Morgan Restoration

The 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan on the Museum's shiplift awaiting her launch. July 21, 2013

The Morgan Launch

The Morgan was launched successfully on July 21. A crowd numbering in the thousands watched on land and water as she was lowered into the Mystic River.

Shipwright Matt Barnes installs the billet head on the Charles W. Morgan.

Approaching the Launch

With only a few days to go before launch the shipwrights and naval engineer have developed a ballasting plan which will ensure the safe launch of the vessel.

Moving the Morgan

On Monday, June 24, the shipwrights will start the process of moving the Morgan sideways onto the main pad tracks leading to the shiplift.

Shutter Plank to be Installed in Early May

Planking of the hull is nearly finished and seven planks plus the shutter plank remain to be placed. The shutter plank should be installed during the first week of May.

Planking Continues

As the planking continues on the Morgan, the starboard side is slightly ahead of the port side. It is anticipated that the shutter plank (the last plank) will be located in the port quarter and will be placed late April to early May.

Planking the Morgan

100 Days until Launch

Friday, March 1 marks 100 working days until launch. All is on track to meet our schedule for launch this July and sailing the 38th Voyage in 2014.

Morgan transom beam interior

On Target

“The Morgan is on target for a July 21, 2013 launch,” said Quentin Snediker, Director of the Shipyard.

Memphis Zoo’s tiger cages contribute iron

Using iron bar fasteners salvaged from the Memphis Zoo’s tiger cages, the shipwrights will attach the knees by driving the fastener through the knee and then through the adjoining frames. A ring will be placed at each end of the fastener and the ends pounded home to form the rivet.