A rare piece of New Jersey history is now docked in Ocean County.

The state’s official tall ship arrived Wednesday morning at the Island Heights Yacht Club, drawing attention from locals and visitors alike.

The 115-foot schooner once served as an oyster dredging vessel and is one of nearly 500 built along the Delaware Bay before the shipbuilding industry declined in the 1930s.

The ship will remain in Island Heights through Sunday, offering tours, activities and history programs before sailing to the Highlands and Jersey City later this month.

“We are New Jersey's official State tall ship, so we bring this boat around to connect the people of New Jersey to their Maritime heritage,” said Fern Hoffmann, captain of the A.J. Meerwald.

She is a lifelong sailing enthusiast who has guided the Meerwald since last July.

“It's a big responsibility. I don't take it lightly. I feel honored to get to be a part of this history,” said Hoffmann.

Built in 1928, the schooner travels to ports all over New Jersey, offering people of all ages an opportunity to learn about the fishing industry's history.

“It's pretty awesome! We are really proud to be able to host the Meerwald at our dock. Second time I think they were here 15 years ago,” said Eric Bornebusch, vice commodore of the Island Heights Yacht Club.

“Our entire ecosystem is surrounded by the oyster. It is a keystone species. It's vital to the health of the bay of New Jersey shorelines of New Jersey's fisheries,” said Jessica Yorke, executive director of the Bayshore Center at Bivalve.

“One of the things we do is provide access programs to youth and adults and connect them with our local history and education programming,” Yorke added.

But for Captain Fern, piloting this beauty is a pinnacle moment of her 16-year sailing career.

“There is something extra, extra special about A.J. Meerwald. Sailing an original vessel in her original waters,” said Hoffmann.

Programs are run by the Bayshore Center at Bivalve.