The front lawn and the famous front five buildings, now National Historic Landmarks

Photographs from The Illustrated American,
June 18, 1892
Collection of the Museum

Fishing at Sailors’ Snug Harbor Pier

J.E. Taylor (1839 – 1901)
Engraving, 1882

Snugs were encouraged to keep active and many gathered along the Kill van Kull to fish, race boats, read, and interact with each other and people in the surrounding community.

Collection of the Museum
From “Sailors' Snug Harbor, the home for invalid seamen on Staten Island, New York,” Unknown German publication

Snugs Relax on Benches along East Randall Way

Photographs from The Illustrated American,
June 18, 1892
Collection of the Museum

Mat maker and basket maker

Photographs from The Illustrated American,
June 18, 1892
Collection of the Museum

Making Nets

Photographs from The Illustrated American,
June 18, 1892
Collection of the Museum

Mariners Relax at Sailors’ Snug Harbor Pier

Isaac Almstadt
Photograph, 1878

Residents posed in their winter caps and suits for this photograph taken on the snowy Harbor pier. The fourth man from the left, unlike the others, is wearing a top-hat. Although not confirmed, scholars believe that he is Herman Melville, the prominent 19th century author. He often visited his brother, Harbor Governor Thomas Melville, and was on site in the winter of 1878.

Collection of the Museum
From the Collection of Mel Hardin
Gift of Margaret Harrington

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