With symbols of Halloween jumping out at us at every turn, I wondered – how and where did this October 31st day originate? Turns out, we owe it largely to Irish immigrants. They brought versions of their Celtic festival, Samhain (pronounced sah-wen), to North America. Combine that with the northern European pagan tradition and religious festivities associated with “All Hallow’ Evening” (now known as All Saints Day) and VOILA – October 31st is what we all now know as Halloween!
Too much information? Sorry. But wait – here’s some really important information for anyone with children ages 10 and under. Want a really safe place to take your little goblins trick-or-treating on Halloween? Then come to Mystic Seaport. From 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 31st , children in costume will gather up treats at designated locations within the Mystic Seaport village. It’s a scene guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of all, whether participants or simply onlookers.
Parents, you can vicariously relive this fun time of childhood because it’s a requirement that children be accompanied by an adult. You don’t have to come in costume yourself, but please come with $2 for each child you bring (to help defray candy costs). If you’re lucky, maybe your little ghosts and goblins will share some of their Halloween treats with you!
Park in the Seamen’s Inne parking lot, enter through the Museum’s library gate and follow the pumpkin path. You’ll be given a map to lead you to all those treats in waiting.
Sound fun? You betcha!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Blog post written by Trudi Busey.
Categories: Events · Family Fun · Seasons
Tagged: Autumn Events, Family Fun, Mystic Seaport
This week we meet Shannon McKenzie, assistant to the vice president of watercraft preservation and programs. Shannon’s office is located in the Museum’s Shipyard, giving her an up-close view of the activity surrounding the Charles W. Morgan. Shannon was at the Morgan haul out last November (of course!) and snapped a photo of her then four-month-old son, Sammy. She plans to take another picture of her son the day the Morgan goes back into the water, capturing just how much her little man has grown during the restoration project.
1. How long have you been employed at Mystic Seaport?
SM: I have been working here for about 3 years. My husband and I moved to Mystic four years ago from Cape Cod where we both worked at Sea Education Association. When I was sailing with that school, I took a winter off and worked as a rigger here while Amistad was being built. It was that experience that made me want to come back to work here.
2. What’s the best part of your job?
SM: The best part of my job is the people that I work with and the variety of work that I do on a daily basis. There is always something new and exciting going on in the Shipyard outside of my window. I have learned a lot and been exposed to all sorts of different techniques, tools, organizations and legends in the industry.
3. What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
SM: I get directed all sorts of inquiries from the public. People call up who want to donate trees, boats, tools… I often end up tracking down whether or not we want to accept these donations. Some are more complicated than others, and some people have a history with the items which makes them vested in what will ultimately happen to their donation.
I also get calls from people all over the country who are looking to find out some specific fact, group or individual or technique that is maritime related. It is often a challenge to help them hunt down the answers. Although, frankly, sometimes I just Google to find them the answers and I still come away sounding like a wealth of knowledge!
4. What’s the funniest or most notable on-the-job experience you’ve had?
SM: Coordinating the WoodenBoat Show is my most notable. It is such a huge event, takes so much time to plan for and requires the coordination of all of the departments at the Museum. Standing on the VRC overlook eating a popsicle on Saturday afternoon knowing that there are over 5,000 people on the grounds and a waterfront full of wooden boats is a great moment. Although, going out on the water in those little race boats right after that sure was fun, too!
5. What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
SM: Right now, my favorite thing is hanging out with my little boy who celebrates his first birthday this week. There really is nothing I would rather do, which is a good thing, since entertaining him takes up all of my free time! We have a little sailing skiff that we take him out in. It isn’t the same as the off-shore voyaging that I used to do, but I’ll take my time on the water in smaller stints now. I also enjoy gardening and did the Master Gardner program when I lived on the Cape. My brother and his family and my parents all live close by, so I spend a lot of time with them as well.
Shannon was photographed by Dennis Murphy.
Categories: People
Tagged: Mystic Seaport, Staff
Okay, so it’s really my very much alive husband I’m talking about. But he really is a ghost in Mystic Seaport’s Nautical Nightmares production, which kicks off for a 3-weekend run on Friday, October 16.
This year’s theme, “Blood of the Mutineers,” is not geared to the faint of heart nor children under the age of 12, but if you want to experience something a bit more jolting than carving a jack-o-lantern or going to a costume party, Nautical Nightmares is your ticket for a haunting and memorable evening during this Halloween month.
