Preserving Baymen Heritage
Industry & Trade
Local mariners or “baymen,” found that they could support themselves almost entirely from the rich harvest of waterfowl, crabs, flounder, clams, oysters, and other native resources of the back bays. To navigate the shallow depths of these intercoastal waterways however, they needed to develop a series of specialized watercraft.
Many of the various types of specialty boats and artifacts associated with local marine history are displayed here on the grounds of the Toms River Seaport Society Museum. Here you will find unique examples in the evolution of the Barnegat Bay Sneakbox, the Garvey, and the Jersey Shore Skiff.
Founded in 1976, the Toms River Seaport Society is dedicated to preserving the rich maritime heritage of New Jersey – with emphasis on the significant watercraft developments created for the Barnegat Bay Area.
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Estate of Joseph Francis
The Society’s headquarters and museum occupy the former estate of Joseph Francis, developer of the corrugated metal “lifecar” and “lifeboat.” Examples of these are preserved here as well. The 1868 Carriage House is all that remains of the estate after a tragic fire damaged most of the home in 1964.
Marker is on Hooper Avenue, on the left when traveling south.
Courtesy hmdb.org
