Mystic Seaport

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly…Especially at Mystic Seaport!

mysticseaport — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:37:13 +0000

Once the calendar flips to December, too many of us flip out over what to buy for whom, how to keep the real meaning of Christmas in focus, how to make the season special in some unique way. Well, my friends, Mystic Seaport has the answer to all those dilemmas.

First of all, let’s tackle the gift question. The Museum’s Maritime Gallery has a wonderful sale of discounted Maritime Miniatures by Maritime Masters going on through December 23 (5% discount for members and a 10% discount for Gallery patrons). A painting would be a beautiful and unique surprise for someone special on your list.

Right next door, the Museum Store is a one-stop shopping reservoir of gifts for all ages, both upstairs and downstairs. Check out the new “ornament of the year,” a small light-weight version of a deck prism, common on ships of old. It would be a perfect addition to your own tree or as a unique hostess gift. The heavier paper weight in either the prism style or new rectangular design is a cool gift for men or women. Redundant as it may be, ‘unique’ is really the best description of all Museum Store merchandise.

Deck prisms come in a variety of colors.

Want a gift that keeps on giving year ‘round? Then Mystic Seaport membership is the way to go. With unlimited free Museum admission for a year plus numerous members-only perks, opportunities and advantages, this is a great gift anyone would love to find in their Christmas stocking. Different levels of membership include individual, dual, family or grandparent, and all are tax-deductible.

Give the gift of Membership!

Perhaps you aren’t looking for a tangible gift, but rather a holiday experience to share with your family and friends. Here are a few ideas that will guarantee you wonderful memories for years to come:

Lantern Light Tours – A New England holiday tradition that captures the essence of the holiday spirit in a dramatic, 19th-century way. Tickets available at www.mysticseaport.org/tickets.
Christmas by the Sea – Discover what a 19^th-century Christmas was truly like.
Community Carol Sing - Sunday, 3 p.m. December 19: Free admission to Mystic Seaport with a canned good donation for charity. Join the Mystic Seaport carolers and brass quartet in songs of the season. Great fun and camaraderie!
Prepare to be awestruck by the splendor of the winter skies in a special, free Treworgy Planetarium show, “The Star of Bethlehem.”

So there you have it. Mystic Seaport has solved all your holiday dilemmas. Relax. Enjoy. And most of all, happy holidays!

Blog posted by Trudi Busey.

Meet Marelda Hart, Director of Lantern Light Tours at Mystic Seaport

mysticseaport — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:56:37 +0000

This week the spotlight – or perhaps we should say, the lantern light – shines on Marelda Hart, Supervisor of Interpreters at Mystic Seaport. Marelda’s main focus right now is directing the Museum’s Lantern Light Tours for the fifth consecutive year. The tours are just one of many activities and events involving roleplayers and interpreters, and supervising such a diverse portfolio of people and events is a huge responsibility. It is Marelda’s combination of experience, optimism and open-door management style that makes it all work, with the Museum visitor ultimately the beneficiary.

1. How long have you worked at Mystic Seaport?
MH: Since 1984, although it wasn’t full-time until 1998. When I began working at Mystic Seaport, it was a far cry from the pediatric nurse practitioner I had been in California, but I was intrigued with all the new opportunities here at the Museum. After my first year in Interpretation, I developed my role-playing character of Dr. Marelda Louise Wiley, using my grandmother’s name. The research in 19th-century medicine was made possible by my knowledge of 20th-century medicine. The next year I joined Squad, which opened still more doors for me, like sailing several square-rig vessels and owning a passenger schooner. Since my very first day on the job, it has been a fun, exciting, educational journey for me.

Marelda Hart

2. What’s the best part of your job?
MH: I’m going to copycat others who have said their co-workers are the best part of their job. It’s true; there’s an indefinable something. Both paid and volunteer staff seem to have a mutual fondness, passion and sense of caring for our Museum. It’s evident as well in the numerous interactions I have with different departments and department heads. I’ve concluded it’s a special kind of person who chooses to work at Mystic Seaport.

3. What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
MH: People can be both a delight and a challenge – often at the same time! I really do enjoy talking with all our talented, dedicated staff. There are three important steps I go through regularly when confronting different challenges: listen, formulate a solution and find a way to implement the solution. I keep an open mind, an open ear and an open office door. As a result, any discussion regarding discontent, concerns or problems usually ends on a positive note. Also, insufficient time to do everything is always a challenge.

