Bayshore Discovery Project

2800 High Street (Bivalve)
Port Norris, NJ 08349
(856) 785-2060
Internet (opens new window): www.ajmeerwald.org

Formerly known as the Delaware Bay Schooner Project, the Bayshore Discovery Project (BDP) forwards the mission of protecting the enivironment, history and culture of New Jersey's Bayshore region through education, preservation and example.

The main vehicles for BDP's work include the schooner A.J. Meerwald and the Delaware Bay Museum.

Schooner A.J. Meerwald
New Jersey's Official Tall Ship, the 115' historic schooner A.J. Meerwald is the centerpiece of Bayshore Discovery Project's programs.

From April through November, this beautiful ship offers a busy calendar of Public Sails, exploring the natural resources of the Delaware Estuary and the coastal waters of New Jersey. Special Events, including dinners, concerts, holiday celebrations, educational sails, and other family activities, are available throughout the season. A typical trip lasts 2½ hours. During the summer months Schooner Day Camp offers a unique opportunity for youngsters to experience the sailing life. Call (800) 485-3072 for details.

The Meerwald is also available for charter, and what a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday, wedding, or other special time!

School and other youth groups can participate in an exciting Education Sail that feature a selection of three Education Stations onboard. Choose from

  • Water Quality
  • Petroleum in the Estuary
  • Oystering in the Delaware Bay
  • Plankton
  • Wetlands
  • An Experiment in Seeing
  • And a Customized Program

Shore-based programs and other activities available at Meerwald's home port, Bivalve, include

  • Wetlands Walk
  • Maritime Industry Tour
  • Schooner Visit
  • Other Hands-On Activities

An up to date calendar and other news are available on BDP's official website.

Delaware Bay Museum
1727 Main Street
Port Norris, NJ
(856) 785-2060
The Delaware Bay Museum houses Maritime Traditions of Delaware Bay, an exhibit that interprets shipbuilding, oystering, commercial fishing, and recreational uses of the bay. Hundreds of wooden schooners were built on bayshore shipyards, including Jersey Oyster Schooners like the Meerwald. A fine collection of photographs and artifacts depicts the richness and culture of these fine old days.

With so much to offer for families and groups, Bayshore Discovery Project is a great resource for fun and education, and for experiencing first hand an era that played such an important role in making the United States the wonderful country that it is.
Hours
Museum:
Open April thru October, Thursday thru Sunday, 12 noon to 3:30 pm.
Also open by appointment for groups.
Meerwald:
Sails spring thru fall. See calendar for details.
Admission:
Museum FREE
A.J. Meerwald Morning or Afternoon Sail:
Adults $30.00
Seniors 65+ $25.00
Children 12 + $15.00
A.J. Meerwald Sunset Sail:
All Passengers $35.00
Groups of 10 or more with reservations receive a discount.
Reservations: Groups should reserve a Museum visit a week in advance--more for the Meerwald. Individuals should also reserve a place on the Meerwald at least a day in advance. More, if possible.
Lunch: Bagged lunch is permitted. Water bottle is recommended.
Handicapped Access: Museum exhibits are accessible. No restroom facilities. Call with your specific needs.
Directions:
From the North: I-295 South to Rt. 42 briefly to Rt. 55 South. Proceed to the end of Rt. 55 to Rt. 47 East. At the 47/347 split, stay on 47 but make the first right and follow signs to Port Norris. In Port Norris turn right at the "T" onto Main St. Go 2 blocks to the Museum on the right. To go to Bivalve continue past the Museum and turn left at the next intersection onto High St. Drive approx. 1 mile to the Schooner Left.

Via Garden State Parkway South: Take Exit 17 to Rt. 9 South to Rt. 83 West to Rt. 47, then follow Rt. 47 until you come to a Traffic light. At that light, turn left, following the signs to Port Norris and proceed as above.
Great Places Nearby
Bridgeton Historical District
Wheaton Village
Museum of American Glass
Warren E. Fox Nature Center