From Dr. Runyan, Chair, National Maritime Alliance: Harry—Thanks for your letter and the kind words about my work pressing for federal funding for maritime heritage— a daunting challenge, which required changing the law. But we did it. Your memory is sharp! The early days of the National Maritime Alliance were an exciting time full of disappointments, challenges, and ultimately success in passing the National Maritime Heritage Act (1994). We are still fighting to get more support from the federal government for all areas of maritime heritage—lighthouses, historic ships, maritime museums, educational programs, and more. We have managed to secure $9.5 million over the past four years, but I am still pressing for more funding and new sources. As this issue of Sea History is being prepared for publication, the 11th Maritime Heritage Conference—this year hosted jointly with Tall Ships America—will be getting underway in New Orleans; it provides an unparalleled opportunity to encourage support and engagement among our colleagues. National Maritime Alliance Secretary/Treasurer Capt. Chan Zucker and
I led the effort to restart the conferences in 2001 as another initiative of the Alliance. Harry, you are a great supporter of maritime heritage and your efforts are much appreciated. I was delighted to hear about the grand celebration on the occasion of your 90th birthday and how you chose to use it to raise support for sail training. Well done! Many thanks for your dedication and ongoing support. —Best, Tim Captain Dan Moreland—Preserving Maritime Heritage at Sea and Ashore It was a fine story, as usual, by Capt. Dan Moreland on what it means to sail around the world on a tall ship. As he is about to embark on Picton Castle’s seventh world voyage, all but one under his command, Capt. Moreland has many achievements to his credit. One not mentioned in the article but close to my heart is the restoration of the schooner Ernestina-Morrissey that he led after the newly independent nation of Cape Verde gave the vessel to the people of the United States as a goodwill gift honoring the vessel’s long history in both countries and the strong relationship between them as well. But to the readers of Sea History I
think one fact stands out and it is not one that Capt. Moreland would mention. I don’t believe there is another mariner alive today who has captained one sailing vessel on six circumnavigations. I was mayor of New Bedford during Moreland’s tenure with Ernestina. Having recently retired from NOAA Fisheries, I plan to spend more time assisting the effort to bring Ernestina-Morrissey back to life. John Bullard New Bedford, Massachusetts From the editor: In 1987, the National Trust for Historic Preservation honored Captain Daniel D. Moreland for his “outstanding commitment to excellence in historic preservation” and specifically for “excellence of workmanship and authenticity of the restoration.” Captain Moreland has stated that this upcoming world voyage will be his last. For those waiting to someday make this trip, the time is at hand. Berths are still available for the full voyage and individual legs. Visit Picton Castle online for more information: www.picton-castle.com. For more on Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey: www.ernestina.org.
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