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.

A Tasty Stimulus Package for Seniors

“Stimulus package” seems to be the new buzz phrase heard just about everywhere these days. Ah, but how many of these packages stimulate the palate as well? Well, we know of one here at Mystic Seaport, a very delicious one to be exact.

The Seamen’s Inne Restaurant & Pub at Mystic Seaport is bailing out senior citizens (ages 62 and older) who may have eliminated from their budget the very pleasant pastime of going out for lunch. Every Tuesday, from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., the restaurant is offering seniors 25% off food and non-alcoholic beverages. Now how’s that for an appetizing deal?

Remember when you had to show proof of age to gain entry to certain places? Well, feel young again. Get out those ID card, because you will have to show proof that you’re at least 62 years of age to take advantage of this great offer.

So how about it? Does a bowl of award-winning clam chowder, baked Stonington scallops, grilled chicken and ravioli, a corned beef Reuben, a juicy hamburger or maybe a Cobb salad stimulate your taste buds? Then lift your spirits and satisfy those cravings. Make a date to get over to Seamen’s Inn. You deserve a fantastic — and affordable — lunch out! 

For more information, call 860.572.5305, or visit www.mysticseaport.org.

If the Dress Fits…

Baby strollers, jewelry, cameras, cell phones and “clothes galore.”  These are the usual items that can be found in the Lost & Found at Mystic Seaport said Museum security guard of seven years, Jim.
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Well, something a tad more elegant joined the abandoned group this past Valentine’s Day weekend. Something ivory, intricately beaded and bearing a fluttery, chiffon train.

That’s right, ladies and gentlemen. Love is in the air at Mystic Seaport…

Looking awfully lonely in our Communications office.

 

Exquisite brooch at the neckline.

A faithful Mystic Seaport security guard found the lovely wedding dress discarded in the Museum’s South parking lot early Sunday morning, February 15.  Safely stored inside of a plastic garment bag, the gown is in excellent condition with its size tag still intact. 

Both of the brides that celebrated their Valentine’s Day nuptials at Seamen’s Inne have not claimed the beauty. So alas, the questions arise… Was Julia Roberts back in Connecticut, this time filming a sequel to Runaway Bride? Did a blushing bride use our parking lot to change into her honeymoon wear? Is someone organizing some kind of extreme scavenger hunt? We want to know!

If the dress is yours, or if you have any idea of whose it might be, please email us at news@mysticseaport.org. Correctly identify the size of the dress and we’ll get it safely back into your hands.

And in the meantime, we promise not to take it along on any maiden voyages.

“Here is the Church and Here is the Steeple…

… open the doors and see all the people.”

 

The church we’re talking about here is the Greenmanville Church at Mystic Seaport. The steeple is there and the doors are still open, but these days the only people you’re likely to see in the church are visitors like yourself.

 

It wasn’t always that way. In fact, in the 1850s, and for the next generation as well, this Seventh Day Baptist Church had a vibrant congregation of ship builders and their families. Their beliefs had them involved in all sorts of social issues such as opposing slavery and supporting the temperance movement.

 

However, when the heyday of Mystic’s shipbuilding activity declined in the 1870s and 1880s, the congregation was eventually depleted, and the church finally closed its doors in 1904.

 

Mystic Seaport acquired the church building in 1955 and it was then moved to its present location in the Museum’s Anchor Circle. At that time, the clock in the steeple was added as part of the church restoration process.

 

The clock, manufactured in 1857, is on permanent loan from Yale University where it had been located in the Old South Sheffield Hall of the Sheffield Scientific School. The elaborate clockworks that make this clock tick are quite amazing and can be viewed inside the church.

 

 As devout followers of the Old Testament, Saturday rather than Sunday was the day of worship for the Greenmanville Seventh Day Baptist congregation. Although there are no sermons delivered in the church today, many brides and grooms choose to have their wedding ceremony performed in the historic setting of the Greenmanville Church. Now isn’t that romantic! *

 

So, whether old churches capture your imagination, or old clocks intrigue you, or if you are simply a romantic at heart … there’s a pew waiting for you at Mystic Seaport’s Greenmanville Church. Come sit awhile!

 

Remember to visit our website at www.mysticseaport.org to see all of the Museum’s daily offerings.  

 

*If you would like to get married at the Greenmanville Church, please call Seamen’s Inne at Mystic Seaport at 860.572.5305.

Our Door is Open (Even in Winter!)

Raise your hands if you believe Mystic Seaport is only a warm weather destination. WRONG!  Granted, it’s a different experience once your flip-flops and t-shirts are traded for boots, scarves and heavy coats, but the Museum is a special year-round place.

 

There are plenty of things for you to ooh and ah about – besides the spectacular setting overlooking the historic Mystic River. For many of you, Mystic Seaport is just a short trip from  where you live.

 

Over the next few weeks, we’ll take you through our formal exhibits and galleries. (All are heated, an added perk on a cold blustery day.)

 

This winter, there’s no need to suffer cabin fever. Come see us. You and the family can get a taste of maritime history, marvel at the restoration of the Charles W. Morgan whaling ship, stroll the now quiet village streets (buildings are closed for the season, but will re-open in early Spring), and perhaps stop in for a hot drink and a cup of chowder at the Seamen’s Inne, or maybe sample a pastry or a piece of fudge at the Bake Shop.

 

Sound good? You betcha! Check out the daily happenings at our website: www.mysticseaport.org and pick your day to visit. The welcome mat is out.