Filling Big Shoes

Upon entering Museum grounds, visitors are initially greeted by the L.A. Dunton. The Gloucester fishing schooner was built in 1921 and joined Mystic Seaport’s collection in 1963, eventually becoming one of the Museum’s four National Historic Landmark vessels. On September 12, the Dunton was moved from her normal berth to the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard in order to undergo routine maintenance. The Dunton will be out of the water for approximately one month before taking the Charles W. Morgan’s spot at Chubb’s Wharf, when the Morgan then takes her turn in the shipyard for a major restoration.

 

What vessel could possibly fit the Dunton’s friendly (but really big) shoes? The choice was made – a little girl, with a BIG story. Annie, the sandbagger, holds a special place in the hearts of all Museum staff.

 

Donated to Mystic Seaport in 1931, Annie was the first boat in the Museum’s watercraft collection. The collection now numbers more than 500 vessels, but Annie still holds the number one spot.

 

Fully rebuilt in 1968, Annie receives a lot of attention. Sandbaggers, built for their shape and sail area, were involved in many intense races in Long Island Sound, Florida, New Orleans and San Francisco. A crew of at least 10 was necessary in order to keep the boat upright and crew members would haul and throw 50-pound bags of sand as ballast. 

 

As a racing class that was considered dangerous, eventually the sandbaggers were set aside for a new class of racing boats. Though not raced competitively anymore, Annie still receives routine maintenance, allowing her legacy to live on.  

 

After taking in Annie, make sure to turn to your left and look at the sight looming in the Shipyard. There she is, the smiling Dunton, welcoming you from afar.

 

Don’t be afraid to head toward the shiplift and take an up-close look at the Dunton. Museum staff members are currently working on building a staircase which will make the vessel accessible during her maintenance. This “Stairway to Heaven” – as staff members have aptly named it – will be finished soon, allowing Museum visitors the pleasure of once again boarding the Dunton.

 

For more information about the Museum’s watercraft collection, visit us online at www.msyticseaport.org.

Ahoy, Sailors!

Welcome! Here you’ll find stories, pictures and profiles from Mystic Seaport – The Museum of America and the Sea.
.
Thousands of visitors of all ages come to Mystic Seaport every year. Many climb aboard tall ships, such as the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world. Many also join the 30,000 visitors a year who take a ride down the historic Mystic River aboard our coal-fired steamboat Sabino, which just celebrated her 100^th anniversary in 2008. Others gaze at stars under the Planetarium dome, explore our interactive exhibits, sign up for one of our many sailing programs and stop by Seamen’s Inne for some New England fare with a touch of local flavor.
.
When at the Museum, wandering through our 19th-century village is a must, and finding a slew of friendly interpreters is quite common. Whether you’re watching a meal being prepared in the Buckingham-Hall House, or chatting with the patrons of the Sailors Reading Room, you will quickly discover the ways of 19^th-century life.
.
But whether or not you can make it to Mystic Seaport, this blog will provide you with insight on the backstage workings of the Museum. Here you’ll find information about projects being worked on in the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard; stay informed about special and annual events such as the Sea Music Festival and Lantern Light Tours; discover the latest news about our upcoming exhibits; and learn more about the lesser-known aspects of the Museum.
.
We will also introduce you to some of our staff members and volunteers. Check back often to read their stories and learn how their dedication plays a huge role in the visitor’s experience.
.
And finally, we would like to hear from you. If there is something you would like to learn more about, just let us know. And then don’t forget to check back often. We promise, the stories, pictures and profiles will be updated frequently. Join us in our quest!