The nightly small group tours begin at 6:15 p.m. and leave every 15 minutes from.Mystic Seaport’s North Gate entrance. Ticket holders will be met there and guided along darkened Museum village streets in search of clues related to the unfolding drama they’ll witness in various stops along the way.
You might want to put a flashlight in your pocket to scare away any ghosts you might encounter. However, you can sock it to them simply by donating a pair of new or gently worn women’s or children’s socks, shoes or athletic footwear on performance nights. Donations will benefit the Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut.
Nautical Nightmares has become a very popular event at Mystic Seaport since its debut eight years ago. The sooner you buy tickets, the better. The cost (which includes a $2 handling fee) is $21 for adults ($19 for members) and $20 for children ($18 for member youth). Again, Mystic Seaport does not recommend bringing children under age 12 to this event.
Purchase tickets online at www.mysticseaport.org/nauticalnightmares or by calling 860.572.5322 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. To 4 p.m.
Blog written by Trudi Busey.
Categories: Events
Tagged: Mystic Seaport, Nautical Nightmares
September 29, 2009 · 1 Comment
…and most of the hours leading up to it. However, the Antique Vehicle Show at Mystic Seaport the last Sunday in September was still a treat for determined Museum visitors decked out in rain gear and carrying umbrellas. I know. I was one of them!
Although only a fraction of the expected 120 exhibitors were willing to subject their restored motor vehicles to Sunday’s persistent rain, those who did provided visitors with a tantalizing taste of what this annual event must be like when clear skies prevail and exhibitors are out in full force.
It was so cool seeing century-old vehicles parked along the Museum’s Village Green as though their owners were off running errands or shopping. Movies depicting that era or a painting or nostalgic Christmas card scene are just no match for actually admiring these awesome motor vehicles in person.
Restoring these beauties is obviously an expensive labor of love, but to John Parker III of North Stonington, CT, it’s a passion well worth it. His magnificent red, brass-trimmed 1921 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Tourer led the 3 p.m. parade.
Among the vehicles parading several times around the Village Green with “ooga-ooga” horns sounding, were a snappy royal blue 1924 Studebaker Light Six Coupe, a magnificent 1927 yellow Cadillac sporting big white wall tires, several shiny black Ford Roadsters, a vintage Mystic Seaport truck, and a bright red 1912 Overland Roadster with beautiful brass rimmed lamps and headlights. Seeing Chick and Gail Chandler rounding the bend in their open orange1914 Metz Speedster, I couldn’t help thinking that their happy waves and smiles were partially showmanship but also happiness that they would soon be headed home to Charlton, MA and dry clothes!
It was unfortunate that the weather dampened this year’s Antique Vehicle Show, but when this special event is advertised next year, do yourself a big favor. Don’t miss it! You’ll take a step back in time and probably wonder, as I do, if any of our 21st century cars will some day make it to antique status and warrant an exhibition spot at the Mystic Village Green curb.
Blog written by Trudi Busey
Categories: Events · Family Fun · Museum Grounds
Tagged: Fall Event, Mystic Seaport
September 24, 2009 · 1 Comment
They are the harbinger of autumn – those fall fairs and festivals that dot our Connecticut landscape and make the change of season tolerable. I enjoy them as much as anyone. However, if you’re like me, there is a saturation point.
If you’ve watched enough tractor, truck and horse pulls; if you’ve sufficiently sabotaged your diet with cotton candy and fried dough; if you’ve had your share of getting up close and personal with farm animals and admired enough prize-winning jams, needlework and homegrown veggies – I have a great alternative for you…
MYSTIC SEAPORT!!
You can check our website for details: www.mysticseaport.org, but let me briefly describe what special events are in store for you at the Museum as September segues into October.
New word. It’s the term given to the growing movement of eating exclusively from local ingredients. Seamen’s Inne Executive Chef, Tim Quinn invites food lovers to experience a sumptuous 4-course meal on 10/16 and 11/20. (The 3-dinner series debuted on September 19th. )The gourmet meals are prepared entirely with ingredients grown within a reasonable radius of Mystic Seaport. Reserve your place at the table for 10/16 and 11/20.
Bustling waterfronts, scenic beaches and marshlands and contemporary marine art will prompt oohs and ahhs from all who appreciate fine art. The comprehensive exhibit opens September 27th for a 3-week stay in the Museum’s Maritime Gallery.
"Bugeye LEMUEL KIRWAN and Two Schooners" by Yves Parent featured at the International.
