The Charles W. Morgan: Preserving the Last Wooden Whaleship in the World

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The Charles W. Morgan Preserving the last wooden whaleship in the world

The Charles W. Morgan

The Luckiest of America’s Wooden Whaleships

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During her 80 years of sailing the world’s oceans in pursuit of whales, the Morgan escaped

cannibals and Confederate raiders, and avoided entrapment in the frozen Arctic. In 37 whaling voyages between 1841 and 1921 she logged an astonishing 73 years at sea, surviving fire, storms, Cape Horn roundings, and—after she finished her sailing career—even the hurricane of 1938!

The Morgan was launched on July 21, 1841 in

New Bedford, Massachusetts. She typically sailed with a crew of about 35, representing sailors from around the world. Morgan measures 113’11” in length with a beam of 27’8”. Her depth of hold is 17’6” feet and she registers 313.75 gross tons. Ship-rigged when built, she finished her seagoing career and is exhibited as a bark.

Today, the Morgan continues to inspire visitors from the world over. She is a National Historic

Landmark Vessel, and a recipient of the coveted World Ship Trust award. Since arriving at Mystic Seaport in 1941, the Morgan has fascinated over 20 million visitors. Restoring the Morgan will ensure that her national seafaring legacy will live on for generations to come.

T

he story of the American whaling industry, which the Charles W. Morgan so powerfully represents,

is a rousing chapter in our nation’s history.

I think to have no sense of the story of your country is like having no sense of the history of your life. It’s a form of amnesia and can be as detrimental to a society as it is to an individual.

If you have no story, I don’t think you have a soul.

And if we lose our collective memory – our story as a society and an on-going experiment – we’re going to be in big trouble.

I enthusiastically support the important work Mystic Seaport is doing on the Morgan’s restoration, which will insure we remember this vivid chapter in our country’s history.

~ David McCullough

Pulitzer Prize-winning Author and Historian

the remarkable Charles W. Morgan

I

n New Bedford, Massachussetts, on a warm July day in 1841, a 350-ton whaling ship slid down

the ways of the Hillman brothers’ shipyard into the placid waters of the Acushnet River.

Today, the Morgan alone survives as the oldest American wooden commercial sailing ship afloat—the last representative of a once-dominant whaling fleet that circled the globe to power America’s early

Whaling was a powerful force in the

industrial development. Authentically

19th-century economy. It provided

restored and maintained by Mystic

lubricating oil for industrial machines

Seaport, known and viewed by literally

and illuminating oil for homes and

millions of visitors, she has been

streetlights. Whalebone was the flexible

granted National Historic Landmark

plastic of its time, widely used for

status and is an enduring symbol of

everything from buggy whips to corset

the American spirit embodied by our

stays.

All told, in 200-plus years of American whaling, more than 14,000 voyages would be sailed by over 2,900 whaling vessels. The Charles W. Morgan—launched that July day—was one of them.

A whaleship drying her sails alongside a wharf in New Bedford with whale oil casks in the foreground, ca. 1870. During her 80-year whaling career, the Morgan brought back 54,483 barrels of whale oil.

seafaring ancestors.

She is a treasure to be preserved for all time - for all Americans and the world to enjoy.

Charles W. Morgan, a New Bedford owner of whaleships, after whom his new ship was named.

“

As the sole surviving wooden

whaleship [in the world], the Charles W. Morgan is a time capsule of immense

value ...it

is critical

that this ship be restored... not just as an unrivaled educational tool, but as a testament to a vital

part

of the

history of both the United States and the oceanic world as

Joan Druett

New Zealand whaling historian and author of Petticoat Whalers

Caption listed here

Members of Mystic Seaport’s demonstration squad set sails and man the lookout hoops, helping to bring the Charles W. Morgan alive for today’s visitors.

Owner Charles W. Morgan’s diary entry reporting the launch of “my elegant new ship” on July 21, 1841.

”

a whole .

