Half Moon replica in front of the Walkway Over the Hudson off Poughkeepsie

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutch East India Company ship that explorer Henry Hudson steered around the world 400 years ago may be long gone, but a replica of that vessel is now sailing up the very river that he explored so many centuries ago.

The Half Moon docked at Waryas Park in the City of Poughkeepsie Wednesday. The ship is a traveling museum that conducts historical programs about the Dutch colony, New Netherland (now New York).

A ribbon cutting ceremony commemorating the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage was held dockside by representatives of the City of Poughkeepsie, The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Dutchess County Tourism. The ship and Waryas Park will host a variety of activities this Memorial Day weekend.

“This ship was like the Internet of yesterday since it brought goods from around the world here to the Dutch colony,” said Chip Reynolds, captain of the Half Moon. He added that the ship and many of its components were almost identical to Henry Hudson’s 1609 vessel.

The ship will be docked Saturday to Monday, May 23-25 at Waryas Park and is open for guided tours from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

There will also be other events celebrating the Quadricentennial at the park this weekend.