In 1994, yacht builder, preservationist, and Mystic Seaport Museum trustee, Waldo Howland, wrote his article, “The River, The River, The River.” With great fondness, the late Howland described the Mystic River as a “unique jewel” which “is ideal for our expressed purposes, and naturally beautiful in itself . . . The alluring strength of this special enchantment may perhaps only be fully recognized by some of our visitors, but its subtle essence will be felt by all.” Decades after Howland’s reflections, his sentiments remain relevant in the lives of those inspired by the Mystic River. Although the experiences of staff and students at Mystic Seaport Museum remain unique to each person, the collective voice not only echoes the awe of Howland in 1994, but also raises questions as to how we can give back to the River as we move into the future. When considering our current relationship with the Mystic River, it is important to remember its long history. As Rebecca Shea, Group Sales and Corporate Events Manager, puts it, “I like to reflect on how grateful I am to be in this beautiful place. But also, I reflect upon the footsteps I’m walking in.” Many Museum staff members explain how the local history of the River, including its Indigenous history, colonial history, shipbuilding history, and history of trades, plays a crucial role in our work today. Krystal Rose, Curator of Collections, reminds us, “This is the ancestral land of Indigenous people. A lot has happened on the land and on the River that needs to be acknowledged and considered. I'm so excited that this is now becoming part of our narrative at the Museum, because there is a whole history that happened before many of us were here.” Many staff members describe the veins of commerce and industry that have existed throughout American history. Elizabeth Kristian, Supervisor of Interpretation, describes how the trade work of the Interpretation department is grounded as much as possible in local history, which includes the Indigenous experience in America within the maritime trades. Arlene Marcionette, Director of Public Programs, shares that
THE MYSTIC RIVER IS A MUSE FOR MANY working on the River has made her “more aware of all the ways the River has shaped people's lives over the centuries.” Mystic Seaport Museum is a unique maritime museum because its location allows staff and visitors to immerse themselves in history through direct access to the River today. Associate Director for School and Family Programs, Barbara Jarnagin, highlights this unique accessibility, sharing that visitors are sometimes surprised that “we don’t have glass barriers or barbed wire barriers.” She reassures them that “it’s okay to be close to water. The water isn’t going to hurt you.” With Mystic River’s safe harbors, slow traffic, and shallow banks, the River is truly a great introduction for people interested in learning about the maritime world. Maritime learning involves trips to our various trade shops and our working shipyard or stepping onto a historic vessel like the Charles W. Morgan where fascinating demonstrations unfold. Only here will visitors experience live history on the only remaining nineteenthcentury American whaleship. Director of Interpretation, Maria Petrillo, emphasizes the importance of these personal experiences with history, because “the more you get to actually do hands-on [learning] . . . the more connected you’ll feel to it.” Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Museum’s Boathouse rentals have been free for visitors, another step towards accessibility of the hands-on learning for which Petrillo advocates. The Boathouse hosts a collection of small watercraft: sailboats, row boats, and pedal boats. Boathouse staff cater to different levels of experience, whether that be a long-time sailor or a beginning rower. As someone who had never been on the water before, highschooler Eddy L. had an initial hesitation towards being on the River. Eddy did not know what to expect when he joined the Museum’s Maritime Adventure Program (MAP). However, with guidance, he not only learned how to sail
but also received his boating license in the summer of 2022. Eddy reflects on the impact of the Mystic River in terms of community, “This program has put me on a better path than I was on because everybody here is all about positivity and hard work. I just matched the energy.” Youth sailing counselors build their confidence on the water first as students, then as mentors who want to cultivate the same lifechanging experiences for their peers. Deaglan L. explains his personal goal as a counselor-in-training, which is “letting [other students] experience what I got to experience as a camper” and in turn, “have them get their best experience.” In speaking with staff and students at the Museum, one thing is clear: we would not be who we are without the River. Sarah Armour, captain of Brilliant, has noticed that “when people have a relationship with their waterway, there’s a sense of place and a sense of ownership that comes with it.” That sense of place is reflected by every person at the Museum. Our shared experiences with the Mystic River bring us together and build our community. We want the Mystic River to remain the “unique jewel” that Waldo Howland described in 1994. It is up to us to care for the River, so that future generations can continue to experience its natural beauty and alluring enchantment.
LEFT: Elizabeth Rozmanith, summer intern from Clark University RIGHT: Georgina Lau, summer intern from
Providence College
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