More than 20 million visitors of all ages and from all around the world have visited the Charles W. Morgan since she retired from whaling.

the diverse crew of the Charles W. Morgan

The faces of these four Morgan whalemen suggest European, Cape Verdian and Pacific Island origins, a common mix for a late 19th-century whaling crew.

T

he Charles W. Morgan sailed the world, and her crew came

race, she set sail with an African American officer (and her

from all parts of the world. The stories of her crews and

largest-ever number of African American crew members)

of the political, economic and social events through which

in 1856. European, Japanese and South Pacific islanders­—

she sailed are a microcosm of 19th-century American

even the occasional escaped Australian convict­—toiled side

maritime history.

by side with New England crewmen, whose journeys could

She was built by craftsmen of many ethnicities. Work on the

take them up to five years and 25,000 miles under sail.

Morgan was interrupted when New Bedford shipwrights went

Women, too, sailed aboard her. While no whaleship employed

on strike in defense of their demand for a 10-hour workday,

female crew, five Morgan captains brought their wives­—two

a principal aim of the developing American trade unions.

of whom were expert navigators.

(The parties eventually compromised on a 10.5-hour day.)

By preserving the Morgan, we preserve more than the ship

Whaleship crews represented some of the most diverse

itself. We honor the skills and comprehend the values of

populations ashore or afloat, and crews aboard the Charles

generations of officers and sailors—working men from every

W. Morgan were no different. In an era when American

corner of the Earth—who lived and served aboard her.

society had become increasingly divided on the subject of

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The more than 1,000 sailors who worked the Charles W. Morgan over

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the course of her career hailed from more than 50 countries in

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remarkable diversity of their crews.

every part of the world, as the graph at left illustrates.

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Captain James A.M. Earle and his wife Honor Matthews Earle from New Zealand.

Captain James A.M. Earle and his son Jamie pose on board the Charles W. Morgan, ca. 1903.

Descendants of Morgan crew members gather for a reunion at Mystic Seaport in 2006.

voyages of the Charles W. Morgan

T

he Morgan has been called a lucky ship and for many

visited nearly every place imaginable, from the South Pacific

good reasons. In 37 voyages and a career that spanned

to the West Indies, from the tip of Chile to the Russian port

eight decades, she survived the countless hazards of the sea-

of Vladivostok. In the course of her travels, crewmen from

braving ocean storms, Arctic ice, and even a cannibal attack.

nearly every continent worked her decks—many of them eventually becoming US citizens.

The ship’s logs are filled with touching and fascinating tales that reflect the times in which she sailed. One captain,

Once her whaling days were over in 1921, the Morgan made yet

Thomas C. Landers, lost his 16-year-old son Arthur overboard;

another journey—into the world of movies. She appeared

his wife, Lydia, gave birth to another son, named in honor of

in three silent films (including the classic Down to the Sea

his brother, who shipped out with his mother and the crew at

in Ships) before she was ultimately preserved by Whaling

just three weeks of age.

Enshrined, Inc. and exhibited at Col. Edward H.R. Green’s South Dartmouth, Massachusetts estate. Her final port of call?

On another voyage, the Morgan rescued Russian prisoners

Mystic Seaport–the Museum of America and the Sea where

who had escaped from a forced labor camp. In all, the Morgan

she arrived in November of 1941.

“

[The Constitution and the

Morgan] both were the product of a young energetic

nation

determined to find her

place

in the world. Wherever they went they were ‘America’ to all who saw them . Not only are they the two greatest historic ships in America,

”

they are both national icons.

William Fowler

Maritime Historian and past Executive Director of the Massachusetts Historical Society The Charles W. Morgan makes its final voyage, passing through the raised Mystic highway bridge on its way to Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut in 1941.

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a rich legacy t of maritime artifacts t

“Ships at Crowell’s Wharf,” San Francisco, California 1870.

A silver coin-(en peso)-from Chile ca. 1877.

Engraved map of Africa showing ports, cities and regions including Grain Coast, Ivory Coast and Gold Coast.

