For hundreds of years, New York Harbor has been one of the most active waterways in the world, with tens of thousands of vessels having plied its waters over the city's lifetime. But when these sea-bearing vessels have reached the end of their career of service, where exactly do they go? While most are scrapped or repurposed, some are discarded in the same waterways they traversed — and just off-shore of New York City's borough of Staten Island, many of these decaying relics still remain. This is the story of Staten Island's ship graveyards and the tales behind the vessels that still remain.

Historic Richmond Town is proud to collaborate with New York Adventure Club for a virtual exploration of the ship graveyards of Staten Island, where many out-of-service ships throughout the 19th and 20th centuries were discarded and abandoned.

Led by historian and  Historic Richmond Town educator Jeffrey D.G. Cavorley, this virtual exploration of these watery graves will include:

• Why Staten Island's waterways became the final resting spot for so many retired vessels

• A virtual look at the shipwrecks and ruins surrounding the borough, from Shooter's Island off the North Shore to the Arthur Kill waterway

• Stories of notable wrecks caused by accidents, sabotage, and extreme weather

• A before-and-after comparison of the ship ruins, pre- and post-abandonment

• Photos showcasing Jeffrey's many explorations of the ship graveyards via kayak

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Jeffrey — any and all questions about the ship graveyards of Staten Island are welcomed and encouraged!