Harbor Historian
@forepeaksolutions.bsky.social
Public historian of New York Harbor
Weather as optimistic metaphor.
November 17, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Weather as optimistic metaphor.
Elizabeth Street Garden: yes, we need housing, we also need (better) sewers and schools and transit and parks and libraries and museums and…
November 10, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Elizabeth Street Garden: yes, we need housing, we also need (better) sewers and schools and transit and parks and libraries and museums and…
Yes, it’s the 50 anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s sinking; play the song, but DYK Gordon Lightfoot wrote another ship disaster song, recorded live six years before the events that inspired his more famous number youtu.be/I4cAnMZc79U
Ballad Of Yarmouth Castle (Live)
YouTube video by Gordon Lightfoot - Topic
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Yes, it’s the 50 anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s sinking; play the song, but DYK Gordon Lightfoot wrote another ship disaster song, recorded live six years before the events that inspired his more famous number youtu.be/I4cAnMZc79U
Reposted by Harbor Historian
2025 continues to be very unpleasant on a personal level (to say nothing of everything else) so for the rest of the year, every party I attend will be a New Year’s party
October 19, 2025 at 12:15 AM
2025 continues to be very unpleasant on a personal level (to say nothing of everything else) so for the rest of the year, every party I attend will be a New Year’s party
After years of casual research, I finally have what feels like proof that the notion, popularized by Walt Whitman, that cows forded Buttermilk Channel to graze on Governor’s Island is nonsense.
October 8, 2025 at 3:40 PM
After years of casual research, I finally have what feels like proof that the notion, popularized by Walt Whitman, that cows forded Buttermilk Channel to graze on Governor’s Island is nonsense.
Dr: you're always going to have a bump but the alternative is a big scar...
...people call this the bad kind of clavicle break because it's non-union
Me: but Dr. I thought you said there wouldn't be any scabs
[everyone smiles and shakes hands]
...people call this the bad kind of clavicle break because it's non-union
Me: but Dr. I thought you said there wouldn't be any scabs
[everyone smiles and shakes hands]
August 13, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Dr: you're always going to have a bump but the alternative is a big scar...
...people call this the bad kind of clavicle break because it's non-union
Me: but Dr. I thought you said there wouldn't be any scabs
[everyone smiles and shakes hands]
...people call this the bad kind of clavicle break because it's non-union
Me: but Dr. I thought you said there wouldn't be any scabs
[everyone smiles and shakes hands]
My current research has pulled up some names of inventors that I feel like I should have known long ago like Enrico Forlanini, John Schank, and Oliver Evans
August 7, 2025 at 10:30 PM
My current research has pulled up some names of inventors that I feel like I should have known long ago like Enrico Forlanini, John Schank, and Oliver Evans
Apparently one symptom of traumatic brain injuries, like the one I have, is really big emotions, either positive or negative. So, all that stuff I've been thinking about how fascism is going to get its comeuppance in no time...maybe take that with a grain of salt.
July 29, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Apparently one symptom of traumatic brain injuries, like the one I have, is really big emotions, either positive or negative. So, all that stuff I've been thinking about how fascism is going to get its comeuppance in no time...maybe take that with a grain of salt.
15 years ago I fell in a clowning class and was disappointed that the three stitches in my eyebrow that looked kinda tough wouldn’t leave a scar. A month ago a bicycle accident messed up that side and it looks like the scar is back!
July 28, 2025 at 7:34 PM
15 years ago I fell in a clowning class and was disappointed that the three stitches in my eyebrow that looked kinda tough wouldn’t leave a scar. A month ago a bicycle accident messed up that side and it looks like the scar is back!
It’s 4:15 AM on a rare night that’s cool enough to sleep with open windows and @nycdot.bsky.social is mowing the traffic islands on Bowne St.
July 24, 2025 at 8:27 AM
It’s 4:15 AM on a rare night that’s cool enough to sleep with open windows and @nycdot.bsky.social is mowing the traffic islands on Bowne St.
I was so sorry to miss this party but I am very proud to have been part of this project thanks to @victorlavalle.bsky.social who discovered my resemblance to Lovecraft, and @fuse8.bsky.social who spread the rumor to @cynthiavonbuhler.bsky.social whose work has to be seen and read to be believed
The Girl Called Cthulhu book release party.
July 20, 2025 at 8:12 PM
I was so sorry to miss this party but I am very proud to have been part of this project thanks to @victorlavalle.bsky.social who discovered my resemblance to Lovecraft, and @fuse8.bsky.social who spread the rumor to @cynthiavonbuhler.bsky.social whose work has to be seen and read to be believed
People love Shackleton for a romantic figure, but he mostly used pluck and bravado to get out of crises caused by his arrogance and style. I prefer Amundsen: boring, diligent, observant, only occasionally putting documentation above safety.
Roald Amundsen — the Norwegian explorer who, with his team, became the first to reach the South Pole — was born #onthisday in 1872. See our highlights of the wonderful set of photos from the 1910–12 expedition: https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/amundsen-s-south-pole-expedition #OTD
July 17, 2025 at 1:03 AM
People love Shackleton for a romantic figure, but he mostly used pluck and bravado to get out of crises caused by his arrogance and style. I prefer Amundsen: boring, diligent, observant, only occasionally putting documentation above safety.
Giving a whole new meaning to Blue Humanities, Steve Mentz immerses himself literally, metaphorically, and humanely
On Sat Aug 2, I'll be part of a six person relay swimming across Long Island Sound to raise money for St Vincent's hospital in Bridgeport. Link to donate if you'd like to!
charity.pledgeit.org/SwimAcrossTh...
charity.pledgeit.org/SwimAcrossTh...
Support Steve Mentz - Swim Across the Sound 2025
I'm excited to join the 2025 Swim Across the Sound! This mission is very important to me and I'm proud to help make a difference. Please join me in supporting cancer patients by making a donation toda...
charity.pledgeit.org
July 16, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Giving a whole new meaning to Blue Humanities, Steve Mentz immerses himself literally, metaphorically, and humanely
Reposted by Harbor Historian
the catholic addict couldn't stop praying because of her grace jones
July 8, 2025 at 12:29 AM
the catholic addict couldn't stop praying because of her grace jones
Hospitalized in Brooklyn since a bike accident I don’t recall on June 27, I think my new roommate escaped a room with a man who occupies the hall singing in Chinese all day long, which both reminds me of Flushing and is kind of annoying.
July 8, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Hospitalized in Brooklyn since a bike accident I don’t recall on June 27, I think my new roommate escaped a room with a man who occupies the hall singing in Chinese all day long, which both reminds me of Flushing and is kind of annoying.
If on Saturday, June 28, you saw a bike crash on Vanderbilt under the BQE, it may have been me, and I’d be grateful for whatever insight you could add to my addled memory.
July 5, 2025 at 2:16 AM
If on Saturday, June 28, you saw a bike crash on Vanderbilt under the BQE, it may have been me, and I’d be grateful for whatever insight you could add to my addled memory.
NGL, every time I see the “damaged” Swarovskied chair I think: participatory art! much improved, touch of Van Gogh to it.
I find the selfie phenomenon highly problematic but in this case, it’s a win.
I find the selfie phenomenon highly problematic but in this case, it’s a win.
News | Visitors behaving badly? Damage to museum objects sparks sector debate 💬
A number of high profile incidents have taken place in recent weeks, but who should take the blame?
A number of high profile incidents have taken place in recent weeks, but who should take the blame?
Visitors behaving badly? Damage to museum objects sparks sector debate - Museums Association
A number of high profile incidents have taken place in recent weeks, but who should take the blame?
www.museumsassociation.org
June 27, 2025 at 12:44 PM
NGL, every time I see the “damaged” Swarovskied chair I think: participatory art! much improved, touch of Van Gogh to it.
I find the selfie phenomenon highly problematic but in this case, it’s a win.
