With Special Thanks to Ric Burns, Steeplechase Films Inc., WGBH and Connecticut College

There was no red carpet. Those of us arriving at Connecticut College‘s Palmer Auditorium on May 1st weren’t dressed in glittery finery or tuxedos. But the mood of anticipation and excitement was comparable to any Hollywood premiere, knowing we were about to view a film the general public won’t see until May 10^th. That’s when Ric Burns‘ documentary, Into the Deep: America, Whaling & the World is scheduled to air on PBS. 

The film is an awesome account of the era during which Mystic Seaport‘s Charles W. Morgan, now the last surviving wooden whaleship in the world, played an integral part. But aside from this wonderful historic and graphic film, I had a feeling of pride knowing the significant role Mystic Seaport staff played in the shooting of this film. Some appeared on camera, but many, many others participated in behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure the film’s authenticity regarding the rigors of life aboard a whaling ship. The amazing expertise of Mystic Seaport sailors was a major factor in exciting, live scenes shot aboard a variety of ships utilized by the filmmaker. 

"Into the Deep" being filmed aboard the Charles W. Morgan at Mystic Seaport, September 2007

I wonder how many in the audience, like me, came away with a new respect for what Mystic Seaport is dedicated to doing….restoring the Charles W. Morgan to make her seaworthy once again in 2013. Any naysayers regarding that goal need to see this film. 

Filming "Into the Deep" aboard the Charles W. Morgan at Mystic Seaport, Sept. 2007

 The handout at Palmer Auditorium said: Be a Part of History: Help The Charles W. Morgan Sail Again. Each of us who gives any amount toward her restoration could, and really should, feel that way – a part of history. 

What’s in your piggy bank? A little history in the making maybe? Think about it. (Donations gratefully accepted online or directly to Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave. Mystic, CT 06355). 

Now don’t forget. Tune in American Experience on PBS – Monday, May 10, at 9 p.m. to watch Into the Deep. It’s a fascinating epic story covering three centuries of American whaling. 

Blog written by Trudi Busey.

Celebrating Earth Day 2010

What five-year-old boy wouldn’t jump at the chance to man the controls of an excavator – a REAL excavator, not just a toy? Today, on Earth Day, Aidan was the lucky young man to do exactly that.

Aidan and his dad were watching Sprigs and Twigs, Inc., the official landscape company of Mystic Seaport, plant two Black Gum trees on the Museum’s Village Green. Co-owner Bill Lillie said it isn’t only youngsters who are fascinated by the digging machine. He recalled a woman in her mid-80s, a customer for whom he was working.  She seemed intrigued with the excavator, so much to her delight, Bill invited her to give the machine a try herself, and she did – for almost 30 minutes!

Watching Sprigs and Twigs co-owner Linda Lillie and her staff ready the trees for planting was an education in itself. Linda explained that it’s a critical time for a tree when it is planted. If not properly prepared, it will not thrive; you can’t just plop the earth ball into the ground and cover it with dirt.

One of the new trees that now shades our Village Green.

The roots need to be trimmed to stimulate growth and to prevent them from encircling the trunk and choking it. And you know that flare in a tree trunk’s base – that has to be uncovered and show above ground for a tree’s healthy and successful future. Courtney, who manages Sprigs and Twigs’ landscape division, says the Black Gum trees can grow anywhere from six to 12 inches yearly.

Thank you, Sprigs & Twigs!

Mystic Seaport’s Supervisor of Grounds Kara Lally says wildlife, especially birds, find Black Gum trees irresistible; they love the blossoms and nutty fruits they produce.

So, Earth Day 2010 has been a great day at Mystic Seaport. Two new trees now grace the Village Green and will eventually offer more shade from summer’s sun and the birds will be happy to discover new feasting grounds. The sun was out today and the temperature was perfect; it was a very good Earth Day at Mystic Seaport…and thank you, Sprigs and Twigs.

Blog written by Trudi Busey

Celebrating Earth Day

All you folks in Connecticut and neighboring states affected by the recent deluge of rain certainly aren’t keen on even hearing that word…r-a-i-n! But when April behaves itself normally, gentle rain showers are important. Remember, “April showers bring May flowers,” as the rhyme goes. True as that may be, Mystic Seaport is going one step further. April brings new trees to the Museum’s village green. Well actually, Sprigs & Twigs, Inc., the official landscape company of Mystic Seaport, is bringing the trees. They will be planting them Thursday, April 22, Earth Day 2010.  Sprigs & Twigs owners, Linda and Bill Lillie, will also teach proper tree planting techniques. Museum members and guests may even have the hands-on opportunity to help plant the trees. 

