A. J. Meerwald

The A. J. Meerwald is an oak-hulled sailing vessel built for oyster dredging and other maritime work. The ship displays the classic construction methods of cargo vessels from the early 1900s, with a working deck designed for handling nets and equipment.

The vessel was built in 1928 and served as a working dredge boat in the bay. During World War II, it was converted for firefighting duties before eventually being restored for educational purposes.

The vessel represents a way of life tied to water work and harvesting, showing how people once made their living from the bay. Walking the deck today, you can sense the connection between the community and maritime labor that shaped this region.

The vessel is moored at Bivalve and can sometimes be visited when not traveling to other ports. You should check ahead, as the ship frequently sails to different locations along the bay.

This was one of the last sailing vessels built specifically for oyster dredging before motorized boats took over the industry. Its ability to work without an engine made it unusual for its time and valuable as a record of disappearing practices.

Location: Commercial Township

Inception: 1928

Made from material: oakwood

GPS coordinates: 39.23470,-75.03060

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:09