The H. Lee White Maritime Museum at Oswego has been serving Central New York since 1982 as the only maritime-themed museum on the American shores of Lake Ontario. As a Provisionally Chartered 501c3 history museum, we serve the education, historic preservation, and recreational heritage-based tourism sectors. We manage the preservation and exhibition of a large collection of maritime material culture that aids in our telling of over 400 years of regional maritime history, heritage, and culture.

The Maritime Museum’s fleet of historic vessels includes the National Historic Landmark WWII Tugboat LT-5 Major Elisha K. Henson, the National Register of Historic Places canal barge Derrik Boat 8, the last U.S. commercial fishing vessel on Lake Ontario Eleanor D, and the 19th-century replica topsail schooner Ontario. Additionally, we spearhead the restoration and public access tours of the National Register of Historic Places Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse.