Saltwater Stories: We Need the Sea & the Sea Needs Me is a new, 1,900-square-foot permanent exhibit celebrating Long Island’s rich maritime history and culture. Saltwater Stories integrates content and technology within scenic, immersive environments designed to engage children, families, and school groups. 

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Children standing before colorful wall with underwater images and clearn air tubes.

Lift the ocean's lid and journey to the ocean's floor in this interactive early learner experience area that brings the underwater world into focus.

Rooted in the authentic and unique culture and history of the region, the exhibit centers on many interconnected stories, including those of baymen and recreational fishermen, Indigenous Long Islanders, the Nautical Mile’s fish markets and scientists working to mitigate shoreline erosion. Take a look behind the scenes at the development of this new exhibit, from idea to fabrication.

Two girls holding shopping basket filled with fish.

Sort, sell and discover in a recreated Long Island fish market where every transaction tells a story about maritime economy and heritage.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Experience life on the bay through role-play in a recreated Long Island bay house, featuring a "magic window" that offers views of a tidal marsh. 

  • Collaborate in a classic Long Island fish market, where you’ll unload the daily catch, sort fish, or sell them at the checkout station. 

  • Immerse yourself in Lifting the Ocean’s Lid, an interactive early learner area that brings the bottom of the sea to life. 

  • Explore the ways Long Islanders connect with the waters surrounding the island through a 30-foot-long interactive Story Map mural. 

Adult and child stand before map featuring a piece of scrimshaw and a whale oil "sniff" activity

Watch as imagination transforms exploration into adventure. Visitors become sailors, scientists and storytellers in immersive environments that bring the sea to life.

Making Waves: A Year of Maritime Fun and Discovery

We’re setting sail on a year-long adventure as the opening of our brand-new exhibit kicks off a tide of playful programming all about our region’s deep connection to the sea. Ever wonder how life by the water has shaped the way we live, work, sing, build and play? From salty sea tales and catchy shanties to clever inventions, boat building, bay houses and wave-inspired art, there’s something for every curious explorer. Come along as we dive into maritime traditions, weather wonders, seasonal changes and smart ways to keep our oceans happy. It’s a sea-sational journey you won’t want to miss! Help bring this programming to life. 

Boy wearing orange life vist at the wheel of a fishing boat. Pilings are visible behind him.

Experience life on the water through the eyes of those who live on it. Don a life vest and step onto a recreated fishing boat to step into the world of Long Island's fisherfolk.

Learn About How We Created Saltwater Stories

Saltwater Stories: We Need The Sea & The Sea Needs Me is being supported in part by a National Maritime Heritage Grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. This funding is being distributed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through the NYS Maritime Heritage Education Subgrant program for projects that advance New York’s maritime heritage through public education. 

Saltwater Stories Programming Supporters (2025-26): 

  • Bianca & Scott Burman 
  • The Dubb Family 
  • Farm Italy / The Shed 
  • Kate & Richard F. Ferrucci, II 
  • Adrienne Robb-Fund & Jay Fund 
  • Roni Kohen-Lemle & Robert S. Lemle 
  • Alexandra & Michael Marino 
  • Trudy & Steven Markowitz 
  • Nicholas Mather 
  • Joslyn Mayers & Nyrekia White 
  • Janel & Michael Presti 
  • Paula & Richard Ruderman 
  • Peter Schapero  
  • Nancy Solomon  
  • TK Elevator  
  • Waiter Tyranski Family 
  • Dr. Bernadine Waller 
  • Lisa & Lewis Warren