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| Last updated on July 3, 2008 |
We use a real stern-wheel steamboat (49 passengers) in Lambertville and New Hope to give educational boat rides for school classes, youth groups and adult organizations and parties. The goal is to teach clean-water ecology and American history. Please see the web site for more information: www.StamboatClassroom.Org
Description:
Come to The Steamboat Floating Classroom.
Bring your group to steamboat “SPLASH” (for Student Participation in Learning Aquatic Science & History). As the whistle blows, this real stern-wheeler takes your group on a voyage of fun and learning. Professional crew conducts environment-based teaching of science, social studies or technology. SPLASH takes passengers back to George Washington’s crossing the Delaware and the Fitch’s invention of the steamboat, to wildlife that inhabit the water and shores and to the source of drinking water for 17 million people. The river is a recreational and educational gem for all ages. SPLASH is a Coast Guard certified vessel, a replica of a local 1880 steamboat, boarding in Lambertville NJ and carrying 49 passengers on covered and open decks. Educational activities for any school, camp or youth group: interactive watershed model, water testing, water physics (steam engine), water safety (life jacket use), bird spotting and historical role-playing (electing George Washington). Go to the website: www.SteramboatClassroom.Org and then Call Prof. Hoebel for trip reservation, logistics, costs and preparation. 609-921-6612
History:
- The Hoebel family bought a replica of an 1880 stern-wheel steamboat built in Ohio in 1970. The 50-foot, 14-ton boat was brought here on a very big trailer in 1988.
- A Board of Trustees was formed. Members are listed along with the staff on the web site. www.SteamboatClassroom.Org
- A non-profit organization was established with the help of Gordon Griffin and recognized by the IRS.
- Plans were drawn for a new hull with a wider cross-section for extra stability. The Coast Guard reviewed and approved these plans.
- Restoration was carried out by Fred Nawrotski and the welders at C&F Metal Fabricators, near Hillsborough NJ, and by a dozen friends who volunteered to do carpentry, piping and painting. After three years, the boat had new ribs, new steel hull, new electric system, paint donated by International Paint Inc, new boiler room, new pipes and valves and a new Coast Guard certified fuel tank for home-heating oil.
- Then we started planning the educational program.
- Three grants and many donations were received. We thank our Sponsors, Donors and Volunteers ! They are listed on the web site.
- The steamboat was launched in Lambertville and renamed S.P.L.A.S.H (for Student Participation in Aquatic Science and History) at a gala event in New Hope. Then the Coast Guard performed the tests for stability and maneuverability. SPLASH received the Certificate of Inspection in 2004. Three volunteers, Pete Burns, Bob Schuster and Bart Hoebel, have learned how to run the steam engine.
- We started taking school classes and community groups on the steamboat in 2005. Teachers include, in addition to the engineers, Ethel Mae Theriault, Kris Hallinger and Bob Barth.
- A Project WET workshop for teachers is being offered by Kevin Kopp right on the steamboat starting in 2006. Call or see the website to register.
- Now, we need a volunteer coordinator, grant writer, lesson plan writer and additional on-board helpers, including crew, teachers, engineers (boiler operators) and licensed Captains. Call Bart Hoebel if curious, 609-921-6612.
Contact person: Bart Hoebel, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: 609-258-1113
Address:
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207 Hartley Avenue
Princeton, NJ 08540
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.SteamboatClassroom.Org
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