The Peters-Stevens Boat Annex is the most recent addition to the Henderson Historical Society campus. In 2003, with the bequest of Dr. Lloyd and Alice Peters, along with their family, our society made a pledge to the Peters family to establish a boat annex. It was named in their honor, as a tribute to those families for their donations and efforts to preserve the boating heritage of Henderson.
The signature boat of the early 20th century was the fishing guide boat. These were built by skilled craftsmen of the Henderson community, who were also farmers, carpenters, and fishermen. These seaworthy boats were build to withstand the rough waters of Lake Ontario and became well-renowned, as did their builders.
Our collection of historic boats includes:
- A 15-foot Tyler-built guide boat from early 1900s
- A 17-foot guide boat built by Phil Lane & Earl Howard in winter of 1931-32
- A 15-foot by 8-foot Stevens-made ice boat & blades built in 1880
- A 15-foot Bassett rowboat
- Sharpie, a 12-foot rowboat
- A 22-foot Stevens-made in-board engine guide boat
- A 22-foot guide boat built by Kent Irwin in 1939, with a Chrysler engine
Throughout the museum are other Lake Ontario artifacts, including vintage nautical signal flags, antique charts and maps, photographs of local families and boat builders, and more. Personal tours of the Peters-Stevens Boat Annex are available during our museum hours. Please visit the museum to gain access to the boat annex.
You Can Help!
These antique boats are an integral part of the heritage of the Town of Henderson and Jefferson County, and the Henderson Historical Society is passionate about preserving these storied vessels. Your help is needed.
The Historical Society relies upon gifts to create new programs and to keep projects like the Peters-Stevens Boat Annex afloat! We appreciate any donation, of any amount, whether it be from:
- Individual giving
- Employer-matched funds & corporate donors
- In memoriam — gifts to honor a loved one
- Gift donations — a thoughtful gesture for family & friends on any holiday or occasion
- Legacy giving — gifts made in a will or trust
Please take a moment to support the Peters-Stevens Boat Annex today.
Your generosity will help us preserve these historic Henderson guide boats and other locally-built wooden vessels for generations to come. Thank you!
Henderson Historical Society 