4. What’s the funniest or most notable on-job experience you’ve had?
MH: I never could have imagined in California, when I got my pilot’s license and became certified as a PNP, that I would eventually work in a maritime museum! It’s notable for me that I have the good fortune to work in an environment that fulfills my love of history, drama and the sea. Speaking of drama, with Lantern Light Tours on the horizon, I do recall something that happened in one of our previous years. Each year a ginger cookie is offered to the public as part of the story. This one year, unfortunately, an elderly woman who was being escorted by her son, tripped and fell and was taken by ambulance to the hospital to be checked out for any serious injury. Her son managed to rejoin the group and asked worriedly, “Did I miss the cookies?” It’s the little things that mean a lot, I guess!

5. What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
MH: My dog, Barnacle, insists on going for walks, but when he’s not badgering me to take him, I enjoy reading, photography, writing poetry and quilting. I have five children – three daughters and two sons – and three granddaughters, two of whom are junior firefighters with their dad in the Dunn’s Corners Fire Department. There are just not enough hours in a day to do all the things I love to do!

Marelda was interviewed by volunteer, Trudi Busey. Photo by Dennis Murphy.

The Holidays…They’re on our Doorstep.

mysticseaport — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:37:10 +0000

It seems as though we just kissed summer goodbye, but already the parade of holidays has begun. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas – all marching in double time toward a new year. I wish it would all slow down!
.

But alas – each year it seems pumpkins and corn mazes, school plays about pilgrims and Indians sharing a feast and artificial Christmas trees for sale make their debut earlier and earlier. As CBS news commentator Walter Cronkite used to say, “…and that’s the way it is.”

A little true confession here; I’ve bought into it! For weeks now, mums and pumpkins have graced my front stoop; we’ve already told family members we’ll host Thanksgiving dinner this year and, much to my own chagrin, I found myself checking out the price on a small artificial Christmas tree at Lowe’s.

Mystic Seaport is really into it all as well with Nautical Nightmares currently inviting folks to spooky evenings of drama, but also offering a lighter side of Halloween with a pumpkin carving contest, an early eve Jack-O’-Lantern Walk and a trick-or-treat event in our Museum village.

: Are you ready for our spooky Nautical Nightmares?!

If you’re not hosting Thanksgiving dinner at home, you might want to consider making a reservation for Latitude 41°’s grand buffet. A stroll along the waterfront before or after your meal would be delightful on a cool crisp Thanksgiving Day, don’t you agree?

Next up…Lantern Light Tours. This annual event is a favorite with families and really lights up the holiday spirit. This year’s presentation, “The Carpenter,” promises to be another crowd pleaser. And just a heads up – tickets sell out fast, so make your plans now to assure getting yours.

: Experience a 19th-century holiday at Mystic Seaport.

And new this year, Christmas by the Sea at Mystic Seaport. The splendor of the season will be found throughout our village with unique maritime decorations that set the tone for old-fashioned merriment. The month-long festivities invite you to try your hand at candle dipping; to print a holiday greeting on a 19^th century printing press; to listen to the songs of the season performed live by the Museum’s chantey staff and much more. Your little ones can make a toy of long ago in St. Nicholas’ workshop and create their own gingerbread house.

I really do enjoy the holiday season, and yes, I’m just about ready to embrace it. How about you? We invite you to get into the holiday mood, 19^th-century style, this season at Mystic Seaport.

For event dates and pricing, please visit the Museum’s website at www.mysticseaport.org.

Blog written by Trudi Busey

For Every Season There’s a Reason to Visit

mysticseaport — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:07:23 +0000

The calendar says autumn has arrived, but with the recent gorgeous, warm, sunny days at Mystic Seaport, summer has definitely been duking it out with fall and coming up the winner.

.
Days like this need to be savored, and that’s exactly what 2^nd and 3^rd graders from St. Joseph’s School in New London were doing late last week. For them, it’s the beginning of a new school year, and one of their first study assignments is the history of whaling. How great that they were actually able to board the historic Charles W. Morgan to learn first-hand about whaling and life at sea for her sailors.
.
Sabino’s whistle can be heard blowing on grounds, signaling a down-river cruise. She’ll be steaming along until October 11 and then will hibernate until the spring of 2011. Early fall days can be beautiful on Mystic River’s sparkling waters. Take a ride while you still can.