I find the selfie phenomenon highly problematic but in this case, it’s a win.
I tend to keep photos to IG, but I like this one from a recent visit to the Cutty Sark too much not to repost here
June 24, 2025 at 10:45 PM
I tend to keep photos to IG, but I like this one from a recent visit to the Cutty Sark too much not to repost here
This book is a lot of fun. Cynthia knows how to throw a party. I make a brief appearance or two in the book; I’ll stick around longer at the party—and not just because it’s on a boat.
June 11, 2025 at 5:54 AM
This book is a lot of fun. Cynthia knows how to throw a party. I make a brief appearance or two in the book; I’ll stick around longer at the party—and not just because it’s on a boat.
So you say you love to hate on Robert Moses? Now is your chance to help stop his reanimated corpse.
New York State might throw out a plan to expand the Cross Bronx Expressway, depending on the public comments it gets on the plan this month nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/06/06/g...
Gov. Hochul Reconsidering Cross-Bronx Expressway Expansion - Streetsblog New York City
Community outrage over what would essentially expand the highway has forced Gov. Hochul and NYSDOT to change their plans.
nyc.streetsblog.org
June 6, 2025 at 12:34 PM
So you say you love to hate on Robert Moses? Now is your chance to help stop his reanimated corpse.
Last week I pulled one of these #DukeRiley soccer balls out of the harbor at the Waterfront Museum. Still haven't decided whether the whole experience was ironic or too on the nose.
www.palomasport.com/store/p/duke...
www.palomasport.com/store/p/duke...
Duke Riley Limited Edition Paloma Match Ball — Paloma Sport
The Duke Riley Limited Edition Match Ball contains 30 panels of resist-stitching technology. This is the official match ball of NYC Footy - America’s largest amateur soccer league. Size 5.
www.palomasport.com
June 5, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Last week I pulled one of these #DukeRiley soccer balls out of the harbor at the Waterfront Museum. Still haven't decided whether the whole experience was ironic or too on the nose.
www.palomasport.com/store/p/duke...
www.palomasport.com/store/p/duke...
Took a much-needed pseudo-vacation morning to collect photos of maritime public history sites for an impending conference presentation. Do bars on old boats count as maritime public history? If not, what would it take to make them count?
June 5, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Took a much-needed pseudo-vacation morning to collect photos of maritime public history sites for an impending conference presentation. Do bars on old boats count as maritime public history? If not, what would it take to make them count?
The War of 1812 left a seemingly indelible mark on NYC’s waterfront, so I am delighted to learn of 1812 veteran Hiram Cronk and the film of his funeral.
The Funeral of Hiram Cronk, last living veteran of the War of 1812, actuality footage from 1905.
Cronk was born in 1800 and, seeming to know he had the perfect name for an old timey army veteran, lived to 105. (Yes, they were drafting 12-year-olds back then.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMlK...
Cronk was born in 1800 and, seeming to know he had the perfect name for an old timey army veteran, lived to 105. (Yes, they were drafting 12-year-olds back then.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMlK...
Funeral of Hiram Cronk
YouTube video by Library of Congress
www.youtube.com
May 25, 2025 at 11:49 PM
The War of 1812 left a seemingly indelible mark on NYC’s waterfront, so I am delighted to learn of 1812 veteran Hiram Cronk and the film of his funeral.
Reposted by Harbor Historian
In 1977, New York City changed its seal to designate 1625 as its official year of establishment. But in 2025, you can still ride subway trains that are so old the wallpaper has the pre-77 city seal listing 1664 as the year the city was born nygroove.nyc/the-one-plac...
The one place where New York City is still 361-years-old
Take a close look at the fading wallpaper on some subway trains and you can find a surprise.
nygroove.nyc
May 15, 2025 at 3:19 PM
In 1977, New York City changed its seal to designate 1625 as its official year of establishment. But in 2025, you can still ride subway trains that are so old the wallpaper has the pre-77 city seal listing 1664 as the year the city was born nygroove.nyc/the-one-plac...