Preview: Refloating the CHARLES W. MORGAN – Maynard Bray Remembers
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September 10, 2014
Email this Video to a FriendThe story of how the whale ship Charles W. Morgan was refloated at Mystic Seaport is told by Maynard Bray, the man who ran the Seaport’s shipyard at the time.
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9 Responses So Far to “Refloating the CHARLES W. MORGAN – Maynard Bray Remembers”
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Joel Feltman says:
Wonderfully inspiring story! I recall visiting the Seaport for the first time as a kid on a school trip (8th grade, 1966), and being awed at the Morgan. Visited several times as an adult and even sailed into the Seaport, right past the Morgan on my own boat in the 1990s.
To see her under full sail in the video was just heartwarming. Kudos and thanks to those whose vision and commitment saved her and all who did actual work on her to restore her to her well-deserved glory!!!
Dana Leonard says:
Notable in the re-floating effort was that the clam-shell dredge removing the sand from around the Morgan was steam operated and so had no engine noise. Visitors to the museum would spend hours watching it work and admiring the “artistry” of the operator. This dynamic made the museum recognize that exhibits on the grounds were, although interpreted or partially functional, largely static and that active exhibits would enhance the experience. The result was a “Special Demonstrations” group, initially called “The Mod Squad” by the mostly older exhibit interpreters. The new activities included: rowing and sailing whaleboats and other small craft, net-making, drying cod, spinning rope-yarn in the rope walk, mast-hoop making, breeches buoy demonstrations, setting sail on the Conrad (and later on the Morgan), traditional foods cooked over the fire in the Buckingham house, and chantey singing. There had already been an active blacksmith and a ship-carver (carving figureheads and billet-heads, etc.) on the grounds. For the Morgan’s re-floating and restoration a sailmaker was employed and worked in the old loft, a new rigging loft and the old loft on the museum grounds were were both employed to refurbish or replace the Morgan’s rigging, and the blacksmith shop was making serious ship-fittings as required for the job. Also, the new shipyard on the grounds was, in part, accessible to the visitors, included exhibits of ship construction and spar-making, and ongoing work could be viewed. All of this action greatly enhanced the Mystic Seaport experience!
Jonathan Mc Donald says:
This video was truly inspirational. All is right with the world if the Morgan is afloat and at sea.
Terry Lent says:
Really enjoyed the video! Professionally done and a pleasure to watch. The narration was wonderful…not read from a script. Just honest to goodness realism!
Fritz Seegers says:
Wow, I remember walking through the Morgan with my kids back in the 80s when we visited Mystic Seaport. I never thought she would sail again. So this video took me completely by surprise plus the Morgan looks so much better today than back 3 decades ago. Well done to all of you people who restored and worked on the Morgan plus this wonderful video to accompany it. Hooray!
Neil Moomey says:
Great story and nice to see her under sail again. Thanks to everyone who kept her alive for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.
Carolyn & Ron Pease says:
Good job Maynard and Anne ……….We are proud of you. You and others who worked on the project are masters of your trade.
PAUL COOPER says:
Fantastic. Thank you!
Walter Connolly says:
Truly an amazing story,where history comes alive with new life and vigor.