Figure of Japanese woman playing stringed instrument.

Model of outrigger canoe from Fiji.

Painting “Desolation Island,” Indian Ocean, ca. 1880.

“View of Auckland Harbor, New Zealand” drawn during regatta of January, 1862, shows three racing Maiori war canoes in foreground.

These photographs and artifacts are drawn from the Mystic Seaport’s extensive collection of 75,000 maritime artifacts and more than one million historic photographs.

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“

America cannot be understood as a nation until we understand it as a piece of land surrounded and permeated by water... And so this cherished vessel, and others like it, are far more than quaint relics of a bygone era. They embody the noblest aspirations of a people. They speak not only of what is past, but to what endures - ingenuity, intrepidity, and an insatiable

”

appetite for freedom and a better life in a better land.

Senator Christopher J. Dodd On presenting the World Ship Trust’s “Maritime Heritage Award” to Mystic Seaport for its efforts to preserve the Charles W. Morgan: September 23, 2000.

Charles W. Morgan ports of call 1841 ~ 1921

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Whaleships like the Morgan spent considerable amounts of time in Arctic waters. While there, whalers encountered native people like these Hudson’s Bay Inuit.

This carved sperm whale tooth is an example of scrimshaw, the American whaleman’s folk art. Sailors passed the long hours at sea by carving designs on whale teeth and bone, creating mementos to bring home to loved ones.

Painting from the inside cover of the logbook from the Charles W. Morgan’s first voyage: September 6, 1841 to January 2, 1845.

the restoration of the Charles W. Morgan

T

he Morgan was built in just eight months in 1841, at a cost of

Framing and other structural elements will require over

just under $27,000. But today, she’ll take three years and

50,000 board feet of white and live oak, along with thousands of

approximately $5 million to restore.

board feet of other woods. Historically valued for shipbuilding because of its strength and durability, live oak grows only in

Wooden ships require constant maintenance and renewal.

the southern US and is protected throughout most its range.

The Charles W. Morgan has undergone two major restoration

Much of this precious wood will come from the storm-ravaged

efforts in her 80+ years as a museum ship. It is now time for

Mississippi Gulf Coast, where over 300 tons were salvaged

another. This third phase will renew areas of the vessel from

after Hurricane Katrina. These trees will make an important

approximately the waterline down to below the turn of her bilge,

contribution not only to the rebuilding of the Morgan, but to

including parts that haven’t been seen since she was built.

building public interest in the process, illustrating an uplifting

Mystic Seaport is uniquely positioned to accomplish a museum-

story of restoration and renewal.

quality restoration while maintaining access to the ship and the restoration process. Our Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard is dedicated exclusively to the restoration of historic vessels and boasts state-of-the-art lift equipment, a full range of new and historic tools and a staff of shipwrights with years of experience building and rebuilding wooden ships.

Mystic Seaport’s Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard is a state-of-the-art wooden ship restoration and haul ashore facility.

After the restoration, the Morgan will again grace Mystic Seaport’s waterfront with sails set, inspiring new generations with stories of her seafaring history.

RESTORING A NATIONAL TREASURE t t t t t t t

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Sawing timber is a constant activity. Having our own sawmill enables Mystic Seaport to acquire timber directly from the source.

Live oak felled during Hurricane Katrina will find new life in the Charles W. Morgan.

“

The Charles W. Morgan is one of America’s

greatest treasures . To explore the Morgan is to experience our country ’ s

maritime past

in a

way no book or lecture can ever hope to match…..

Please help Mystic Seaport do

all it can

to

make sure the Morgan is around at least another 167

years .

An adze or other traditional tool is often the only way to shape the timbers.

”

Nathaniel Philbrick

Author of In The Heart Of The Sea and Mayflower

Planks are steamed for increased flexibility, but it still takes force to bend them into place.

A shipyard craftsman exhibits traditional caulking skills.

