Group Envisions ‘Mini-Mystic’ at Peekskill Riverfront
A non-profit organization is planning to embark on a multi-million dollar campaign to raise funding for what it envisions as a “mini-Mystic” Seaport on the banks of the Hudson River in Peekskill.
The National Maritime Historical Society recently sought the support of the Peekskill Common Council before it publicly solicits $5 million to construct an interpretive educational center and ship building facility at Peekskill Landing.
Burchenal Green, president of the historical society, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting American maritime heritage and how it shaped civilization, said efforts were made in 1999 with Scenic Hudson for the city to play a lead role in building the project before the recession hit and put everything on hold.
“We think it will be just a wonderful thing for the area and the City of Peekskill,” Green said. “Peekskill is on this beautiful land. Your view out on the Hudson is just historically wonderful. It would be to your advantage to take advantage of this in the proper way.”
Green said there’s no place in the area where wooden ships are built. As is done in Mystic, Connecticut, she explained students could observe boats being crafted from scratch from a loft.
“This would be the perfect site for them. Peekskill is a quintessential American town on the river,” she remarked. “This Hudson River is the highway to the world in bringing commerce and culture here.”
While raising some parking and zoning concerns, members of the Common Council embraced many aspects of the plan.
“I think many of us think it’s an exciting project,” Mayor Mary Foster said. “It would be a wonderful addition to Peekskill Landing.”
“It’s great to have parkland but you also want to have a draw and activity. I hope that it does move forward,” Deputy Mayor Drew Claxton said.
Green said the historical society, which has eight employees, some of whom work in Peekskill and others who are based in Cape Cod, is confident its 10,000 members across the country will step up with financial support.
“We certainly think we have a good shot at it,” she said.
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