No cash for clunkers at Mystic Seaport, but on September 27th a parade of pre-1930’s cars, trucks and motorcycles are definitely worth a look-see – or maybe even a ride. The grand parade of the vehicles around Museum grounds happens at 3 p.m.
Almost Oktoberfest time! But then, beer lovers don’t need a special time to enjoy a cold one. On October 3rd, from 5-7 p.m. at the Museum’s shipyard, adults can sample different brews from several breweries after learning some little-known facts about beer’s influence on American history from Gregg Smith, author of Beer in America: The Early Years –1587-1840.
Beginning October 16th, Mystic Seaport gets down right spooky! On tap – Nautical Nightmares. Tickets are on sale now and go quickly. More info at www.mysticseaport.org/nauticalnightmares.
Blog written by Trudi Busey
Categories: Events
Tagged: Exhibits, Mystic Seaport, Fall Events
Don Treworgy, May 2009, at the naming of the Treworgy Planetarium
We are saddened to share the news that our beloved Don Treworgy, Mystic Seaport staff member for 48 years, died on September 13.
Today, on this bright and clear September day, we are comforting one another by sharing our stories and recalling this exceptional friend, scholar and gentleman who would not have failed to recognize the simple joys of a glorious late summer day.
Please join us here, in the comments section of our Mystic Seaport blog, and share your stories about life with Don, who made us all richer for the time we spent with him. Honor him with your humor, your recollections, your discoveries and your memories.
If you’d like to look back at some Mystic Seaport photographs of Don over the years, click here.
And if you have photos of your own to share (and you know how important stories, people, photos, history and archiving were to Don!) please share them in our Donald Treworgy Remembered Flickr group.
Mystic Seaport remembers Don Treworgy
Categories: People
Tagged: Don Treworgy, Mystic Seaport, stars in the sky, Treworgy Planetarium
Recently we invited friends from where we used to live to come and visit Mystic Seaport with us. So, on a recent beautiful sun-drenched day, when the Mystic River has that extra diamond-like sparkle, my husband and I acted as tour guides for the Davis’s.
We made our way from the South Gate to the North Gate, taking in the sights along the way. Our friends’ enthusiastic interest in the ships, the exhibits and the village itself made me think how easily we often take for granted the special beauty and wonder of familiar surroundings.
Fran is a talented artist and Bob is masterful at crafting all things wooden, like boats, Shaker boxes, furniture, a country house for themselves, etc. Bob had taken the boat building course at Mystic Seaport back when John Gardner was the teacher and not just a picture on the wall. With a smile, he fondly recalled Mr. Gardner’s special teaching style. I think Bob could have spent most of the day in the shipyard! Fran could visualize setting up her easel just about anywhere on Museum grounds to capture the essence of Mystic Seaport.
Awesome, beautiful, delightful, relaxing, impressive were some of the adjectives voiced by our friends as we lunched outdoors on the Seamen’s Inne patio and talked about their impressions of Mystic Seaport today. How refreshing it was to enjoy the Museum through their eyes.
If you’re feeling down about summer’s official end, here’s your antidote. Visit Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the Sea. On our website: www.mysticseaport.org you’ll find a listing of fun and exciting special events coming up.
Yeah, summer is great, but fall’s sweater weather days can be pretty wonderful, too. Come and see for yourselves.
Blog written by Trudi Busey.
Categories: Museum Grounds
Tagged: 19th-Century Village, Exhibits, Mystic Seaport, Seamen's Inne
The early bird gets the worm, as the saying goes. So here’s what you need to do this Labor Day weekend…
Set your inner shopping alarm. Flap your wings and fly over to Mystic Seaport for a fantastic Labor Day Sidewalk Sale. Gates are open at 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Believe me, you’ll find lots better fare than worms!
Ties, scarves, books, note cards, glassware, posters, etc. for $10 or less. Some things even bear that irresistible sign – FREE! For art enthusiasts, Mystic Seaport’s Maritime Gallery is offering select prints at reduced prices.
But here’s the catch. The sidewalk sale items are first come, first served, and carry the warning – while supplies last. How’s that for motivation to get you bargain shoppers up, out and over to Mystic Seaport this weekend?
You’ve seen the mall store displays already hinting that it’s not too early to think Christmas gifts. Distasteful as that thought may be, we won’t tell anyone if you decide to make some great early Christmas purchases.
Mystic Seaport this Labor Day weekend offers two bonuses for making the Museum your destination. The Fish & Ships seafood festival is going on, the Sidewalk Sale is going on. Both are tantalizing but in different ways – one for the tummy; one for the pocketbook. How can you resist?
