The Noble Maritime Collection

The Noble Maritime Collection is an art and history museum in Staten Island, New York. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the art, writings, and historic maritime artifacts of the distinguished marine artist, John A. Noble (1913-83) and to continue his legacy of celebrating the people and traditions of the working waterfront of New York Harbor in its collections, exhibitions, and programs; to preserve and interpret the history of Sailors' Snug Harbor; to preserve and celebrate Robbins Reef Lighthouse; and to operate a museum and maritime study center inspired by these themes.

The museum is located at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, once home to Sailors' Snug Harbor, which cared for mariners on Staten Island from 1833 to 1976. Its Greek Revival buildings are now National Historic Landmarks.

The museum was founded in Noble's Staten Island home in 1986, and in 1992 moved to Building D at Snug Harbor, a derelict former dormitory. The Noble Crew, a coalition of volunteers, contributed $1 million of labor and materials to rehabilitate the building, and the City allocated $2.4 million. The museum has galleries, classrooms, a library, archives, and a print studio. The centerpiece is Noble's 19th century houseboat studio, restored and installed within the museum. In 2010 the museum became the steward of Robbins Reef Lighthouse in New York Bay, and the Noble Crew is following a fifteen-year plan to restore and open it to the public.

Education programs for kids use art and music to teach maritime history. Adult programs, popular with seniors, include a knitting club and folk music sing-alongs. Concerts, lectures, and exhibitions draw visitors of all ages.