Powering NYC: East River Ferry Tour - Private

What keeps the city that never sleeps running all the time? Explore the history of NYC’s power infrastructure by focusing on the East River!

Tour Highlights

• Sail past the abandoned North and South Brother Islands and hear about the demolition of multiple islands in Hell Gate
• Find out what happened to the coal plant next door to the United Nations
• View Manhattan’s largest undeveloped parcel, where there are plans to build a casino and a Museum of Freedom
• Hear plans for the future of Rikers Island and how it may be a catalyst in our clean energy future
• Pass the huge steam plant at the foot of East 14th St. and see what it’s actually producing
• Discover shipwrecks in the Long Island Sound

About this tour:

This tour explores the history of New York City’s infrastructure by focusing on the East River and its islands, shores, tunnels, and bridges. Our tour begins by illustrating the history of electricity in the city and how industry consolidation led to over 170 companies becoming…Consolidated Edison! We then board the NYC Ferry Soundview route for a better look at the current and former electricity, steam, and gas plants along the banks of the East River and its infamous Hell Gate. As we traverse by U Thant, Roosevelt, Mill Rock, Randall’s, North and South Brother, and Rikers Islands, we examine the role they have played in New York City’s development. On the way back down, we take a look at the power infrastructure in Astoria Yard and DUMBO and their clean energy future.

About Your Guide:

Cullen Brown is an energy professional who specializes in bringing people into closer contact with the infrastructure that makes our lives easier. He is passionate about learning from the long-term visionaries and the working people who worked to make power, gas, steam, and water plentiful and dependable in our modern society. With experience in the private and public sector, he focuses on commercial/industrial energy users who are looking to use energy more efficiently.

Meeting Location:**The group meets at 88 Fulton Street New York, NY 10038.

Cancellation Policy:**100% refund up to 72 hours prior to the start of your tour.

When canceled less than 72 hours before the start of your tour, we will do our best to reschedule you or issue you a credit to use on any of our upcoming tours. This credit won’t expire until you use it!

FAQ

How long is the tour?

This tour is 3 hours long. The majority of the tour will be spent aboard a public NYC Ferry, the Soundview route.

Where does it end?

It ends at Pier 11 in Manhattan.

How strenuous is this tour?

This tour is easy and most people can participate.

Is this tour ADA accessible?

Yes, it is! You can email us at [email protected] in order for us to best prepare your visit.

Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?

This tour is mostly outdoors.

Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in. The group will meet at the Excelsior Power Building, 33 Gold St, NYC, NY 10038" for the start of the tour. Look for the green sign that reads "Excelsior Power Co Bldng." as seen in the photo below:

View IMG_0633.heic

See the location on Google Maps here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FRySAjRkoir1e5Cb7

Please note that the majority of this tour will be conducted aboard an NYC Ferry.