Bringing Her Home
Travel back in time aboard SS NOBSKA to the charming New England
past of steamship travel.
The New England Steamship Foundation (NESF)
is a a non-profit organization
dedicated to the preservation of SS NOBSKA, America's last
classic coastal steamship.
Find out how we are getting our steamer ready as a major
New England historical attraction.
Better than that, ...
join
the NESF and play an active part.
You will be part of a committed, dynamic association assuring the
preservation of a meaningful segment of maritime history that has nearly
been forgotten.
Step Aboard!
A Majestic Tall-Stacked Coastal Steamship
Hundreds of these vessels plied the waters of the Northeast.
The melodious, full sound of steamwhistles, cheerfully insistent
ringing of engine order bells, and the rhythmic muffled sound
of powerful reciprocating steam engines were common.
Unlike sailing vessels of earlier times that have received recognition
and well-deserved restoration and care, not one coastal
steamship remains today in operating condition.
Restoration and operation of SS NOBSKA is important. She represents the last vibrant, working example of a primary means of transportation widely used by travelers and commerce for over a century. Millions of people from all walks of life trod her decks including celebrities such as Charles Lindbergh, James Cagney, Katherine Cornell, and John F. Kennedy.
Fully restored under steam, SS NOBSKA will enable present and future generations to again experience the comfort, manner, and style of the unhurried and gracious steamship travel of a long-past era.
Members of the Friends of NOBSKA, as the fore runner of NESF was called, have during the past two decades accomplished the primary and essential task of preserving the ship. The job now at hand is to complete restoration and once more bring her 'alive'.