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Mystic Seaport Museum Pirate Days returns April 9–10

Mystic Seaport Museum is pleased to announce the return of Pirate Days, taking place on April 9–10. This exciting two-day event guarantees outdoor fun for the whole family, with a wide range of activities and entertainment.

Attendees will have the opportunity to embark on a treasure hunt adventure throughout the Seaport Village. Equipped with a treasure hunting kit, participants will follow clues on the pirate map to discover hidden loot, along the way meeting friendly pirates and enjoy captivating performances. Pirate-themed games, crafts, and activities will also be available. Visitors are encouraged to dress the part and join in the pirate parade on the Village Green.

Admission to Pirate Days is included with General Admission for non-members, while Members enjoy free entry. A pirate kit is available for an additional $8 per participant (free for Members). The kit includes a treasure hunt, pirate accessories, and access to the final prize.

Additional activities include:

  • Games on the McGraw Gallery Quad 
  • Theatrical performances on the Performance Stage
  • Pirate crafts in the Toy Boat Workshop 
  • A cannon firing drill at Middle Wharf 
  • Pirate story time in the Funk Children’s Museum
  • Pirate musical performance on the Performance Stage
  • “High Seas” planetarium shows at Treworgy Planetarium (Admission $8, Members $5, children 5 and younger are free)

To learn more and see a full list of activities and times visit www.mysticseaport.org.

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Mystic Seaport Museum Named “Business of the Year” by Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut

Mystic Seaport Museum proudly announces its recognition as Business of the Year in the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s Annual ECTy Awards. The ECTy Awards honor excellence in community engagement, innovation, customer service, and business best practices. Through the nomination process, the Museum demonstrated its commitment to community involvement, support, and collaboration; the preservation of skills in Connecticut; and innovative, green and otherwise progressive business practices delivered through world class exhibitions, educational programming, and global partnerships. 

Mystic Seaport Museum will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration, on Wednesday, March 27, at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa. This is the Chamber’s premier membership gathering and will be an evening of celebration and recognition. 

“We are grateful to the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut for this honor in being named Business of the Year in the esteemed ECTy Awards. Congratulations to all the winners, who through our collective work are supporting the growth and development of our region and Connecticut as a whole,” expressed Sophia Matsas, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Museum. 

To learn more about the event and purchase tickets to support the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, visit here.

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Museum Announces Osman Can Yerebakan as Inaugural “Find your Sea Story” Writer In Residence

Mystic Seaport Museum is pleased to announce the launch of its Writer-in-Residence program. The annual, invitational residency correlates with the Museum’s “Find Your Sea Story” campaign, developed to encourage its audiences to reflect upon their own heritage and histories in connection to the ocean and its culture. Osman Can Yerebakan (who has been published in The New York Times, BOMB Magazine, The Financial Times, The Art Newspaper, among other cultural outlets) will be the inaugural writer in residence. During the week-long residency in April 2024, in addition to connecting with the Museum staff and communities they serve, Yerebakan will have the opportunity to explore the Museum’s permanent installations, including the working shipyard, historic village, floating vessel exhibits, and the indoor rotating exhibition galleries.

“Our mission is to inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience. Through this residency, we hope that Osman and future writers in residence will discover their sea story by connecting more deeply with the Museum. We believe that this path of self-discovery will help to unveil a greater purpose and reveal that the sea connects us all,” says Sophia Matsas, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Museum.

The Writer-in-Residence program includes domestic transport, accommodation, and a food stipend. Yerebakan will receive access to the Museum’s impressive collection of over 500 historic vessels in the Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard and Wells Boat Hall, the Museum’s Collections Research Center (CRC), the G. W. Blunt White Library, and the recreated seaport village. He will also have access to the exhibitions on view: Alexis Rockman: Oceanus, an exhibition of newly-commissioned paintings addressing climate change and extinction; Spineless: A Glass Menagerie of Blaschka Marine Invertebrates, a collection of glass models, specimens, and archival materials following the intriguing story of father and son glassmakers Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka; and Entwined: Freedom, Sovereignty, and the Sea, a forthcoming major Spring exhibition centering maritime histories in Indigenous, African, and African American worldviews and experiences. While in Mystic, Yerebakan will write a feature article drawn from his experiences to be published in the Museum’s Spring 2024 magazine and will also be at liberty to publish work in other media outlets.

