Howard Steamboat Museum | New Albany

The Howard Steamboat Museum, located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of steamboat construction on the Ohio River, particularly highlighting the legacy of the Howard Shipyards. The museum is housed in the opulent 1894 mansion of Edmonds J. Howard, a key figure in the Howard family’s shipbuilding dynasty, and offers an immersive experience into one of the most significant inland shipbuilding enterprises in American history.

Historical Background and Significance

The Howard Shipyards were founded in 1834 by James Howard and quickly grew to become the largest inland shipyard in the United States. For more than a century, the shipyards built over 3,000 vessels, including steamboats, barges, towboats, and military landing crafts, which played a crucial role in commerce and transportation along the Ohio, Mississippi, and other major rivers. The shipyard’s influence extended well beyond Indiana, shaping river navigation and industry throughout the Midwest and Southern United States.

During World War II, the shipyard pivoted to build Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) for the U.S. Navy, contributing directly to the war effort. This era marked the end of Howard family ownership, but the shipyard continued under different names and remains operational today as Jeffboat, the oldest continually operating inland shipyard in the country.

The Mansion: Architecture and Interior

The museum is located in the Howard family’s mansion, constructed in 1894 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, which is characterized by its massive stone construction, rounded arches, and intricate woodwork. This 22-room mansion stands as a testament not only to the wealth generated by the shipbuilding enterprise but also to the family’s cultural and aesthetic values.

Craftsmanship: The mansion’s interior is distinguished by elaborate woodwork, showcasing 15 different types of exotic wood. Stained glass windows cast colorful light throughout the rooms, and the grand staircase is a highlight, modeled after the one on the steamboat J.M. White, which the Howard shipyard built.

Original Furnishings: Approximately 90% of the mansion’s furnishings are original, many acquired at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. These include ornate furniture, fine art, and decorative objects that provide authentic insight into upper-class life in the late 19th century.

Rooms and Displays: Visitors explore parlor rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, and other domestic spaces that have been carefully preserved or restored. Exhibits integrate the family’s personal history with the broader narrative of steamboat innovation and river commerce.

Museum Collections and Exhibits

The Howard Steamboat Museum holds one of the most extensive collections of steamboat-related artifacts in the United States, numbering over 5,000 items. These include:

Ship Models: More than 200 detailed scale models represent a wide variety of vessels constructed at the Howard shipyards, from elegant passenger steamboats to rugged barges and military landing crafts.

Photographs and Documents: Historical photographs document the shipyard’s construction projects, workers, and daily operations. Blueprints, contracts, and correspondence provide a documentary record of the shipyard’s century-long activity.

Shipbuilding Tools and Equipment: Original tools and machinery used in the shipbuilding process illustrate the craftsmanship and industrial techniques of the era.

Steamboat Artifacts: Notable artifacts include parts from famous vessels such as the J.M. White, Robert E. Lee, and Natchez steamboats. The museum also preserves the original paddlewheel shaft from the iconic Delta Queen steamboat.

Maritime Art and Memorabilia: Paintings, prints, and other artistic representations of riverboats and river life enrich the museum’s storytelling.

The Carriage House

Adjacent to the mansion is the restored Carriage House, originally the family’s residence while the main mansion was being built in the 1890s. The Carriage House has been renovated to serve multiple functions:

It hosts special exhibits related to the Howard family and riverboat history.

It is available as a venue for private events such as weddings and receptions, blending historic ambiance with modern amenities.

Visitor Experience and Educational Programs

The Howard Steamboat Museum offers both guided and self-guided tours, providing visitors with in-depth narratives about the shipbuilding industry, the Howard family, and the broader historical context of river transportation. Educational programs cater to school groups, history enthusiasts, and maritime scholars, featuring lectures, workshops, and special events.

The museum emphasizes hands-on learning and immersive experiences, enabling visitors to understand the technological, economic, and cultural significance of steamboats and inland shipping.

Practical Information

Location: 1101 East Market Street, Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM; closed Mondays

Admission: Adult tickets generally around $12, with reduced rates for seniors, military personnel, students, and free admission for children under six

Contact: Phone (812) 283-3728; official website offers additional visitor details

Summary

The Howard Steamboat Museum is a distinctive cultural and historical landmark that captures the essence of America’s inland river transportation heritage through the lens of one of its most influential shipbuilding families. The combination of an exquisitely preserved mansion, an extensive artifact collection, and engaging interpretive programming makes the museum a vital destination for understanding the technological innovation and social history of steamboat commerce on the Ohio River and beyond. It stands as both a tribute to the Howard family’s legacy and a broader celebration of the maritime traditions that helped shape the Midwest.