Thank you, Sprigs & Twigs, for helping make our Village Green beautiful!

This project, which occurs on the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day, will be part of a
nation-wide volunteer effort, the PLANET National Day of Service.

Sounds like a great way to celebrate Earth Day’s anniversary, and, Mystic Seaport will be in the forefront when Arbor Day 2010 arrives on April 30.

For more information on upcoming events at Mystic Seaport, visit www.mysticseaport.org.

Blog written by Trudi Busey.

Are We Stardust?

It’s kind of an ‘outside the box’ concept, but fun to contemplate.

Geoffrey Burbridge, an English physicist who became a luminary in astronomy circles in the 20^th century, believed that people and everything else are made of stardust!  Simply put, he theorized that every one of our body’s chemical elements was once inside a star.

The universe is mysteriously beautiful and holds secrets that scientists are still unraveling. But if you’re like me, stargazing and identifying certain constellations is about the extent of my astronomy knowledge. The same goes for sailing. I married an “old salt” and he patiently, and sometimes impatiently taught me the basics, but I could never pretend to be a sailor! There is always so much more to learn – which leads me to recommend some great courses being offered at the Treworgy Planetarium at Mystic Seaport. Try these on for interest:

• Celestial Navigation; 19^th Century Methods – 3/27-28
• Introduction to Coastal Navigation – 4/10, 4/24, 5/8 (3-day workshop)
• Easy Introductory Celestial Navigation By the Noon Day Sun – 4/17-4/18
• Marine Weather, Level II – 5/14-5/16

Classes will be held in the Howell Classroom at the Planetarium. For more detailed information and course fees, visit www.mysticseaport.org/planetarium.

And next time you look up at the stars, just think – there was once a part of you up there, according to Geoffrey Burbridge.  (The physicist passed away 1/26/10 at the age of 84.)

Blog written by Trudi Busey.

There’s A New Lady in Our Village

You can’t miss her. She’s a lady with quite a past and she is making Mystic Seaport her home until Memorial Day 2010. Her name is Amazon, appropriate considering she is 124-years-young, strong and still turning heads wherever she goes!

You guessed it; Amazon is the 102-ft. LOA screw schooner docked opposite Sabino here at the Museum, her British flag hoisted daily making her presence known to visitors and staff. Amazon has come a long way – from Malta via Gibraltar, the Canary Islands, the Cape Verde Islands, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda and Rhode Island ports. Quite a trip for an old gal!

If this lady could talk, she would give a riveting account of her many owners, where she has been and what she has done.

Amazon was built at Southampton, England, in 1885 from designs by the renowned Dixon Kemp. Her builder and first owner was Tankerville Chamberlayne, Esq., owner of a small non-commercial boat yard in Northam on the River Itchen. He personally supervised construction of Amazon, using high quality materials that have ensured her longevity to this day.  Amazon was used for summer cruising, attending sailing regattas along the south coast of England until she was sold in 1897 to a Frenchman; she returned to British ownership in 1900, where she has remained.

She was too old-fashioned for the First World War and just plain too old for the Second World War and so lost her bronze propeller and shaft to the war effort, becoming a houseboat in a west London yacht basin until British actor, Arthur Lowe, bought her in 1968.  Bought as a houseboat, the surveyor’s report on this 83-year-old was so favorable that it was decided to make her seaworthy again and Amazon was used as a floating base while touring coastal theaters. After Lowe’s death in 1982, his son used Amazon as a charter boat until she was put up for sale at the start of 1990, having migrated to northern Scotland that year.

After lying for sale in Scotland for seven years, Amazon was looking sad. The broker described her as difficult to sell because she was something of a “dinosaur” with four factors deterring potential buyers: Amazon was old, wooden, long (and therefore expensive to keep in a marina) and single screw!

None of these factors were deterrents to Ted and Melody, who could see beyond the cosmetics and the ill-informed ‘received opinion.’  Amazon was certainly no has-been. After all, the yacht was unrestored, substantially the original hull and fundamentally sound.  As if to prove this in April 1997, Amazon sailed from Scotland to a new home in Malta (the furthest she had then been) without difficulty to undergo some repairs and to blossom into the family’s cruising boat and continuing obsession.

This family is very familiar and comfortable with living afloat; son George is an intelligent and engaging 12-year-old and has taken a year off from school to travel here with his father. George’s mother and 10-year-old sister, who are in Malta, will be coming to Mystic Seaport to spend the Christmas holiday. Melody’s career in Malta is financing this voyage.

When asked about how George and he will adapt to our New England winter weather, Ted professes they will enjoy the cold and crisp air. Perhaps we’ll check back with them in February!

