SHIPNOTES, SEAPORT & MUSEUM MYSTIC SEAPORT MUSEUM EMBARKS UPON A NEW MISSION Over the last 67 years, Mystic Seaport Museum has evolved from a small association of local individuals dedicated to collecting maritime artifacts to an internationally renowned institution that preserves and interprets a broad spectrum of America's maritime heritage. A new mission statement defines this evolution: 'The mission of Mystic Seaport is to create a broad, public understanding of the relationship of America and the Sea." Director J. Revell Carr articulated this vision in the Spring 1996 Log of Mystic Seaport: "As [we] looked at our strengths and weaknesses, .. . we searched for the unique role and focus that would make a significant contribution in the future and fill a void. We saw that no other institution was bringing the whole American maritime story together, and we recognized that Mystic Seaport was well prepared to assume that role. We cannot collect in depth in all aspects of the nation's maritime history, but we can refine and develop our collections to better fulfill our mission, and at the same time establish links with other institutions that can share in the telling of the stories. We must both honor heroic deeds and recognize grim realities as we try to understand the significance of this nation's enduring relationship with the sea." The museum's first goal is to meet a 31 July deadline to match a $500,000 National Endowment for the Humanities challenge grant. Mystic is raising an additional $2,000,000 to establish the America and the Sea Endowment, which will fund a staff team responsible for integrating America and the Sea themes into current and future programs. To make a gift to the Endowment, write Mystic Seaport at PO Box 6000, Mystic CT 06355-0990; 860 572-0711. KH
Discover 011e ofAmerica's hest kept maritime secrets... If,,.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN MARITIME MUSEUM
~~!. .!.~~~~{ ~!..!!.~!!:.'~!?.~~ ...V.! . ...... . •Historical Exhibits •
•
•· ' ~•Nautical Archaeology •Replica Philadelphia II
Open May 4-0ct 20•10am-5pm Daily from 22A at Vergennes to Basin Harbor (802) 475-2022
Own a Piece of Nautical History Unique nautical giftware made from th e propell ers of R.M.S. Queen Mary and the original foremast of the Cutty Sark. These fine crafted items
importe~nf~~u~e~ngland
~ -
Spun Yarn The steam tug Catawissa of 1897 (see SH77) has been placed on the New York State Historic Landmarks list ... . The Soviet Tarantul I-class missile corvette Hiddensee was transferred from Germany to the US Navy for technical review in 1992 and is now available from the Navy as a museum ship (contact Officer Campbell, 410 3262860) . ... The steam ferry Nobska of 1925 has just entered historic Dry-Dock #I-recently vacated by USS Constitution-at the Charlestown Navy Yard, for a long-awaited refit, funded by the first $1 million of an appropriated $3 million in ISTEA funding (New Eng-
• A superb limited ed ition of 1000 models of the Queen Mary cast from the sh ip's propellers. • Antiqued keychains, coaster sets, tiepins and more. All with certificate of authenticity Call toll free now for your FREE brochure
1-800-871-4957 or fax (708) 442-4370
Fella International • PO Box 247 Riverside, IL 60546
Nobska at Charlestown Navy Yard
I Send for your FREE Copy Cubberley & Shaw Maritime Museum News PO Box 607 NM Groton MA 01450-0607
ei
~
:i:
~
3
~==========~ ~ 26
land Steamship Foundation, PO Box 3202, New Bedford MA 02741; 508 999-1925) .... The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum has completed cataloging and databasing its collection of 920 line drawings of Chesapeake Bay boats (CBMM, PO Box 636, St. Michaels MD 21663; 410 745-2916) .... The US Navy has approved the USS Constellation Foundation's repair plan for the 142-year-old sloop-of-war berthed in Baltimore (CF, 301 E. Pratt St., Pier 1, Baltimore MD 21202-3134; 410 5391797) . . . . The new nonprofit Schooner Harvey Gamage Foundation has taken over operation of the 95-foot, gaff topsail schooner built in 1973, from SAIL, Inc., and will maintain the vessel's educational programs, says Foundation President Alix Thome (SHGF, PO Box 60, Francestown NH 03043) .... The Cox & Stevens commuter yachtKalmia of 1909 has been rescued from the scrap heap by William Kenney, who is looking for a nonprofit organization interested in restoring the vessel (PO Box 82, South Norwalk CT 06856; 203 8389214) . ... The Glencannon Press has announced the publication of Mr. Glencannon Ignores the War ($35hc), the first in a projected eight-volume set comprising all the stories about Colin Glencannon, the blustering Scots chief engineerofthe SS Inchcliffe Castle (GP, Order & Shipping Dept., PO Box 633, Benicia CA 94510; 707 745-3933) .... (Continued on page 28.)
SEA HISTORY 78, SUMMER 1996