The WaterFront Center Invites You To Witness Historic Oyster Dredge IDA MAY Return to Oyster Bay

Written By Shannon Kelly

Oyster Bay, NY: Wednesday, May 3rd at 10 am in Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park Boat Ramps, join The WaterFront Center, IDA MAY Project, and our maritime community to celebrate and witness the launching of the Oyster Dredge IDA MAY. This historic vessel was the first powered oyster dredge built and operated by Frank M. Flowers Oyster Company from 1925 until 2003. 

Ida May’s launch marks her return to the waters in which she worked for 75 years. The newly commissioned IDA MAY replica follows her original design plans, while also incorporating modern Coast Guard requirements, certifying her to carry passengers. IDA MAY will follow Oyster Sloop CHRISTEEN's path as a floating classroom for education programs, teaching children and adults alike about the history and ecology of Oyster Bay. Her deck provides a platform conducive to educational programming, public cruises, and private charters.  

On Thursday, May 4th, at Cooper Bluff in Oyster Bay, please join us in celebration of IDA MAY's launch in an effort to raise awareness of the maritime history that is deeply rooted in Oyster Bay and Long Island culture. For a $60 donation, enjoy beer, wine, hors d'oeuvres, and a chance to walk on IDA MAY's deck to appreciate the detail, craftsmanship, and hard work accomplished by the team of shipwrights and dedicated community volunteers.  

About The WaterFront Center: The WaterFront Center's (WFC) mission is to connect people to the water through education and recreation. WFC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Oyster Bay, New York. Providing access to the waters of Oyster Bay Harbor and Long Island Sound through marine education programs, recreational and instructional sailing activities, paddleboard, kayak, and sailboat rentals, and through harbor tours aboard our National Historic Landmark oyster sloop CHRISTEEN. 

CHRISTEEN Corporation: This Construction of a model of the IDA MAY oyster harvesting boat is the second project of the Christeen Corp, whose mission is to preserve Oyster Bay’s maritime heritage by involving the community in traditional boat building. The keel was laid on December 9, 2011. For more information on the history of IDA MAY, please visit: http://idamayproject.org

Shannon Kelly

Shannon grew up in Oyster Bay and received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative writing from Binghamton University in 2019. She has been working for The Waterfront Center for 6 years in various positions from Educator to Communications Coordinator. During her time at The WaterFront Center, she has taught over 500 children of all ages from various school around Long Island and New York City about marine, environmental, and biological sciences. When she was younger she loved going sailing with her father and has continued her education in sailing here with us at The Waterfront Center. Her passions include reading, writing, filming, being on the water, and rugby.

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