The Friends of the Catawissa / The SS Columbia Project

The Friends of the Catawissa (TFOTC) originated in 1996 as a committee of the National Maritime Historical Society. In 1997 the organization received a provisional charter from the Regents of the University of the State of New York. The organization’s original mission was to secure and restore the derelict historic steam tug SS Catawissa. As the vessel was highly endangered at the time, it was widely felt that unless a “responsible” party stepped forward the vessel would be scrapped as a dangerous nuisance where she lay in the New York State Barge Canal. The organization’s intent was for the vessel to be restored, interpreted, and used for public programming. It was the organization’s view that it had legal title to the vessel, although such title was clouded by ongoing legal disputes. The legal issues surrounding title to the vessel were made considerably more onerous by the subsequent entry of a third party into the situation. Our attorneys revised the projected costs for the legal action to a figure beyond what the board felt it could responsibly undertake or raise funds for. The board then decided to hold in abeyance any further legal actions pending a resolution involving the other parties. Ultimately the courts delivered title to the Catawissa elsewhere. Concurrently, the board began investigating other vessels that could fulfill our projected programming requirements. As part of the research into candidates for preservation, the organization has developed a database of 106 historic vessels, the majority of which pre-date WWI. Drawing from the database, the organization has actively investigated other historic vessels as candidates for preservation and interpretation. During the process of evaluating several selected vessels, historic qualities, and the desirability of preservation were emphasized to their commercial operators. Subsequently, three of the vessels investigated by TFOTC have been earmarked for preservation. The former New York harbor steam tug Orange passed into the ownership of the American Victory Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship in Tampa Florida. The Marion M and the Helen McAllister were ultimately acquired by South Street Seaport Museum in New York.

Acquisition of SS Columbia and formation of the SSCP

In March of 2002, after carefully weighing the aims and goals of the organization and evaluating the type of vessel that would best suit its programming purposes, the board of trustees unanimously voted to acquire for restoration, interpretation, and operation, the oldest non-ferry passenger steamer in the United States, the National Historic Landmark Vessel SS Columbia, built in 1902. In May of 2006 the SSCP acquired the columbia with the assistance of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The preservation and restoration of the historic steamer Columbia is a worthy goal, as the vessel will serve as a catalyst for many beneficial effects in terms of historic preservation, education, and economic development for the waterfront communities of the Hudson River Valley. This year we obtained independent 501(c)(3) status and the Board of Regents approved our charter revision naming us the SS Columbia Project (SSCP). The SSCP is subject to the supervision of the New York State Board of Regents as a non-profit museum organization.


Our Paradigm

The Columbia’s restoration will be funded through a traditional capital campaign, and the vessel’s subsequent operations and basic maintenance will be funded by earned revenues. Revenues generated by the vessel’s operations – including passenger fares, events venue rentals, merchandising, and catering – will supplement traditional non-profit revenue flows from admissions, memberships, and fundraising. This paradigm has been successfully applied to a number of maritime preservation projects in the United States and Europe. This model has allowed The Paddlesteamer Preservation Society to have, since 1967, restored and operated three vessels in the United Kingdom in a market that is more challenging than our own. In the United States it has been utilized successfully for the historic vessels Virginia V (since 1980), Katahdin (since 1976), and the Belle of Louisville (since 1962). Our business model also combines elements of success from local maritime museums. The Intrepid Museum, South Street Seaport, and commercial operators from Cunard Lines to World Yacht have all capitalized on the strong events venue rentals market in New York City. The Columbia is particularly well suited to servicing this market due to her magnificent interiors, ballroom, and broad decks that will enjoy sweeping views of the Hudson River.


Volunteer Run

The SSCP is an entirely volunteer-run organization with offices based at the Neighborhood Preservation Center located in the heart of the East Village. We are fortunate to work in the historic Ernest Flagg Rectory of St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery, a landmark site, among other groups dedicated to the preservation and protection of the cultural heritage of our city. We are a team of individuals who are passionate about the restoration of the SS Columbia and are excited to bring the vessel’s many educational, environmental, and cultural resources to the public. We hope you’ll consider joining our team as a volunteer or donor.

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