, and more.
Also, from the comfort of home people can explore a catalogue of the school's extensive library which includes hundreds of hard-to-find and out-of-print publications on a wide range of maritime and boat-building topics including construction, tool making, and canvas working. Thank you to dedicated volunteer Mike Sadowy for helping to make this project come to life.
Everything we do is is supported by donations and your support is invaluable to helping us continue our work. For questions about course offerings, please email Education.
Youth & Adult Programming
Keep up with us on Instagram
Wondering what's happening behind the scenes? We're on Instagram sharing photos, videos, calendar updates, special events, and more.
Support
Our work is supported by all types of contributions. You can help us by making a donation, dropping off an item from our wish list, donating a beloved vessel, or volunteering your time.
Information for Students & Visitors
SHOP SAFETY
Safety is our priority. Our shop safety manual can be dowloaded HERE.
HOW TO GET HERE
Our school is located on the museum campus located at 50 Rondout Landing in Kingston, NY. Driving directions cane be found HERE.
WHAT TO WEAR
For classes taking place in the shop, or classes that include work with machine tools- we recommend that you wear comfortable clothes with a close-fitting wrist or short sleeves and sturdy pants. We also ask that you wear you comfortable,
supportive close-toed shoes while working in the shop. Please do not wear necklaces, or anything that could get caught in a machine. If you have long hair, please have it tied back.
MEALS
There are a number of dining options within walking distance of the shop. A directory can be found HERE. The school has a full kitchen in the building which includes a refrigerator and microwave. Students are welcome to bring meals and snacks.
COVID & SAFETY
Effective September 4, 2020, the following guidelines will apply to our classes until further notice.
Safety is our priority. Our shop safety manual can be dowloaded HERE.
HOW TO GET HERE
Our school is located on the museum campus located at 50 Rondout Landing in Kingston, NY. Driving directions cane be found HERE.
WHAT TO WEAR
For classes taking place in the shop, or classes that include work with machine tools- we recommend that you wear comfortable clothes with a close-fitting wrist or short sleeves and sturdy pants. We also ask that you wear you comfortable,
supportive close-toed shoes while working in the shop. Please do not wear necklaces, or anything that could get caught in a machine. If you have long hair, please have it tied back.
MEALS
There are a number of dining options within walking distance of the shop. A directory can be found HERE. The school has a full kitchen in the building which includes a refrigerator and microwave. Students are welcome to bring meals and snacks.
COVID & SAFETY
Effective September 4, 2020, the following guidelines will apply to our classes until further notice.
- Face shields may be required for activities requiring close instruction, at the discretion of the instructor or students