The H. Lee White Maritime Museum (HLWMM) offers a day of fun activities for the whole family at the Lake Ontario Waterfront Festival on Saturday, May 18. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum located at the end of West First Street Pier in Oswego.
Tour the H. Lee White Maritime Museum for free and check out the temporary art exhibit “Tugging Around Oswego Harbor” in the gallery. Attendees can also enjoy on-deck and pier-side tours of ships including the LT-5, which took part in the World War II invasion of Normandy, the Eleanor D, which was the last working commercial fishing boat on Lake Ontario, the retired Derrick Boat 8 and the replica schooner Ontario.
Youth aged 5 to 15 can race their way to victory in the Sailboat Sprint and win fun prizes! Children can pick up a model boat kit from the museum to build at home or come to a model sailboat building workshop at the Oswego City Visitor’s Center. The free workshop takes place on Sunday, May 5 from noon to 3 p.m.
Other children’s activities at the festival include a Gyotaku art activity and T-shirt printing. Children must bring their own shirt to decorate. The Pirate King will also be on hand for photo ops.
Kicking off National Safe Boating Week from May 18 to 24, the Oswego Fire Department offers safety demonstrations of in-water rescues. A rescue truck will be on hand, and safety information will be available. The U.S. Coast Guard and USCG Auxiliary will also offer boating safety and recruitment information. Vessels will be on display for a close-up look.
A number of community partners will have representatives present at the festival to offer information on their programs. Attendees include New York Sea Grant, Sodus Bay Maritime Captains Association, Oswego County Tourism and the City of Oswego.
New York Sturgeon for Tomorrow representative Tom Brooking will have an educational display to showcase Lake Sturgeon across the state. This fish species can live over 100 years and reach 300 pounds when fully grown. They once reached very low population levels but are now becoming more common due to a statewide reintroduction program. Visit the booth and see ‘Stella the Sturgeon,’ a 6 foot-long, life-like sturgeon model.
Adventure at Burritt’s is a new exhibit this year that features a new pontoon and fishing boat.
The festival may also offer reduced-price tours of Oswego’s iconic lighthouse. Weather permitting, lighthouse boat tours will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a charge of $15 for adults and $5 for kids aged 5-12. Contact the museum office to make a reservation.
The H. Lee White Maritime Museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. daily, with expanded hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during July and August.