Capt. John Doswell

Capt. John Doswell was a pioneer in corporate multimedia presentations since the mid 1960’s when he developed many of the techniques that defined the industry. Since 1971, he has been the co-owner and President of Doswell Productions / PhotoShips, a full service production and software development company for corporate communications and business theater events. He is a writer, designer and computer systems designer/programmer.

Capt. Doswell is a member of Manhattan Community Board No. 4, as well as co-chair of the Waterfront & Parks Committee. In 1997/8, he worked for the passage of the Hudson River Park Act, which led to the formation of the Hudson River Park Trust, and was the founding chair of Friends of Hudson River Park. He serves on the boards of New York Windstar, North River Historic Ship Society, and Save Our Ships New York. He was also active in the quest to prevent Governor’s Island from being sold to a private developer and to reclaim it as public land. He is the author of a maritime glossary and Water Uses in Hudson River Park, a maritime survey of the Park and, for four years, was the designer and publisher of Hudson River Park VIEWS.

Capt. Doswell was the designer of a concept plan for Pier 84, and a contributing designer for Pier 76, elements of which have been adopted into the design for Hudson River Park. A United States Navy veteran, he holds a USCG Master’s License for the operation of vessels up to 100 tons under sail or power. He is part owner and occasional pilot of the retired historic fireboat John J. Harvey.

Capt. Doswell is currently the Executive Director of the Working Harbor Committee, which educates people about the history and importance of our working harbor via narrated Hidden Harbor Tours® and other events. He is also active as a professional maritime event producer and consultant for waterfront development. In 2006 he became the producer of the annual Great North River Tugboat Race & Festival, previously hosted by the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum each year on the Sunday before Labor Day, and is the port captain for the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance’s annual City of Water Day as well as safety officer for the annual Liberty Cup Hawai’ian outrigger canoe race, and other on-water events.