Sabino offers visitors cruises through Columbus Day Weekend.

Ditto for a horse and carriage ride with famed horses Duke or Little John hoofing it around Museum streets for your enjoyment.

Enjoy autumn's scenic beauty while taking a horse and carriage ride.

Yes, fall weekdays at Mystic Seaport are chock-full of indoor and outdoor activities, but just wait until the weekends roll around. Special events coming up include:

Argia Twilight Cruise with Sea Music – October 7, Saturday-5:30-7:30 p.m.
Chowderfest – October 9-11, Saturday-Monday (more than just chowder)
Fall Beer Tasting & Talk– October 16, Saturday -5-7p.m. (new brews from local breweries)
Nautical Nightmares – October 15-31 (tickets on sale now)

And how about living vicariously as adventurers talk about their personal experiences and challenges chasing their dreams and dealing with unique situations? The Adventure Series at Mystic Seaport is your ticket to an exciting afternoon (1:30 p.m.) or evening (7:30 p.m.) program. The series begins the third Thursday in October and continues every third Thursday through April.

Summer may be officially over, but for me, autumn at Mystic Seaport has a special charm of its own. Come visit and I’m certain you’ll agree.

For more information on the above-mentioned events, visit www.mysticseaport.org.

Blog written by Trudi Busey.

A Golden Pearl

mysticseaport — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:06:32 +0000

The first woman to row alone across the Atlantic Ocean and to ski over land to the South Pole. The president of a university. A chaplain, an attorney, a former employee of Muhammad Ali and the author of a book Oprah named in 2009 as one of her top “25 Books You Can’t Put Down.” No, surprisingly, I’m not referring to six different remarkable people. They’re all the accomplishments of one person. Yep, one person. And she will speak at Mystic Seaport this Sunday.
.
Tori Murden McClure, author of A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean, the 2010 “One Book, One Region” for eastern Connecticut, will speak at Latitude 41° Restaurant at Mystic Seaport Sunday, September 19, at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public, McClure will discuss and read excerpts from her riveting memoir that details how, in 1999 at the age of 36, she traveled 2,962 miles in 81 days and became the first woman and first American to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

2010 "One Book, One Region" selection for eastern Connecticut

A true-life tale packed with nautical adventure, McClure’s story is indeed the ideal read for any nautical buff (and just in case any of you buffs are reading, some specs: McClure’s vessel, the American Pearl, was 23-feet long, four-feet high, six feet wide and about 1,800 pounds). But A Pearl in the Storm is more than just another autobiographical maritime exploration. Much more. As with all physical adventures, unexpected twists and turns of the heart come along for the ride. Moments of pain, humor, love, failure and success join together to paint a complex portrait of both a physical and personal journey. The memoir’s website summarizes A Pearl in the Storm best saying, “The book is an intricate blend of comedy, history, tragedy, and romance. This is the memoir of an explorer in the truest sense. She sets off in search of intellectual riches, and instead she finds love.”

Tori Murden McClure

Spalding University, the historic Kentucky institution where McClure was recently appointed president, aptly has “What do you want out of life?” scrawled across the top of its website. Join us Sunday evening as McClure shares how she personally answered this question. You just may receive the inspiration you need to then answer it for yourself.
~
For more information about the event, please visit www.mysticseaport.org. To learn more about eastern Connecticut’s “One Book, One Region,” please visit www.onebookoneregion.org.

Blog posted by Erin Richard.

Going to the Dogs — Mystic Seaport Style

mysticseaport — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:22:50 +0000

When I read that ‘so and so’ is Grand Marshal of a parade coming to a town near me, I immediately envision someone very distinguished looking, riding in an open convertible, smiling and waving to the crowd as the car passes by.

On Friday, August 27 from 5-7 p.m., Mystic Seaport is having its first-ever dog parade, but the Grand Marshal won’t be waving to the crowd. Instead he’ll be wagging his tail and possibly woofing a greeting as he passes by. His name is Rufus , and this Bull Terrier is well-deserving of his status in the parade.

Awarded the 2006 Westminster Best in Show Champion medal, Rufus holds a total of 700 titles in all. This winning dog has since used his fame to raise money for multiple animal and human charities in addition to bringing a touch of cheer to humans as a Certified Therapy Dog.

On August 27^th, Rufus will be leading a multitude of fellow canine parade participants, some of whom have already had their own ‘moment of fame’ by being selected as Sea Dog of the Week in Mystic Seaport’s photo contest. For the parade, all dogs can compete for prizes in the categories of Best Dressed, Best Nautical Theme and Judge’s Choice. Rufus will be head judge along with fellow judge Lee Elci, dog owner and radio personality on 104.7, WXLM.

We humans don’t need to beg for this treat. All we need to do is register our costumed dogs at 5 p.m. if they are to participate in the parade. Otherwise, we can just come, with or without our pooch, and watch from the sidelines. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Admission to this after- hours event is FREE! And, everyone that comes Friday night will receive a coupon for reduced admission on the weekend.

What a fun way to kick off Dog Days weekend at Mystic Seaport. ‘See you at the parade….and at all the other special events and demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday. These animals are amazing in what they can do. No wonder dogs are considered man’s best friend!

This entry was written by Museum volunteer Trudi Busey. Trudi no longer has a dog, but she is known to spend time dog sitting for friends and family.

End of Summer Doesn’t Mean the End of Fun

mysticseaport — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:10:58 +0000

Yeah, those hazy lazy days of summer are winding down. All the more reason to take advantage of warm sunlit days while flip-flops and shorts are still in vogue.

Mystic Seaport has the antidote for any end-of-summer blues you may be feeling. Take any one or more of the list below and you’ll feel better. This may even be a situation where an overdose is a good thing!

Here are prescriptions we recommend you fill:

Refills remaining – 1: Music for the ears, purchased hors d’oeuvres and drinks from Spouter’s Tavern. Must be taken Sundays 8/27 upon free entry to Mystic Seaport grounds between 5-8 p.m.
Register for some dog therapy. This can be done either by watching or participating with your pet in Mystic Seaport’s first ever dog parade on Thursday, August 27^th at 5 p.m. No charge.
Dosage on the above may be increased on Dog Days Weekend, August 28-29. Museum admission necessary to receive full benefits of dog demonstrations in areas of search and rescue, K-9 police work, hunting skills and dog therapy.
Learn about those hard-working tugs in Mystic Seaport’s TUGS! exhibit and you may feel your job isn’t so tough after all. Relax by the pool and navigate a miniature tug yourself.
Simply spend a day at Mystic Seaport. It will cure just about anything!

If the above prescriptions don’t do the trick, we’ll keep you posted on exciting things to look forward to in September and October at Mystic Seaport.

This blog was written by Trudi Busey — herself a victim of a Mystic Seaport overdose!

Ever-changing Exhibits

mysticseaport — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:50:45 +0000

I learned something new today.

Working at Mystic Seaport you would think I’d be keenly aware that all the permanent and changing Museum exhibits don’t just happen overnight. Well, I DO realize that — but this morning was an eye-opening education.

Jeff Crewe, a key member of the Museum’s Exhibits Department, spoke about all the research, brainstorming, planning and teamwork that goes on before the ultimate construction of an exhibit. It’s an awesome process with a singular goal – to have the exhibit engage, entertain and educate visitors during their visit and make them want to visit Mystic Seaport more often.

Jeff likens making an exhibit to film-making: it must have appeal and reach the right audience; there are actors (interpreters who man an exhibit); and there’s a script (explaining the exhibit). The big difference is that an exhibit has about 15 minutes or less to keep a visitor interested, whereas a film has up to two hours to do that. Hmm.

Bet you never thought about that either.

There’s a term called ‘museum fatigue’ that refers to a feeling of too much information to absorb by reading only. At the risk of sounding partial, I don’t think that affliction is likely to happen at Mystic Seaport. From games on the green, building a wooden boat, drawing your own map, learning to tie sailors’ knots, boarding amazing vessels, taking a carriage ride or a steamboat ride, gazing at the star-studded universe….the list goes on and on. The only museum fatigue you might have is physical exhaustion from a great day at Mystic Seaport!

I hope when you do visit, that you’ll think a bit more about the exhibits Mystic Seaport has provided with you in mind. Come not just once, but over and over again. Exhibits are always changing.

This post was written by volunteer Trudi Busey. Just try and catch up with her as she explores all Mystic Seaport has to offer!

“Texting” – 1800s Style

mysticseaport — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:26:18 +0000

So you think “texting” is just a modern day phenomenon? Not so.

Okay, so it wasn’t called ‘texting’ back in the mid-1800s, but rather the language of the fan. Whether myth or truth (an ongoing argument) it is said that in the era when hand-held fans were widely used as cooling instruments, they were also used to transmit furtive messages, mainly of a romantic nature. The way a lady positioned her fan conveyed her unspoken message to a gentleman of interest.

Scrimshander, Bill Graves, well known around Mystic Seaport for his scrimshaw passion and artistry, recently showed a group of us items from his personal scrimshaw collection. One item was a beautiful, delicate-looking fan made from ivory. Perhaps it was once used in a 19^th-century version of Twitter!

For all you men out there who say understanding women is difficult – be thankful you no longer need to decipher messages sent via the language of the fan! For example:
.

The lady appears briefly on the balcony, slowly fanning herself, and then quickly goes inside, shutting the balcony = “I can’t go out.”
The lady appears briefly, excitedly fanning herself and quickly goes inside, leaving the balcony open = “I’ll go out soon.”
Resting the fan on her lips = “I don’t trust you.”
Fanning herself with her left hand = “Don’t flirt with that woman.”
Passing the fan from hand to hand = “I see that you are looking at another woman.”
Running her fingers through the fan’s ribs = “I want to talk to you.”
Carrying the fan closed and hanging from her left hand = “I’m engaged.”
Ditto from her right hand = “I want to be engaged.”
Quickly and impetuously closing the fan = “I’m jealous.”
Hitting any object with her fan = “I’m impatient.”
Dropping the fan = “I belong to you.”
Half opening the fan over her face = “We are being watched over.”
Or alas – slowly fanning herself = “Don’t waste your time; I don’t care about you.”

Myth or truth? Who’s to say for certain. Personally, I’m rather relieved that Facebook, Twitter and even good old-fashioned face-to- face word conversations have long since replaced the language of the fan!

Blog written by Trudi Busey

A piece of scrimshaw from the Museum's collection

(Scrimshaw was the name given originally to tools fashioned in the 1700s from the byproducts of whales. Later the term encompassed the artistic handiwork crafted by seamen whalers during their idle time aboard ship. Designs were scratched primarily into bones and teeth of sperm whales with coloring of the etched design provided by candle black, soot or tobacco juice. The Voyages exhibit found in Mystic Seaport’s Stillman Building exhibits a portion of the Museum’s vast collection of scrimshaw.)

Fresh Off the Easel – Plein Air Painters Deliver Again

mysticseaport — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:51:11 +0000

One day last week, I was on kind of a “scavenger hunt” on Museum grounds. My job was to find some of the 27 award-winning artists who were chosen to participate in the annual Plein Air Painters event at Mystic Seaport. I didn’t have to go far.

Across from the Galley Restaurant was Howard Park. The focal point of his oil painting was the waterfront scene immediately in front of him, but off in the distance the Morgan still made her presence known on his canvas. As I sat next to him on the bench, I marveled at this artist’s talent and concentration despite my interruption and questions; his paintbrush never stopped working.

Howard Park is no stranger to Mystic Seaport. He has lectured at the Museum’s Maritime Gallery and over the years has had many of his paintings exhibited there. Still, like other artists I met, he considers it a “treat to paint on campus” and feels honored to be among those chosen for the annual Plein Air Painters event.

"Seaport Scene" by Howard Park

Moving on, I found artist, Neal Hughes, fine tuning his oil painting of the Life Saving Station. In my eyes, it never looked so good! This is the 3^rd year that Neal has been a part of Plein Air Painters. He teaches oil art classes in Moorest, NJ, and says he enjoys meeting fellow artists at Mystic Seaport. He feels that the Museum grounds offer many great choices in where and what to paint.

"Tilghman Island Sunrise" by Neal Hughes

After watching over the shoulders of these talented artists, I, for one, am looking forward to viewing their completed works at the Museum’s Maritime Gallery. The exhibit will be featured there until the end of August. Undoubtedly some paintings will have been sold, but perhaps you will still find just the Plein Air painting you’ve been looking for to complement your home or office décor.

Mystic Seaport’s Maritime Gallery is open daily from10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Do yourself a favor. Come take a look.

Blog posted by Trudi Busey.