Seasonal & Holidays

Learn The History Of Perth Amboy-Staten Island Ferry With 'Port To The Past' Exhibit

This is a new free program offered on Saturdays this summer. It just opened and is ideal for families.

The Historic Ferry Slip is one of Perth Amboy's most recognizable landmarks — the last remaining trace of the city's once-thriving ferry service that connected Perth Amboy and Staten Island for generations.
The Historic Ferry Slip is one of Perth Amboy's most recognizable landmarks — the last remaining trace of the city's once-thriving ferry service that connected Perth Amboy and Staten Island for generations. (City of Perth Amboy)

PERTH AMBOY, NJ — As part of the 250th celebration of America, the city of Perth Amboy is inviting residents and visitors to step back into more than 300 years of local history this summer with the return of "Port to the Past," a free program at the historic Ferry Slip Museum located at 300 Front Street.

Running on select Saturdays from June 27 through September 26, the program offers guided museum tours, live music performances, family-friendly activities and children's arts and crafts.

"Port to the Past" will be open July 11, 18 and 25; August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; and September 5, 19 and 26.

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Crafts will be available each event day from 3-5 p.m., with the full program running from 2-6 p.m.

Admission is free. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come learn the stories of Perth Amboy's waterfront and transportation history while enjoying live entertainment and hands-on activities for the whole family.

Find out what's happening in Matawan-Aberdeenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Historic Ferry Slip is one of Perth Amboy's most recognizable landmarks — the last remaining trace of the city's once-thriving ferry service that connected Perth Amboy and Staten Island for generations. Originally established in the late nineteenth century, the site played a central role in regional travel and commerce before being restored as a museum and gathering place for the community.

"Perth Amboy's history is one of our greatest strengths, and the Historic Ferry Slip is one of the places where that story comes to life,” said Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba. “As we continue celebrating our city's 250th anniversary, Port to the Past invites residents and visitors to experience our waterfront through the people, places and traditions that have helped shape our community."

The program is funded in part by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund.

For more information, including the full event brochure, visit perthamboynj.org.

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