Greenwich Historical Society Invites Public to Cruise the Past

From Greenwich Historical Society:

When did Steamboat Road morph from gritty, working waterfront to prime Greenwich real estate? Why did seamen, who were fleeing from a burning wreck, swim away from Greenwich Point when they were only yards from safety? What drew New York City's infamous Boss Tweed to the Greenwich shore? Hear some of these stories--and more--when you take a cruise back in time led by Captain Henry E. Marx, owner and president of Landfall Navigation. The two-hour excursion, hosted by the Greenwich Historical Society, will focus on the important role that Greenwich's shoreline played in shaping its development. From the decks of the Island Beach ferry, you'll gain a whole new perspective on Greenwich history, and, although no hoisting of heavy sails will be involved, snacks and "grog" (otherwise known as a cash bar) will be available to fortify cruisers throughout the evening courtesy of Randy's Wines of Cos Cob.

Tour narrator Henry Marx's long career on the water has included service as a seaman on a Norwegian flagged oil tanker and military service in the U.S. Naval Reserve in diesel submarines. An accomplished marine educator, Marx holds copyrights on one marine safety and two navigation courses, which he teaches regularly. He is an experienced blue-water sailor, a member of the Storm Trysail Club and has sailed and raced for over 40 years on the east and west coasts of the U.S., the southern coast of Norway and throughout the Caribbean. From 1992-1994, Capt. Marx also served on the Committee on Nautical Charting of the Marine Board division of the National Academy of Science reviewing NOAA chart-making. Captain Marx is currently chairman of the Stamford Sailing Foundation.

The cruise is offered in conjunction with the Greenwich Historical Society's exhibition, "Close to the Wind: Our Maritime History," currently on view at the Storehouse Gallery, located at 39 Strickland Rd. in Cos Cob, Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

"Cruising through the Past" takes place Thursday, Aug. 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Advance reservation is required. The cost to attend is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Guests will meet at the Island Beach Ferry Dock on Arch St. at 5:15 p.m. A Greenwich Parks Pass is not required for this event.

Further information is available through the Greenwich Historical Society website.

Photos courtesy of Greenwich Historical Society