Early years
Recognizing the importance of boat design, naval architecture, and the craft of boat construction as important fields within the design disciplines, the boat building program officially began as a part of the Buffalo State College Design Department in 1988.
The first courses were offered by Professor William Bartoo as an outgrowth of the furniture program. Bartoo was soon joined by Richard Butz (then Design Chairman) and design historian John Montague. These events occurred at a critical moment in the international wooden boat revival and the program quickly evolved into an academic minor, including courses in the "history of naval architecture," "small boat construction," and "traditional and experimental design."
With the generous help of WoodenBoat Magazine, Mystic Seaport Museum, the Adirondack Museum, and other established institutions, the program rapidly evolved into what became the Center for Watercraft Studies, the first college-based academic program of its kind.
