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Public Invited to Witness the One-of-a-Kind Reconstruction of a Rare 18th Century

Gunboat Discovered Beneath the World Trade Center Ship Will Serve as the Centerpiece of the Museum’s America250 Anniversary Exhibition

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(Left) The discovery of the gunboat at the construction site for the Vehicular Security Center in Lower Manhattan, 2010. Credit: AKRF;
(Right) Dr. Michael Lucas of the New York State Museum undertakes the final cleaning of a timber in preparation for reassembly at the Museum, 2025. Credit: New York State Museum  

It’s a mystery that goes back to the signing of the Declaration of Independence – but was only discovered 15 years ago. In July 2010, while excavating at the site of the World Trade Center, archaeologists discovered the remains of an 18th-century wooden ship. In all, 600 pieces of wood and about 2,000 artifacts were uncovered, including musket balls. But the question remained, what was the ship used for and how did it end up there? Now, after years of rigorous analysis by researchers at the and the Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation at Texas A&M University, the story is ready to be told—just in time for the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Through forensic wood analysis and deep archival research, experts at the New York State Museum worked collaboratively with the Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation at Texas A&M University to identify the vessel as a rare American-built gunboat, likely constructed near Philadelphia in the 1770s. Used during the Revolutionary War, by the 1790s, the ship was out of commission and repurposed as landfill to expand New York City, ultimately ending up beneath what would become the World Trade Center. Today, it stands as one of the few American-built Revolutionary War ships to be identified, studied, and preserved in New York State.

Following a 14-year preservation process at the Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation at Texas A&M University, pieces of the 50-foot-long, 18-foot-wide ship have made their way to the New York State Museum. The public is invited to watch Museum staff and Texas A&M specialists reconstruct the vessel in real time. Once complete, it will become the showstopping centerpiece of the Museum’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary—kicking off New York’s contribution to the nationwide celebration.

Commissioner and Co-Chair of the 250th American Revolution Commemoration Commission, Betty A. Rosa said, “The discovery of this Revolutionary War–era gunship beneath the World Trade Center site is a powerful reminder of our nation's enduring roots. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, this historic vessel connects past to present, highlighting the courage, complexity, and resilience that have shaped our democracy. Bringing this exhibit to life on the Museum floor isn’t just about honoring our beginnings; it’s about sparking curiosity, encouraging lifelong learning, and reminding each of us of the role we play in shaping and strengthening our democracy. This is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.”

New York State Historian, Devin Lander said, “This is history in its rawest, most thrilling form. We’re not just unveiling a ship—we’re resurrecting a lost relic of the American Revolution, right before your eyes. New York stood at the epicenter of our fight for freedom, and this gunboat is a physical reminder of that courage and grit. To watch it rise again, plank by plank, is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the intersection of archaeology, storytelling, and national identity. This isn’t just an exhibit—it’s a living chapter of America’s founding brought vividly back to life.” Beginning Wednesday, May 14, visitors are invited to watch the process during regular museum hours, Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — an extraordinary experience you don’t want to miss.

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About the Cultural Education Center��

Established in 1836, the����is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State’s rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 1.1 billion years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the����and��. 

The��, established in 1818, is the largest state library system in the nation and one of the largest research libraries in North America. It oversees a vast network of more than 7,000 libraries statewide. Collections are made available onsite and through a robust interlibrary loan program. The Library’s mission is advanced through several key divisions, including the��, which houses a collection of over 20 million items, the��, and the��. The Library preserves and maintains invaluable historical collections and works, and serves as a Regional Depository for federal publications. Additionally, the State Library is the����of New York State government publications, ensuring their enduring preservation and accessibility for future generations. For more information, please visit the and . �į

�ճ�� ��holds many of the oldest and most important archival treasures in the nation. The Archives preserves and makes accessible over 270 million records of New York’s State and colonial governments dating from 1630 to the present. The State Archives provides free access to photographs, artifacts, documents, manuscripts, and other materials that tell the story of New York’s history via its . �į��  ��

�ճ�� Archives Partnership Trust was founded in 1992 to build an endowment and provide project support to enhance humanities programs, increase access to these outstanding treasures, and continue the preservation of New York's historical records. Since its founding, the Partnership Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has supported exceptional projects and programs. These include the��, t���, history conferences, special exhibitions, public education programs, book signings and lectures, publications, teacher training institutes, preservation projects, and more. 

The State Museum, State Library, and State Archives are programs of the ����vlog’s Office of Cultural Education. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518)474-5877 or . �į  

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