“As a Mediterranean living in New York, I am thrilled for the opportunity to imagine my own route over thousands of aquatic miles, through the power of words,” shared Yerebakan. “The collection of Mystic Seaport Museum which is one of its kind in the US promises unparalleled connections to outline between human perseverance and curiosity. I am excited to explore many narratives innate to drift which has been a major force for civilizations for transformative or dismal reasons. Seeing the Museum’s archives and exhibitions through my own journey will be an experience to always remember.”

Yerebakan is a New York-based art writer and curator. His writing has appeared in Financial Times, GQ, Artforum, The New York Times: T: The New York Times Style Magazine, New York magazine, The Guardian, BOMB, The Art Newspaper, Artsy, Artnet, ARTnews, Airmail, and Architectural Digest. He has written for several artist catalogs and is on the curatorial committee for the upcoming edition of Future Fair. He co-edited the Art & Style list of Forbes 30 Under 30, 2024. He will organize a group exhibition on masculinity for MoCA Westport in Connecticut later this year.

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Mystic Seaport Museum named #2 Best Open Air Museum by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award!

Mystic, Conn. (February 26, 2024) – Mystic Seaport Museum proudly announces its second place position in the Best Open Air Museum category of the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice awards out of twenty exceptional open air museums featured in the competition. The top ten winners were officially announced on Friday, February 23.

“This acknowledgment of Mystic Seaport Museum by an expert panel and the public, underscores the institution’s unwavering commitment to preserving maritime heritage and captivating audiences with immersive experiences,” says Museum President and CEO, Peter Armstrong.

Nominees were selected by an expert panel comprised of editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com, as well as contributors and sources from Gannett brands. Votes were cast in each category over a four-week period starting in January on the 10Best.com website. A sincere thank you to USA TODAY, 10Best, and all the contributors for including the Museum in this year’s nomination.

Mystic Seaport Museum extends our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated supporters and voters who contributed to this achievement, reinforcing our position as a destination for cultural enrichment and maritime exploration. Congratulations to all the open air museums: 1st place winner Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Oconaluftee Indian Village, National Museum of Transportation, Jamestown Settlement, Strawbery Banke Museum, Colonial Williamsburg, Conner Prairie, Hagley Museum and Library, and Fort Monroe.

Visit here to see the complete list of winners and their ranking.

Learn more about USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards here.

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on FacebookXYouTube, and Instagram.

About USA Today

USA TODAY is a multi-platform news and information media company. Founded in 1982, USA TODAY’s mission is to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation. Through its unique visual storytelling, USA TODAY delivers high-quality and engaging content across print, digital, social and video platforms. An innovator of news and information, USA TODAY reflects the pulse of the nation and serves as the host of the American conversation — today, tomorrow and for decades to follow. USA TODAY, the nation’s number one newspaper in print circulation with an average of more than 1.6 million daily, and USATODAY.com, an award-winning newspaper website launched in 1995, reach a combined 6.6 million readers daily. USA TODAY is a leader in mobile applications with more than 16 million downloads on mobile devices. USA TODAY is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI).

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Wintertide Returns to Mystic Seaport Museum Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 17-19

A Three-Day Celebration of Winter Magic, Reindeer Encounters, Ice Sculptures, and Family Fun

Mystic, Conn. (January 22, 2024) – Immerse yourself in the frosty festivities of Wintertide at Mystic Seaport Museum, a three-day celebration of the great outdoors in picturesque New England.

From February 17 through February 19, visitors of all ages are invited to revel in an enchanting journey featuring many activities stationed throughout the Museum.