Enjoy fresh seafood this weekend at our Fish & Ships festival!
Come. Enjoy the food; find a bargain; take a ride on the steamship, Sabino; climb aboard a tall ship; play a 19th-century game on the Village Green; gaze at the stars in the Treworgy Planetarium; explore the exhibits.
What a terrific way to celebrate this last official summer weekend!
Blog written by Trudi Busey.
Categories: Events · Family Fun
Tagged: Family Fun, Mystic Seaport, Summer Events
Rufus, the 2006 Westminster Best in Show Champion Bull Terrier dressed in a
Cat in the Hat outfit? You might be thinking – how humiliating! But this dog is a “cool cat.” As representative of the National Education Association’s Read Across America
, Rufus dons the
Cat in the Hat costume for his official duties. The weekend of
August 28-30, Rufus is the celebrity guest at the first-ever
Dog Days event at Mystic Seaport.
Meet Rufus this weekend at Mystic Seaport.
Museum visitors have a couple of opportunities to meet and greet Rufus. The first is during story time, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Museum’s Stillman Building. (For a nominal fee, visitors can pose for pictures with Rufus with all proceeds benefitting the Charles W. Morgan restoration.). Then it’s off to the playscape area where Rufus will meet visitors from 2 – 4 p.m. As a certified Therapy Dog, Rufus is obviously calm and friendly and used to greeting strangers.
Although 9-year-old Rufus brings star quality to Dog Days with an impressive 35 Best in Show titles to his name, plenty of other awesome dogs will amaze visitors with their skills and talents throughout the weekend. Take a look at some of the things going on:
Special Friday events:
- Canine search and rescue demonstrations
- A visit from Connecticut Humane Society Therapy dogs
Special Saturday and Sunday events:
- Newfoundlands demonstrate their life-saving water rescue skills;
- police dogs show their mettle; hunting dogs show off their special aptitudes;
- guide dogs for the blind demonstrate their remarkable abilities and intuitive talents;
- therapy dogs visit, epitomizing the gentle side of dogdom;
- a canine flyball demonstration introduces visitors to a fun and competitive sport for dogs.
During Dog Days, even menu choices will be dog-themed! Enjoy hush puppies, slush puppies, hot dogs and more.
So all you humans out there don’t need to whine or bark to enjoy this special weekend treat. Just visit Mystic Seaport during Dog Days this weekend, August 28-30. You’ll be happy as a pup!
Blog written by Trudi Busey.
Categories: Events · Family Fun
Tagged: Mystic Seaport, Family Fun, Summer Events, Dogs
I must confess, gardening is not my strong suit. My attempt to grow herbs didn’t work; I’m nervous about dividing my humongous hosta plants come fall; my one healthy African violet plant also should be divided, but I fear killing it totally. You get the picture.
So….Garden Days weekend at Mystic Seaport, August 21-23, may provide just the inspiration and confidence I need. There are so many interesting demonstrations and talks to choose from, for novice gardeners like me as well as seasoned gardeners whose passion for getting down and dirty in the soil is their idea of heaven.
The Burrows Garden at Mystic Seaport.
Tovah Martin, a regular on the PBS series Cultivating Life, will be the featured speaker for Garden Days, talking about houseplants and terrariums. She will be available for signings of her authored books after her 1 p.m. presentation on Saturday, the 22nd.
Who hasn’t enjoyed the sight of colorful butterflies? There will be a lecture on how you can create your own backyard garden that attracts these beauties of nature. It’s just one of the myriad of activities and presentations offered in the Demonstration Tent on the Museum’s Village Green.
Overall, an impressive roster of Master Gardeners, landscape designers, plant science educators and vendors knowledgeable in various aspects of horticulture, pest control and invasive plant species will all be on hand to answer questions and give demonstrations.
As always, there are activities geared especially to kids – like a garden scavenger hunt in the Children’s Museum. Also, the first 150 youth visitors each day during Garden Days weekend will be given a free sapling to take home and plant, courtesy of Sprigs and Twigs Landscapes.
For a complete listing of all the demonstrations and activities, log on to www.mysticseaport.org/gardendays. Then plan your visit – August 21-23. I suggest you come equipped with paper and pencil so you can jot down all the great tips from the experts on grounds!
Blog written by Trudi Busey.
Categories: Events · Family Fun · Gardens
Tagged: Gardens, Mystic Seaport, Summer Events
