April 15 | 6pm | Wavertree | Free
Kick off your Earth Day celebrations with filmmaker Jon Bowermaster for a special screening of his recent documentary The Keeper, which explores the life and legacy of John Lipscomb who spent 25 years patrolling the Hudson.
Cantankerous, charismatic, and deeply committed, Lipscomb reflects on his decades traveling over 80,000 miles by wooden boat to protect and defend what is known as “America’s First River.” Once a vital resource and, for a time, a dumping ground for a growing nation, the Hudson has faced decades of environmental challenges. At the forefront of its recovery has been Lipscomb, serving as both advocate and watchdog—taking on industrial and human pollution, weathering setbacks, and celebrating hard-won victories.
This film offers an in-depth look at the Hudson River’s environmental history and its global significance, highlighting the ongoing work of more than 300 “keepers” around the world. It’s a story of resilience, activism, and the enduring fight to protect our waterways.
The screening will take place in the intimate setting of the 1885 tall ship Wavertree’s ‘tweendeck, creating a truly immersive experience. A Q&A with the filmmaker will follow the screening and a reception with wine and seltzer will close the evening. Preregistration is encouraged for this event. Walkups will be accommodated as possible. Access to Wavertree involves climbing a few stairs, walking up an angled gangway, and descending a few stairs onto the deck. The lower decks are accessible via stairs, while the upper deck requires navigating steep ladder-like stairs.
About the Filmmaker
Jon Bowermaster is a writer, filmmaker and adventurer, and a six-time grantee of the National Geographic Expeditions Council. One of the Society’s ‘Ocean Heroes,’ his first assignment for National Geographic magazine in 1989 was to document a dog-sled expedition that crossed Antarctica for 221 days. He is the founder of Oceans 8 Films and the One Ocean Media Foundation, making films about climate at home in the Hudson Valley and around the world. His podcast, “The Green Radio Hour with Jon Bowermaster” has recorded over 150 episodes with environmental activists, community leaders and friends from his vast rolodex of travels.For the past several years, Jon and his One Ocean Media Foundation / Oceans 8 Films team have focused on a series of short films about the environmental risks to, and hopes for the Hudson River Valley, the birthplace of the American environmental movement.
About the 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree
Wavertree was built at Southampton, England, in 1885 and, after a 24-year sailing career and circumnavigating the globe at least three times, is now the last remaining iron-hulled three-masted full-rigged cargo ship. Today, Wavertree is visited by guests of all ages from around the globe and serves as the centerpiece of the “Street of Ships” at the Seaport Museum. She was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 13, 1978 and symbolizes the profound influence of sailing ships, their intrepid sailors, and the bustling waterfront in shaping New York City into a modern metropolis. As a historic vessel with a fascinating past, Wavertree embodies the rich maritime heritage that played a pivotal role in transforming South Street into the vibrant heart of “Where New York Begins.”
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree at Pier 16 is included with your ticket to this event. Access to the additional historic ships and exhibitions on view is not included. If you would like to explore more that the Museum has to offer, book in advance or ask Museum staff about General Admission tickets when you check in.
General Admission is available Friday through Sunday, from 11am to 5pm and brings you aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16, and into all current exhibitions on view in the first-floor Schermerhorn Row galleries at 12 Fulton Street. Your ticket also sets you on course to explore Maritime City, the Seaport Museum’s immersive, three-floor exhibition at A.A. Thomson & Co., located at 213 Water Street.
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.