The Howard Steamboat Museum

05/28/2026

Our hearts go out to the family of Calliopist Martha Gibbs and her boat family at the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE.

Martha was an excellent and talented musician, great friend of the river, and one of the most genuinely happy people you could ever meet.

It was not possible to be in a bad mood around her because she would cheer you up by just being around you. Her positive energy was infectious. Her friendship was a gift.

The BELLE has lost her musical muse, the crew their dear friend, and her family a great person they all cherished.

Godspeed Martha, thank you for all the tunes, memories, and great help your spirit gave to so many.

Belle of Louisville calliopist Martha Gibbs is being remembered for her music, warmth and lasting legacy on the historic riverboat.

05/14/2026

Weather Reschedule Announcement

Victorian Chautauqua and Kids Festival

Rescheduled to Saturday the 18th of July 2026

Due to safety concerns regarding the current weather forecast, we have made the difficult decision to reschedule this Saturday’s Victorian Chautauqua and Kids Festival. The event will no longer take place as planned on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

We are now planning to host the event on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

The safety and comfort of our guests, vendors, volunteers, and staff remain our highest priority, and we do not want to risk hosting the event in potentially unsafe or uncomfortable conditions.
We are excited for the opportunity to bring this event back and want to ensure we do so in the safest and most enjoyable way possible for everyone attending.

While July temperatures may be warmer, the Carriage House is an air-conditioned space where guests will be able to take refreshing breaks between visiting vendors and enjoying the many activities we have planned. We truly believe this will create an even more enjoyable experience for all.

It is our sincere wish that everyone has a safe weekend, and we look forward to welcoming you to our campus on Saturday, July 18, for the rescheduled Victorian Chautauqua and Kids Festival.

05/13/2026

Congratulations to our friends at Nashville Riverboats on the occasion of the ribbon cutting for their new business and the christening of their riverboat CAPITOL!

Nashville Riverboats launches newest family-friendly attraction The Capitol and celebrates company’s inaugural riverboat operating year-round from Riverfront...

05/12/2026

Our friends at Schimpffs are more than worthy of this distinction 2 years in a row. Please vote for them and help them bring the trophy home again for the second time!

Thanks and don't forget to stop and see them the next time you are here in Jeffersonville.

They are a great stop after a tour of the museum!

🍬🎉 BIG NEWS from Schimpff’s Confectionery! 🎉🍬

We are honored to announce that Schimpff’s has once again been nominated for USA TODAY 10Best Best Candy Store in America for 2026 — after winning LAST YEAR! 🏆🍭

Now we need YOUR help to do it again!

Voting is completely based on YOUR votes, and you can vote ONCE A DAY from May 11 at noon through June 11 at noon! Every vote helps us climb closer to #1! 🙌

👉 Please LIKE & FOLLOW our page
👉 SHARE this post with your friends and family
👉 VOTE DAILY using the link below!

https://10best.usatoday.com/qr/60519/

We made the candy good… YOU can make it famous! ❤️🍬

We need your help!!!
Carrie Turner Carrie Cooke Ketterman Jenna Bariatric Bestie

05/08/2026

Searching for a last-minute spot to celebrate Mother’s Day with Mom?

Why not take a trip through history together with the whole family? We’ve got the perfect place, open from 12:00 noon (right after lunch) until 3:00pm (just before dinner).

Mom will enjoy experiencing history with you. She already told us!

05/08/2026

We are so thankful for Dawne Gee and WAVE Country for the chance to be on their program yesterday and promote the happenings here on campus.

Thanks Dawne!!!

Dawne Gee welcomes the Howard Steamboat Museum to the WAVE Country studio to preview the Victorian Chautauqua and Kids Festival.

05/07/2026

Thanks WFYI for sharing some of the great stories of the river! We are so glad you came to visit us and help us promote our mission!

05/07/2026

We are on TV! Thanks to Indianapolis TV station WFYI! Check it out!

Did you know that Indiana not only housed one of the largest shipyards in the country, but one of the oldest as well?The Howard Steamboat Museum in Jefferson...

05/01/2026

The Howard Steamboat Museum will be closed on Saturday the 2nd of May 2026 in observance of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.

We wish you luck if you indulge on the ponies and look forward to seeing you when we reopen on our regular schedule on Sunday the 3rd of May 2026 at 12pm.

04/28/2026

Welcome to our friends at the BELLE Of CINCINNATI (www.bbriverboats.com) who just came past blowing their whistle and playing their calliope for us at the Howard Steamboat Museum!

They are in town for tomorrow's race. If you want to learn more about the race, we have a brunch tomorrow where we will tell you all about it and the history of steamboat racing.

Get your tickets now by logging on to... https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ready-set-steam-race-day-brunch-tickets-1983883452812?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Ticket sales end tonight...so don't miss the boat!!