Although the Museum’s visitors cannot board Amazon, Ted and George are happy to share their knowledge of her history in friendly conversation with those who stop by to have a look.  Believe me, it’s a treat talking to Ted and George.

Blog written by volunteer, Trudi Busey.

Can Jingle Bells be Far Behind?

It’s a sure sign that the holidays are upon us. This morning I saw Kara Franco Lally and some of her “elves” – Margaret, Amy, Irma and Allen – starting to decorate the South entrance courtyard at Mystic Seaport with sprigs of holly, juniper, pine, larch, spruce and yew. 

Kara, who is garden supervisor/horticulturist for the Museum, stated that all the greens they were using were collected on Mystic Seaport grounds. The Museum store, the Visitor Reception Center and the Seamen’s Friend Society Reading Room were on the “to do” list for decorating today. 

In total, about 16 volunteers help beautify Mystic Seaport for the holidays. Right now, in the greenhouse, they’re hard at work making pine roping, wreaths and other decorations that will be in place for visitors to enjoy this holiday season.

Although folks walking through Museum gates may not be aware of all this pre-holiday busy-ness, the proof is in the pudding.  Visiting Mystic Seaport at holiday time is a  beautiful and unique experience.

 Check out the Museum’s website at www.mysticseaport.org and see the special gifts of the season in store for you and your family.  If you’re an early shopper (and you need to be for these holiday offerings) the fun begins on November 29^th  and carries through on selected days throughout December.

The Season’s Splendor (a Victorian Village Holiday Ride), Lantern Light Tours (a New England Holiday Tradition), crafts and stories for kids, a journey to the zoo in the sky at the Planetarium – so many wonderful choices. A word to the wise – ticketed events sell out quickly.  Don’t be disappointed. Shop now!      

Blog written by Trudi Busey.

It Rained on the Parade…

…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 21^st 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

The Eyes Have It – A Day at Mystic Seaport

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.

Mystic Seaport’s Neverland

The age span of children having fun at Mystic Seaport’s playscape area sometimes surprises me. One would expect the appeal of climbing on the boats “anchored” there would be limited to the younger set – but not always.  I think of that song “I Won’t Grow Up” from the Peter Pan soundtrack. The lyrics start like this: I won’t grow up; I don’t want to go to school….

Whether pretending their playscape boat is being attacked by pirates; or that they are fishermen hauling in a net full of fish; or they are on the lookout for whales,  harpoon at the ready – it’s refreshing to see that outdoor play can once in a while  trump indoor video games. Childhood imaginations remain alive and well as boys and girls act out their own playscape adventures.

But as the carefree days of summer vacation draw to a close, it will probably get a little quieter and less raucous outside our office window. The toddlers and preschoolers will reclaim the playscape boats for themselves  until one day they, too, will grow up and have to go to school. Peter Pan’s followers shouted – “Not me! Not me! No sir! Not me!” But alas, we all do.

The sound of children at play is music to my ears and a reminder of just how sweet those childhood years are.  I hope I never grow up past the point of vicariously joining the children at Mystic Seaport’s playscape.

Blog written by Trudi Busey.

A Lovely Day at Mystic Seaport

I love a day like this at Mystic Seaport!

There are loads of children of all ages on Museum grounds, and their excitement over new discoveries and accomplishments fills the air with laughter and shouts of success.

At the Discovery Barn, staff member Jon Capozzoli was explaining the Cleat knot to Alex. Good teacher; Alex completed the knot and his smile said it all.

Lots of cheers and the sound of a successful Skittles game resounded throughout the barn while others took on quieter pursuits with shells and blocks. Just outside, a long line of eager children waited to put their heads through the cut-outs for a Kodak moment on the high seas.

Catching a cool breeze along the river, while awaiting today’s Tale of a Whaler performance, was the Accetta family from Clinton, CT.  They say Mystic Seaport is a favorite destination, and visiting at least 3 or 4 times a year is the norm.

Mom says there seems to be something different each time they visit, while dad never tires of the history the Museum unfolds in so many different ways.

Son Scott’s favorite thing is boarding the boats, especially the Charles W. Morgan. Sister Jess agrees, but adds “Mystic Seaport is just fun to visit regardless of weather” and sisters Jillian and Jennifer sum it all up with the comment, “We like everything!”

The whistle on the steamboat Sabino signals its departure for a cool trip down the river- offering visitors a chance to catch a breeze on this very warm summer day.  Old Joe clomps by with a wagon full of sightseers.

It’s a lovely day at Mystic Seaport.

Blog written by Trudi Busey