The People Who Make an Exhibit
It takes many experts to make a cohesive, original, and meaningful exhibit experience.
Opening on October 11, 2025, 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.
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.
A preview of the Saltwater Stories exhibit and some of the exhibit components
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.
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!
You can help bring this programming to life!
Take a look behind the scenes at the development of this new exhibit, from idea to fabrication.
Learn About How We Created Saltwater Stories
Researching Places and Things
We visit places and dive into the history of artifacts to understand the human connection to the sea.
Designing a Space
Drawing, prototyping, testing, and revision... the design process is an iterative one, building on concepts and changing as we learn.
Developing Public Programs
Our education team is regularly testing new ideas for programs geared towards various ages to complement the new exhibit.
Researching Places and Things
We visit places and dive into the history of artifacts to understand the human connection to the sea.
Designing a Space
Drawing, prototyping, testing, and revision... the design process is an iterative one, building on concepts and changing as we learn.
Developing Public Programs
Our education team is regularly testing new ideas for programs geared towards various ages to complement the new exhibit.
This project is made possible in part by:
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.