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Wavertree is built in South Hampton, England
It is a Cargo ship whose purpose is to transport Jute from Scotland to East India
It is manned by a captain, sailors, and galley workers
The Wavertree’s masts are heavily damaged in a storm off of Cape Hope. It limps over to Falkland Islands
The Wavertree had become part of the tramp trade, shipping coal, rice, kerosene, tea, and cotton all over
Though none died, many of the crew members were severely injured in their attempt to make the ship watertight during the storm
Not wanting to invest in Wavertree’s restoration, the ship's owners sell its hull to Punta Arenas, Chile
There it is used as a floating warehouse
After a few years, the Wavertree is sent to Buenos Aires Argentina
Where it is converted into a sand barge
Karl Kortum, a historic ship advocate, discovers it. He convinces the Southstreet Seaport museum to acquire it
The ship is restored at the Arsenal Naval Buenos Aires and towed to New York, Where it will go to act as the flagship for the museum’s collection of historic ships
Wavertree is sent to Staten Island’s Caddell Dry Dock
There the Wavertree undergoes a fifteen month, thirteen million dollar renovation to fully restore it to its original vessel condition
The restoration is funded by New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs
The restored Wavertree is now a highlight of the Southstreet Seaport Museum, and free to the public for viewing!
It is supported by public and private donations, grants, and the income from the Museum’s Ferry rides
The Wavertree is staffed by crew members, volunteers, and a bread guy, and is a place where families, friends, tourists, and educational groups can come to freely explore and learn about its history and significance
If you are interested in supporting the South Street Seaport, whether through volunteering or donating, click here!
