There are many facets to the Staten Island Ferry story. This online collection, in addition to our exhibit The Staten Island Ferry: The First 100 Years of Municipal Service, helps bring to life the "ferry tales" past and present through historic documents, photography, art and artifacts. Join us as we embark on this unique New York City experience and celebrate with us New York City’s icon and the lives of her passengers, crew, and vessels. The ride is FREE (online as well as on the actual ferryboats).

The Ferries and Railroad Collection of the Staten Island Museum spans the years 1722 to the present. Business material, correspondence, ledgers, photos, legal agreements, contracts, invitations, maps, newspaper clippings, and other ephemera pertaining to a variety of ferry and railroad companies has been preserved. The portion of the collection that comprises ferries related to Staten Island gives rich insight into the evolution of this most important of transportation systems to local residents. Researchers are able to gather insight into landing rights, early routes, ferry licensing, and commuter transportation issues. Perhaps most importantly visitors can glean knowledge about the Staten Island Ferry that operates today.

Appointments to view the Ferry Collection at the History Archives & Library of the Staten Island Museum are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Please call (718) 727-1135 x122 to schedule your visit.

For further information or to use any of the images please contact us at info@statenislandmuseum.org or phone at (718) 727-1135.

The Staten Island Ferry Collection Online web site is sponsored by VERIZON Foundation.