Returning Steam to the Hudson: A Tour of the Lilac

Visit the historic lighthouse tender Lilac and return to the age of steam. The only historic steamship in New York, Lilac is being restored at Pier 40 by the non-profit Lilac Preservation Project. Built in 1933 for the U.S. Lighthouse Service, the ship became part of the Coast Guard fleet in 1939, supplying lighthouses and maintaining buoys until her retirement in 1972.

Founding board members and volunteers will be on hand to share the history of the ship. Norman Brouwer, the ship’s curator, will present an illustrated lecture on the ship’s past. Brouwer is a maritime historian and former curator of ship restoration at South Street Seaport Museum.

Please note that this tour will take place on board the ship. Access to many spaces on board involves steep stairs or ladders and narrow passages. Attendees must be able to navigate these spaces.