Meet real-life reindeer and winter working dogs, marvel at the skill of an ice sculptor as he transforms blocks of ice into playable games, indulge in hot cocoa and s’mores from Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern, and immerse yourself in striking exhibitions such as “Alexis Rockman: Oceanus” and “Spineless: A Glass Menagerie of Blaschka Marine Invertebrates,” showcasing the beauty and diversity of our oceans as well as the critical global issues that face them.

This event is perfect for the entire family, with fun activities including games, crafts, a bounce house, and kid-friendly live music, ensuring a joyful experience for every family member. The Treworgy Planetarium will be open, providing visitors with the opportunity to warm up and be captivated by awe-inspiring shows that transport them to the wonders of the universe.

Whether chilling on the waterfront or warming up next to a crackling fire, Wintertide at Mystic Seaport Museum promises to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. So, come and shake off that cabin fever and embrace the frosty fun.

Event Details

Dates: President’s Day Weekend, February 17–19

Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Ticket Prices:

$23 Adult

$18 Youth

Tickets are good for all 3 days of the event and available here.

Members: Free (membership details available here)

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship CHARLES W. MORGAN. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on FacebookXYouTube, and Instagram.

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Mystic Seaport Museum Receives $296,300 Grant from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation to Propel Long Island Collections Cataloging and Digitization Project

Mystic, Conn. (January 4, 2023) – Mystic Seaport Museum has been awarded a $296,300 grant from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation to support a comprehensive cataloging and digitization project for its Long Island Collections. This initiative will facilitate hiring two full-time, temporary positions: a Project Curator and a Project Cataloger for Long Island Collections. Additionally, the funding will enable collaboration with an external web developer.

“The Museum is honored to receive this very generous grant award from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation,” said Peter Armstrong, President of Mystic Seaport Museum. “We are excited to begin mining our collections for hidden content associated with the history of Long Island for the benefit of researchers and others interested in this heritage.”

The Museum’s proximity to Long Island and its dedication to collection preservation positions it as an excellent partner in promoting Suffolk County’s heritage. The project’s priorities include surveying existing holdings, identifying relevant materials, and digitizing selected objects, images, and archival material across all collections. It also involves improving catalog records, enhancing searchability through metadata tags for Long Island towns, and creating a dedicated website as a centralized resource for exploring Long Island’s history.

A crucial part of the project is building relationships with external organizations with Long Island holdings. The long-term vision is to develop the Long Island Collections website into an aggregator of images and information from various historical institutions.

The project will be based in the Museum’s 40,000 sq. ft. Collections Research Center (CRC), which has cataloging, digitization, and preservation facilities. Established in 2000 and expanded in 2006, the CRC consolidates collections and administrative functions under one roof, ensuring secure and environmentally sound storage.

“Mystic Seaport Museum’s vast collection of art, artifacts, and archives is a treasure trove for Long Island historic research. It is the vision of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation to make collections relevant to our regional history accessible to all,” said Kathryn Curran, Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.

About The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation

The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, established in 1987, primarily supports the study of Long Island history and its role in the American experience. The Foundation’s philanthropy is inspired by Robert David Lion Gardiner’s personal passion for New York history. For more information, please visit www.rdlgfoundation.org.

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship CHARLES W. MORGAN. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on FacebookXYouTube, and Instagram.

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Journey through time celebrating holiday traditions of past and present during Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic, Conn. (November 15, 2023) – Mystic Seaport Museum is excited to bring back Lantern Light Village this December. This is an outdoor, self-guided experience allowing visitors to travel between modern day and 19th-century holiday seasons. Lantern Light Village promises to be a memorable outing featuring lighting displays, live music, horse and carriage rides, fireside gatherings, a visit from St. Nicholas, and a variety of holiday-themed activities including stories, crafts, and games.

A new theatrical event, “Holiday Heirlooms,” will tell the story of the Noyes family and explore how their Christmas traditions changed over several decades between 1851 and 1893. Various locations across our 19th-century seaport village will serve as the backdrop for the theatrical performances, further allowing our visitors to become part of the story by partaking in a 19th-century dance, hearing songs of Christmases past, and sharing in the family’s Christmas holiday.

