Fall into Fun at Mystic Seaport

Many people travel north to Vermont and New Hampshire to enjoy the vibrant colors of a New England autumn. With recent fuel prices and economic troubles weighing on the shoulders of leaf peepers everywhere, a trip north may not be feasible. Mystic Seaport offers the perfect solution. The Museum boasts 19 acres of beautiful grounds brimming with autumnal glory. Wander in and out of incredible exhibits and enjoy a true New England fall day in our re-created seafaring community.

The area of Mystic, CT, has a 300-year maritime history and fortunately for you, Mystic Seaport is striving to preserve that history. Many of the vessels you can see along our waterfront were built locally, or have roots in the New England maritime community. Your appreciation for 19^th-century craftsmanship is sure to be heightened by the framing of nature’s beauty.

The picture above was taken facing the Mystic River from the Planetarium located on the north end of the grounds.

The fall air a little too crisp for you? Step inside the Shipsmith shop and warm up while watching our craftsmen hard at work. Or, venture over to the Buckingham-Hall House and see what’s cooking over the flames.

 

If you’re looking for a spook or two, join us for the Nautical Nightmares. Tickets are on sale now. Find out more at www.mysticseaport.org.

 

Kids can’t seem to resist the sound of crunching leaves. They’re sure to also love our kid-friendly area near the Planetarium which features a Children’s Museum, The Art Spot and our very own fleet of wooden boats where kids can pretend to be captains and pirates in a sea of leaves.

 

And what’s the best part about autumn at Mystic Seaport? Children who visit us on October 24-25 and November 1-2 will get into the Museum for half price! Pretty good bargain if you ask us.

 

Make sure you Fall into Fun this autumn at Mystic Seaport! We’ll hold onto the majestic autumn leaves as long as we can.

Morgan on the Move

Moving a 167-year-old boat is a very careful process. The conditions must be just right. The tide must be high and wind should be minimal, therefore making the move a less stressful on the vessel. The Charles W. Morgan took her first official steps toward her restoration voyage on Monday, October 20, at 12:30 p.m. With the help of push boats, a tug and the careful tending of lines, the whaleship pulled away from her berth for a three-year voyage.

Above the Morgan is being tended to by a tug and other push-boats. Being 167-years-old has its downfalls (though she looks pretty good for her age, right?). There is no engine aboard the authentic whaling ship, her movements are dependant on and controlled by the tug and push-boats as they prepare to maneuver her around Lighthouse Point, toward her final destination.

Seen here is the bow of the Morgan as she approaches the crowds of people waiting to greet her at the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard.

A big welcome for the old gal as the last lines are secured.

For more information on the Morgan’s restoration, visit www.mysticseaport.org.

A Small Glimpse of Museum Happenings

The L.A. Dunton was placed back into the water yesterday. Returning to her berth just outside the Visitors Reception Center, the Dunton will remain in her normal location until she makes her way over to Chubb’s Wharf to rest in the Charles W. Morgan’s place during the time the whaleship is being restored.  

The Morgan is scheduled to be moved to the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard Sunday, October 19, at 11:30 a.m. In preparation for the big move, Shipyard staff members are working hard to remove rigging and take out  masts to get the Morgan ready for her journey. Below are photographs showing the work of the riggers and the crane that has been used to carefully remove yards and the three masts. 

For more information on Mystic Seaport happenings, visit us online at www.mysticseaport.org.

What’s Cooking at the Buckingham-Hall House?

No matter your maritime interest, Mystic Seaport is ready to deliver. Climb aboard a tall ship, wander through exhibit halls or take a stroll through a re-created 19^th-century seafaring village. Learning exactly how people lived during the 1800s is made easy by the many staff members and volunteers who spend countless hours researching and fielding questions. Buildings within the village include an apothecary, a cooperage, a clock shop, a shipsmith’s shop, a ship’s chandlery and a general store, among others. There are three homes you can venture into: the Buckingham-Hall House, the Burrows House and the Thomas Greenman House.

Shirley Gilmartin has been an interpreter in the Buckingham-Hall House for 20 years. She washes dishes, tends the fire and keeps a watchful on the food cooking over the open flames. Shirley has spent this particular morning baking a plum tart and basting a chicken.
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Sitting at the edge of the warm hearth is a tin oven. Used for roasting, the back of the oven faces the fire open to the heat of the coals. The overall shape of the oven is domed, so as heat enters the oven from the back, it rotates around and cooks the meat inside. Ever so often, Shirley rotates the chicken or opens the door to baste it.
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In the back corner of the hearth is a cast iron bucket. Inside is a plum tart, and according to a visiting staff member, “Shirley makes the best dessert.” The bucket has a layer of hot coals in the bottom and the tart pan sits in the middle, surrounded by an additional layer of hot coals. Shirley will also check this every so often, replacing coals and waiting for the tart to finish.
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This method of open hearth cooking is common to the 1830s. Above the hearth is a small compartment where weekly bread baking would take place. What is most interesting about “The Buck” (as staff members fondly refer to the house), is the house garden in the backyard where interpreters can pick vegetables and herbs to use in their traditional cooking. Shirley, along with the rest of the Museum’s interpreters, feel passionately about their role at Mystic Seaport and picking fresh herbs is just another way they try remain as authentic to this past era as possible.  

Though they may have a faucet in a closet, the dishes and pans are cleaned by using a bucket and elbow grease. Take the opportunity to see history living in the present. Stop by and visit Shirley or one of the other interpreters in The Buck’s warm kitchen.  Who knows – you may even be able to taste a piece of that famous plum tart.
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For more information on Mystic Seaport, visit us at www.mysticseaport.org. 

A Wall of What?!?!

Nothing says fall like a fresh-picked apple. But if you’re craving something a little bit sweeter this autumn, you may be drawn to what could be considered the best part of the Museum’s Café and Bake Shop – the WALL OF FUDGE.

 

What? You didn’t know we had one? Well, sweet-lovers, welcome to paradise.

 

An entire wall of shelves feature fan favorites such as traditional Chocolate, Snickers, Rocky Road, Mint-Chocolate, Raspberry and the list goes on and on. A fudge flavor for everyone can be found on this wall. Fudge with nuts, with candy, with swirls and layers. Who could ask for more?

 

The newest addition to the wall is Caramel Apple fudge. Flavored with cider, each block of fudge is layered with caramel and actual speckles of fresh cider. This must-try treat definitely makes a fall favorite a little more special.

 

If you are looking for something a little more substantial, the Bake Shop offers sandwiches, pastries, muffins, coffee and other beverages. Craving another one of fall’s favorite flavors? Then you must try our popular pumpkin muffin. It’s a delicious way to start your autumn adventure at the Museum.

  

Not just for Museum visitors, the Museum’s Bake Shop is popular among locals, too. Parking is easy and accessible and a fresh cinnamon scone, hot coffee and friendly service make it worth the stop. Small tables inside and out create a relaxing environment to enjoy a tasty treat, friendly conversation and a glorious autumn day.

 

Make a point to stop in. We promise, your taste buds won’t regret it.

 

Check out our other tasty hotspots at www.mysticseaport.org.