“We’ve had a great time at
every place we’ve been,
but this is the best.”
(Elderhosteler on 10-day
trip)
“We really enjoyed the
amazing “hands-on”
opportunities that the
Museum had to offer.
The bending of the board
was definitely the highlight
of the week.” (National
Park Ranger, United States Department of the Interior).
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THE WONDER OF WOODEN BOATS Building the American Fishing Schooner Discover how wooden boats are made and the extraordinary story of Essex, MA, where more two-masted wooden schooners have been built than anywhere in the world. Located at shipyards dating back to 1668, this program is designed to provide an entertaining mix of discussion, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Be transported back in time to the 19th century when the sound of caulking mallets echoed throughout this New England town. From small models to a 91’ fishing schooner, the EVELINA M. GOULART, one of only five Essex-built fishing schooners still in existence, you will learn how these vessels are constructed. Discover why certain types of wood were used, which tools shipwrights still use today, and meet some of the shipbuilders and craftsmen who built the schooners, which “stirred the imaginations of Americans from L.A. to Cape Cod.” Help us use steam to bend a 20’ oak plank and hang it on the frames of a 70’ dragger, make tree-nails to fasten planks to the frames of a ship, and smell the oakum used to keep a boat watertight.
Scheduling a Visit |