The Museum

A Possible Future Museum and
Permanent Home for Half Moon?

[ Double click on images for a larger version; click on <Back> to return to text ]


Artist's rendition of possible riverfront site on the west side of the Hudson River, just south of Albany (The inset is part of L.F. Tantillo's well known painting "Fort Orange." Go to http://www.lftantillo.com/fort_orange.htm for a larger and more complete version)

Recent (Year-end 2000) Developments

On Monday, October 2, 2000, Gov. George E. Pataki announced a $300,000 grant for the Albany Local Development Corp. to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the re-creation of a replica Fort Orange along the south Albany waterfront. The grant would examine the economic and practical feasibility of creating a functioning example of an early Dutch settlement, as well as providing a permanent home for our New Netherland Museum's replica of the Half Moon. The Half Moon would use the area as its Homeport and the area will focus on America's early Dutch heritage, and its impact on the history of New York State and the United States.

(Click here for full text of Governor Pataki's Press Release)

Governor Pataki announcing the $300,000 Grant

"New York State has a magnificent history that for too long has been lost..." said the Governor in his speech announcing the study. The grant would be used to analyze whether developing the approximately 100 acre tract along the Hudson River could be accomplished, and whether it would be financially sound from a regional tourism standpoint.


Mayor Jerry Jennings addresses the crowd. Museum board members Charles. Gehring and Tom Wysmuller look on, along with Ship's Captain Chip Reynolds. Ship's Boatswain Courtney Andersen is resplendent in 16th Century armor

Albany's Mayor, Jerry Jennings, welcomed the Governors' grant announcement, and spoke of the part this recreated Dutch village could play in the ongoing redevelopment of Albany's waterfront. He said "If we don't take advantage of our history, we are doing an injustice to our entire revitalization effort."


Governor Pataki & Mayor Jennings (visible next to the Governor's left hand) after a ship's tour. Both have previously visited our ship on other occasions. Reporters, crewmembers, and assembled guests eagerly looked on.



The Half Moon tied up along the Hudson at Albany on October 2, 2000

Our modern replica of the Half Moon was built by the New Netherland Museum at Snow Dock, in Albany from 1987 - 1989, and operates as a sailing museum of early Dutch culture.

Keep this site bookmarked for further developments, including a more detailed rendition of the proposed Museum Site when it becomes available

Questions? Comments? E-mail info@newnetherland.org