The transom was rebuilt during the last phase of restoration.

spreading the legacy of the Charles W. Morgan

The restoration of the national treasure that is the Charles W. Morgan guarantees that Mystic Seaport’s jewel will continue to honor our history and bring the past alive for generations to come.

T

he restoration project and associated public programming

journeys of the Morgan, visitors will gain new perspectives

will be Mystic Seaport’s highest institutional priority and

on every facet of the whaling era. From the lively Sea Music

most visible public offering for the duration of the three-year

Festival to international food and culture events celebrating

restoration process.

the ship’s ports of call, the arts will come alive at the Museum.

And for those fascinated by scientific discovery, there will be

A major exhibit in the shipyard gallery will introduce visitors to all facets of the reconstruction effort—documentation of the ship’s construction and condition, ship design techniques, tools

opportunities

to

understand

the

origins

of

modern

navigation, the mysteries of whale habits and habitats and the power of wind, currents and weather.

of the trade, even the wood-boring organisms that make repairs imperative­—as well as introducing the sponsors who will make

Boarded by over 20 million visitors over the course of her stay

her reconstruction possible.

at Mystic Seaport, the Morgan has always attracted interest.

Our

The Morgan’s restoration will be an on-line feature for both Mystic Seaport’s website (www.mysticseaport.org) and for the area’s website (www.mystic.org)—with visitors encouraged to join us for regular updates on the reconstruction progress.

Throughout the restoration, new programs and events will delight and entertain visitors. Inspired by the people and the

partnership

with

NOAA

(National

Oceanic

and

Atmospheric Administration) will support scientific research on marine sanctuaries. Through media partners and outreach to national publications via an aggressive public relations effort, our restoration will place the Morgan in the public eye like never before.

“

The magnificent Charles W. Morgan is a

national treasure . …it is a critically

important link to america ’ s

past

when

whaling fueled the economic, political, and cultural growth

of the nation. Maintaining

the Morgan as a living monument to America’s whaling and maritime we honor

heritage

our history

and never forget where

we came from and how we

will ensure that

”

got here .

Eric Jay Dolin Author of Leviathan

The Morgan will make news with events centered around a different theme each year: 2008 - Research & Restoration As the Morgan is lifted from the water and is prepared for restoration, preserving the ship’s authenticity is paramount. Events like the NOAA Whaling Heritage Symposium underscore our dedication to preservation.

t t t t t t t t t 2009 - Science & Technology Sailors of the 19thcentury were masters of celestial navigation— one of the subjects that will illuminate the skills of these seafarers - and fascinate students of the modern age.

t t t t t t t 2010 - Art & Literature

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The golden age of sail had an impact that went beyond the seas - and seeped deep into the American identity. We’ll celebrate with events like an expansion of our popular Moby-Dick Marathon.

t t t t t t t 2011 - History & Policy

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The Charles W. Morgan was an American ship, but she spent nearly all of her 80 year career at sea. Join us in memorializing the Morgan’s legacy of diversity as we celebrate numerous ports of call.

Visitors learn the cooper’s art. Casks such as these, assembled as needed at sea, were used for all manner of storage during voyages that could last up to five years.

We invite you to join us in this important work.

Fully restored, the Morgan will be ready for her next voyage and cargo: carrying people to the past so they can be better prepared to meet the challenges of today and the future.

The Charles W. Morgan an american icon renewed At her grand rededication ceremony, the Charles W. Morgan will display minimal visible change. True to the Museum’s mission and commitment to accuracy and authenticity, a 19th-century whaleman would find her decks, rig and hold familiar. Those looking for change, however, may find it in the thousands who will continue to be able to walk her decks—experiencing a connection to our shared maritime past that will inspire visitors long into the future.

The Charles W. Morgan Preserving the last wooden whaleship in the world

75 Greenmanville Avenue | Mystic, CT 06355 860.572.0711 | www.mysticseaport.org

The Restoration of the Charles W. Morgan is proudly supported in part by: