Sailors’ Snug Harbor introduction

The Trustees of the Sailors’ Snug Harbor in the City of New York (SSH), one of the oldest secular charities in the United States, continues to help retired mariners. Historically, SSH provided assistance to deep sea mariners only, but is now helping inland mariners as well. SSH no longer operates a retirement home, but instead helps mariners across the country in their home communities. SSH helps mariners live more comfortably by assisting them with their living expenses as well as helping them find other assistance and local services.

SSH was incorporated in 1806 as the result of a bequest made by Captain Robert Richard Randall. Not much is known about Captain Randall. He spent much of his life managing the family shipping company. By far his most famous deed—and the one by which he is remembered today—occurred on June 1, 1801, when he signed his Will. It is believed that Alexander Hamilton helped Capt. Randall create his Will days before his death. Captain Randall dictated that The Sailors’ Snug Harbor be created and maintained in perpetuity to support aged sailors.

In 1833, SSH opened their first retirement home in Staten Island, NY. At its peak in the beginning of the twentieth century, more than 1,000 merchant sailors were in residence together at the facility. The decades following, enrollment declined while costs to maintain the historic buildings to current codes rose. The facility closed in 1976 and the 105 mariners residing at the facility were relocated to SSH’s newly built facility in Sea Level, NC.

SSH realized the majority of retired mariners did not want to move to Staten Island or Sea Level, but would rather stay in their home communities with their spouses, families and friends. In the early 1990’s, SSH began its outreach program, helping mariners with their bills in their home communities. This led to the gradual move away from operating a retirement home.

Today SSH helps mariners across the country from a small office in Manhattan. In 2024, nearly 400 mariners received financial support from SSH. This is the most mariners assisted by SSH since the early 1950’s.

The SSH website has a link to the program’s application.