Ongoing | Pier 17, North Side | Free
The Seaport Museum in collaboration with the Seaport regularly hosts vessels of the United States Coast Guard. Visiting ships range from historical three-masted barque to modern Sentinel-class fast response cutters used for a variety of missions including ports, waterways, and coastal security; fishery patrols; search and rescue; national defense; and more.
Throughout these visits ships are docked at Pier 17 and offer the opportunities for the public to come aboard for tours with Coast Guard Cadets. No registration needed, just stop by during the open hours to learn more about the history of each ship.
Welcome Cutter William Sparling
September 24–26 | North Side of Pier 17 | Free
The Seaport Museum in collaboration with the Seaport is pleased to host the fast response cutter William Sparling of the United States Coast Guard. She will offer opportunities for the public to come aboard on Wednesday, September 25, from 12pm to 4pm.
The vessel stands as one of the Coast Guard’s newest cutters, bearing the name of William Sparling, a distinguished World War II Silver Star recipient. Sparling served as a Landing Craft Coxswain during the Battle of Tulagi, where he displayed exceptional bravery by ferrying hundreds of US Marines and vital supplies to the island amidst relentless enemy threats. His actions played a pivotal role in the triumph of the United States in the Pacific Theater. Measuring 154 feet in length, the cutter’s mission spans from New York City to the Canadian border, encompassing Search and Rescue operations and enforcement of Living Marine Resource Laws.
Tour the 154-foot vessel with Coast Guard Cadets and learn more about the history of the ship. No registration needed, just stop by during the open hours.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
These visits may occur outside of the Seaport Museum’s regular open hours. Access to the Museum’s historical ships and introduction galleries is not included with this free event. To see more that the Museum has to offer, ask Museum staff about our Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–5pm, Pay What You Wish General Admission tickets.
Pay What You Wish General Admission tickets include access to all current exhibitions on view in the introduction gallery space at 12 Fulton Street and access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree. Free timed tickets for a tour of the 1908 lightship Ambrose are available separately at no additional cost.
Recent Visiting USCG Vessels
June 2024: Sentinel-class fast response cutter Maurice Jester
May 2024: Sentinel-class fast response cutter John Patterson
May 2024: Cutter Katherine Walker
February 2024: Sentinel-class fast response cutter John Patterson
July 2023: 1936 three-masted barque Eagle
Ready for more?
Head over to our Programs and Events page to see what else is happening at the Museum. Sign up for an upcoming talk, learn more about visiting Wavertree, or explore our virtual offerings.