Premier Maritime Scholars Aid in the Morgan Restoration Project

Fourteen of the nation’s leading maritime scholars, historians, and advisors visited Mystic Seaport January 12-13, 2012 to assist in development of exhibit and programming for the Charles W. Morgan and her groundbreaking 38^th Voyage. Set for the summer of 2014, the much-anticipated voyage of the last wooden whaleship in the world will include visits at historic ports of call along the northeastern seaboard.

Mystic Seaport Shipyard Director Quentin Snediker (in yellow) discusses the Morgan project with scholars.

The two-day charrette was made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Bridging Cultures Grant and was awarded to the Museum for its “In the Wake of the Whalers” program. Feedback from NEH reviewers has been quite positive for the program and its four key humanities themes: 1) The Cultural Crossroads of Globalization (cultural crosspollination), 2) Profit from the Deep (economic endeavors), 3) The American Sailor: Making an Icon (American identity), and 4) Thar She Blows: From Whale Hunt to Whale Watch (changing perceptions of the natural world).

Snediker and scholars visit the Morgan's hold.

Visiting scholars worked with Museum staff in the development of the program’s sub-themes, confirming that they are consistent with the best recent scholarship in the fields of maritime history, literature, art, and history of science.  Mystic Seaport plans to match each subtheme to the best delivery system to maximize audience impact and understanding. Ultimately, the Museum will ensure that intellectual and research-grounded content is consistently strong across all formats and outcomes. Charrette results will move the Museum forward towards implementation of its final onsite, online, and onboard programming concepts.

Consulting scholars, historians, and advisors included:

• Jeff Bolster, Associate Professor of History at the University of New Hampshire
• D. Graham Burnett, Professor, History Department and Program in History of Science at Princeton University
• Stuart Frank, Director Emeritus of the Kendall Institute and Senior Curator at New Bedford Whaling Museum
• Lisa Norling, Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Minnesota
• Joe Roman, Conservation Biologist
• Helen Rozwadowski, Associate Professor of History and Maritime Studies Coordinator at the University of Connecticut
• Tim Runyan, Special Project Assistant in the Maritime Heritage Program for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
• Elizabeth Schultz, Professor Emerita in the Department of English at the University of Kansas
• Nancy Shoemaker, Professor of History at the University of Connecticut
• Julie Winch, Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts, Boston
• Revell Carr, Assistant Professor at the School of Music, Theater and Dance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Karen Jamison Wizevich, Ph.D. in Architecture/Museum Studies from Victoria University, New Zealand
• Jamie L. Jones; Professor of American Literature and Writing at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
• Jason Mancini, Senior Researcher at Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center.

For more information regarding the Morgan’s restoration, or to find out how you can help support the project, please visit www.mysticseaport.org/charleswmorgan.

A Tree Connection Takes Root at Mystic Seaport

It could be headlined as a “tree hugger’s” worst nightmare. A recent newspaper article told the sad story about the necessity of cutting down more than 40,000 trees in Galveston, Texas. The trees were irreparably damaged by the salt water storm surge Hurricane Ike boiled up in September 2008. Trees that have lost 50% of their canopy are being axed.

For some reason, what popped into my head after reading the article was Joyce Kilmer’s poem, Trees. Remember it?

The first verse goes like this: I think that I shall never see, A poem lovely as a tree. And the last verse: Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. Whether spiritual or not, there does seem to be an emotional connection between mankind and trees.

Well, call it destiny or serendipity, but 80 of Galveston’s fallen evergreen oak trees will soon be transported to Mystic Seaport’s shipyard instead of ending up in a Texas landfill. That’s a good thing.

The trees’ lumber will be used to authentically rebuild the frame on the Charles W. Morgan whaling ship, now in dry dock and undergoing a three-year restoration. Quentin Snediker, director of the Museum’s shipyard,  hopes that Galveston residents will feel somewhat compensated, knowing some of their fallen trees will have an important and historical role in the Morgan’s restoration. Ironically, the rich shipbuilding histories of Galveston, TX and Mystic, CT will now be forever linked because of Hurricane Ike’s devastation to that southern barrier island.

Perhaps someone should write a poem  – or a sea shanty – about the trees of Galveston taking their place in maritime history at Mystic Seaport. Any poets or composers out there who care to give it a try?

Blog written by Trudi Busey

She’s Back…

 The Charles W. Morgan has a neighbor. Well, temporarily at least.

Amistad was hauled ashore in the Museum’s shipyard today. The vessel will be dry docked for the next two weeks to receive routine maintenance and a Coast Guard inspection.

Don’t miss your chance to see the freedom schooner and the world’s last wooden whaleship alongside each other on dry land. It’s quite a sight.

For more information about Amistad, visit www.amistadamerica.org.

Five Questions with…Museum Shipwright Rick Remenda

This week we meet shipwright, Rick Remenda, whose home turf at Mystic Seaport is the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard. Rick is a friendly, relaxed guy with a ready smile who is obviously happy and comfortable in his surroundings.  1. How long have you been at Mystic Seaport? RR:  I’ve worked in the shipyard for three years. I took an apprenticeship in traditional wooden boat building up in Rockland, ME, before coming on staff here. My family lives in Newington, CT, so that was a major draw to return to Connecticut. 2. What’s the best part of your job? RR:  Building boats! No surprise there. Another plus is working with a great bunch of guys. There are eight of us: Rob Whalen, Sean Kelly, Chris Taylor, Chris Nelson, Jeff Morris, Barry Peale, Trevor Allen and myself. We are all trained shipwrights, so we know what we’re doing and like what we do. My absolute favorite part of my job though is teaching the traditional wooden boat building classes. The class is limited to six, and we offer it twice a year. I’ve had students from as far away as France and from states across the country. 3. What’s the most challenging aspect of your job? .  RR:  It’s hard to say what is most challenging. Almost every step in the restoration process is challenging, from building the scaffolding that gives you access to parts of the ship, to removing hull sheathing like we are just doing now on the Morgan. It’s slow and tedious work, but the end results are worth it. I worked on rebuilding the Roann, and look at her now. 4. What’s the funniest or most notable on-the-job experience you’ve had? RR:  It’s pretty funny seeing ourselves in the white protective suits and head gear that we have to wear during some of the restoration work on the Morgan. The suits are a safety factor to keep us from inhaling sawdust, protection from hazardous materials, etc. We look like we’re going to the moon. 5. What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?   RR:  Outside of work I just enjoy hanging out with friends. - Rick was interviewed by Museum Volunteer Trudi Busey and photographed by Mystic Seaport Photographer Dennis Murphy.

Permission to Come Aboard? Granted!

 

“It’s like climbing a mountain.” That was three-year-old Martha’s analogy when asked her opinion of the 48-step staircase that allows visitors to once again board the Charles W. Morgan.

The world’s last wooden whaleship was hauled and put in dry dock in November 2008 to undergo a three-year restoration. But until the Shipyard carpenters completed what many staff members have nicknamed “the tower staircase” or “the stairway to heaven,” Mystic Seaport visitors were unable to board the National Historic Landmark.

But don’t fear, the Morganis back in business now and steady streams of curious visitors have done their cardio workout with a trek up the staircase to board the vessel. Seriously, with platform breaks along the way (offering great spots to enjoy spectacular views), it’s a piece of cake.

 

Eve, a Museum visitor from Massachusetts, marveled at the sheer size of the Morgan’s entire hull, now exposed for all to see. She and fellow mom, Laura, brought their young children to Mystic Seaport during February Vacation Week and were delighted that the Morgan was accessible. “Phenomenal,” was Laura’s comment following their tour with Museum interpreter, Barry Keenan.

 

The children had their own favorite impressions during their visit. Norah was fascinated with the deck prisms. The hole in the table where one of the Morgan’s masts normally protrudes caught the attention of Shannon and her brother. Now residing inside the Shipyard, the children were able to look down upon the large masts from high above in the Gallery.

 

Now listen up sidewalk supervisors! Shipside scaffolding and other “amenities” will soon

allow visitors to observe the actual renovation work being done on the Morgan. You can actually watch history in the making!

 

There are so many cool things to observe at Mystic Seaport’s Shipyard. It’s fascinating – from the amazing shiplift that can hoist 580 long tons (one long ton = 2,240 lbs.), to the visitors’ gallery overlooking the carpenter shop, there’s so much to see and learn. It’s truly a world onto itself. Visitors of all ages will have fun exploring every nook and cranny.

 

And come June, visitors will have even more to explore when the Museum opens up Restoring an Icon in the Shipyard Gallery. The exhibit will feature objects and details regarding the restoration of one of the most precious pieces of American maritime history.

 

Don’t forget to check our website: www.mysticseaport.org for a calendar of daily Museum events, Morgan restoration updates and so much more.

Climb up the Stairway to Heaven and check out the Morgan and surrounding views.

Up the Elevator to Stillman’s 2nd Floor

Undoubtedly, the first image that pops into your head when you hear the word “cowboy” is a rugged man on a horse sporting a wide-brimmed hat and leather chaps, herding cattle somewhere in the West.

 

What do cowboys have to do with Mystic Seaport, you ask? Well, they have plenty to do with the exhibit found on the 2^nd floor of the Stillman Building: Endangered Species: The Commercial Fishermen of Point Judith, Rhode Island.

 

Markham Starr, accomplished photographer and shipwright, has described the Point Judith fisherman as “the ocean’s version of a true cowboy – independent, resourceful and dedicated.”  

 

In 2005, Mystic Seaport began restoration of Point Judith’s Roann, one of the last wooden commercial fishing vessels of her kind. Starr, a photographer and shipwright who worked on the Roann project in the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard, recognized a vanishing legacy and sought to capture the spirit of these men and women for whom fishing is more than just a job, but rather, a way of life. His portraits, seascapes and action shots capture the full spectrum of life in the fisheries trade, perfectly illustrating that the daily life of a commercial fisherman is tough work — there is no “easy button.” 

Photo of the Point Judith Fishermen by Markham Starr

While at the exhibit, be sure to watch the films that tell the stories of whaling, cod fishing and fish and oyster processing. It’s history in an oyster shell (excuse the pun). By the way, did you know that in the 1800s oysters were America’s first snack food from the sea? Add that to your trivia bank!

 

Speaking of trivia, what fish is nicknamed an “eating machine?” Take a look at the fearsome dude in the glass case. No wonder he camouflages himself!

 

Also, don’t forget to check out the interesting pictures relating to the natural sponge market. Today we primarily have synthetic sponges, but in 1849, Key West, FL, was a bustling market for natural sponges.

 

Don’t short-change the Stillman Building when you visit Mystic Seaport. Allow enough time to take in all three floors. We think you’ll agree – they are quite impressive!

 

Log onto www.mysticseaport.org for daily updates on Museum events.

The Charles W. Morgan Embarks on a Restoration Journey

On November 1, 2008, the world’s last wooden whaleship, the Charles W. Morgan, was hauled from the water for the first time in eight years for an extensive three-year restoration. Some of the places which will be restored have not been seen or touched since her initial construction in 1841.

Whaling ships such as the Morgan were home for many sailors during long whale hunts. The Morgan’s longest voyage lasted four years 11 months. Her shortest voyage was ONLY eight and a half months. A crew of up to 35 would work the vessel. The Morgan hunted three varieties of whales – sperm, right and bowhead – all of which were considerably easier to catch compared to any other species, and yielded the oil and bone the industry was looking for. The Morgan could carry up to 90,000 gallons of whale oil. 

 

Above and below are photographs taken after the Morgan’s initial lift. Notice her size and hull shape. The whaleship was an average size for her time period with a length of 105′ on deck and 133′ overall. The width of the boat (beam) is 27.7′. When sitting in the water, her draft (depth into the water) is 12.6′. However, fully loaded, she could draw as much as 17.6′(which is considered her registered depth. The vessel’s displacement is 313.75 tons which equals 627,500 pounds, or the equivalent of about 49 African elephants!

 

Stop by the Museum’s Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard on your next visit to Mystic Seaport and witness the Morgan’s restoration firsthand. It’s an event not to be missed!

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.

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.