SPLASH COVID-19 Policy Update

​SPLASH Friends and Volunteers,
 
SPLASH has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation since early March, and has proactively made changes to our daily operations since that time.  These changes include:

1. Meetings involving SPLASH volunteers and the Board of Trustees have moved from in-person meetings to virtual platforms.
2. Our normal April teachers training has been postponed, and our Education Committee is working hard to modify our training to be delivered virtually.
3. Our Citizen Science biweekly field sampling has been placed on hold.
4. In-person activities regarding the SPLASH Steamboat have been limited to essential activities to secure the steamboat.

These activities are in line with Executive Orders from Governor Murphy and recommendations from the CDC.  We recognize the impact COVID-19 may have on our 2020 Season, and are working with our funders and our clients to adjust our services and experiences for 2020 and beyond.
 
We greatly appreciate your continued support of SPLASH, and hope you and your loved ones remain safe during this time.  We hope to see you when our season resumes!
 
Sincerely,
 
Andrew Chun
President, Board of Trustees
SPLASH

A Message from the SPLASH Board 

As many of you know, in 2017 and 2018, SPLASH began an intensive Strategic Planning process to help set the future direction of the organization. One of the main takeaways from the process was that we as an organization have a desire to continue our educational mission irrespective of external factors affecting the operation of our steamboat. As part of our ongoing process, the Board of Trustees reviewed lessons learned from the 2018 and 2019 seasons and how to apply these lessons for the 2020 season.  
 
A significant challenge we have encountered has been increased uncertainty in our ability to operate the steamboat consistently during the season. Factors related to inconsistent operation include the challenges of finding and retaining experienced and licensed personnel to operate the vessel, river conditions, and the periodic maintenance and capital costs needed over the long-term. Looking ahead at 2020, we are exploring ways to pursue our mission that will not utilize the steamboat, which may include the use or acquisition of an alternative vessel and the expansion of our educational program on land. In the interim, we are suspending operations on the steamboat while we continue this review.
 
The Board of Trustees is fully committed to the continued, long term operation of SPLASH, the delivery of our STEM curriculum to our clients and the greater Lambertville - New Hope community, and our related Citizen Science program. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@steamboatclassroom.org.
 
Sincerely-
Board of Trustees
Delaware River Steamboat Floating Classroom, Inc.

​Our Mission

We provide unique educational adventures aboard our operational steamboat, while inspiring children and adults to learn about aquatic science, local history and engineering.  

Donate to the Steamboat SPLASH,
​a 501 (c) (3) educational non-profit

Please consider making a donation to help support our educational initiatives, as well as required ship maintenance. 

Educators
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Private Events
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​Recent News

​​Aerial Video of Magical Steamboat SPLASH 

On September 16, SPLASH had an evening sail with supporters and funders. Peter Berensmann happened to be filming a restaurant on the Delaware River at that time, noticed our beautiful boat, and recorded part of our trip.
When we returned to the dock, Peter offered the video to us. 
​​Credit: Peter Berensmann - Perspectiv Aerial Images

How did SPLASH get its name?
SPLASH stands for: Student Participation in Learning Aquatic Science & History

For over ten years, the SPLASH Steamboat Floating Classroom has delighted school and adult groups with 2 hour educational sails on the beautiful Delaware River in Lambertville, NJ. Younger students  learn in a “hands-on” way about our watershed and ways to protect it; the importance of “river critters” (macroinvertebrates); the chemistry of the river and the balance needed to sustain life; the environmental history of the Delaware River through the local hero the American Shad. 

​Each trip is a great opportunity to see wildlife - perhaps a bald eagle, cormorants, water snakes, blue herons. Students of all ages see first-hand “America’s First Great Invention” - the steamboat , as shared with them by the ship engineer. And, from the river, the history of our unique region comes alive – a crossing spot of the Continental Army, the homes and subjects of the New Hope Impressionists, the Bucks County Playhouse, a real shad fishery, the canals and the crossing point for canal boats, and much more. ​

Thank You to our Sponsors