Each evening will feature live chantey music in the village along with music by local choirs, including: 

  • Stonington High School Chamber Choir – December 8, 9, & 23 
  • Stonington Madrigal Singers – December 15 & 16 
  • CT Yuletide Carolers – December 21 & 22 

This experience takes place predominantly outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. Therefore, it is advised to dress in attire that will keep you warm and dry to fully enjoy the experience.  

Some areas of the campus are illuminated solely by the soft glow of kerosene lanterns, which enhances the 19th-century ambiance. Visitors can bring a personal light source, such as a flashlight or headlamp, for added convenience. Please be aware that pets, except for service animals, are not permitted on the grounds during this event due to the presence of horses.  

Lantern Light Village will be held on Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 from 5 – 8 p.m. each evening. 

Admission prices for this event are as follows:

Adult (Ages 13 and up) $29, Members $24

Youth (Ages 4-12) $24, Members $19

Ages up to 3 are free

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit here. 

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on FacebookTwitterYouTube, and Instagram.

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Mystic Seaport Museum presents Spineless: A Glass Menagerie of Blaschka Marine Invertebrates

Mystic Seaport Museum presents
Spineless: A Glass Menagerie of Blaschka Marine Invertebrates

Opening October 21, 2023

Mystic, Conn. (October 3, 2023) – Mystic Seaport Museum is pleased to present Spineless: A Glass Menagerie of Blaschka Marine Invertebrates, a major exhibition featuring selections from the 19th-century Blaschka Glass Invertebrates collection at The Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard and from other institutions. The exhibition features over 40 of the exquisite models, and is the first to emphasize models which are now identified as introduced species, including many now found in New England waterways. Co-curated by Krystal Rose, Curator of Collections at Mystic Seaport Museum and Dr. James T. Carlton, Director Emeritus of the Williams-Mystic Coastal and Ocean Studies Program, Spineless will be on view October 21, 2023 through September 2024, highlighting both the history of 19th-century science and the study and tracking of marine introduced species in the wake of globalization.

Spineless provides a rare opportunity to see the world-famous Blaschka models in a new context, interpreted through the lens of maritime and marine science histories and connecting the past with the present,” said Christina Connett Brophy, Senior Director of Museum Galleries and Senior Vice President of Curatorial Affairs at Mystic Seaport Museum. “Using the Museum’s own collections as well as some exquisite loans from the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University and others, the Blaschka models come alive with themes that relate to other exhibitions and programs throughout the campus and our unique site along the Mystic River.”

The exhibition highlights the intriguing story of father and son glassmakers Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka of Dresden, Germany. In the 1850s, the elder Blaschka became fascinated by invertebrates he observed while at sea.  After a successful commission to create sea anemone models for a nearby natural history museum, Leopold and later on his son, Rudolf, went on to produce glass models of hundreds of marine invertebrates.  The glasswork of the Blaschkas beautifully captured the forms, anatomical details, and colors of these magnificent sea creatures.  Through a mail-order business, they successfully sold and distributed these often extraordinarily fragile pieces to museums and universities around the world for teaching and display purposes.

When creating the models, the Blaschkas relied on their relationships with scientists, along with observations of live specimens held in aquariums, wet specimens, books, and scientific journals. In Spineless, selected models are accompanied by sailors’ journals and rare books containing sketches, watercolors, written descriptions, and photographs, giving a glimpse into early documentation and scientific work at sea. Wet specimens, preserved in jars, highlight the challenges that the Blaschkas and scientists faced in preserving and documenting invertebrates for study. These historic objects are complemented by depictions of marine invertebrates by contemporary artists, demonstrating our enduring interest in these remarkable, often mysterious creatures.

A special presentation within Spineless turns an eye towards some of the invertebrates’ modern-day environmental impact as introduced species. Since the models’ creation in the late 19th century, some of the species they represent have been introduced around the world, traveling on the hulls of ships and in ballast water. Those models are singled out and contextualized through the work of co-curator Dr. James T. Carlton, one of the world’s leading experts in marine bioinvasions. In Carlton’s own words, “the Blaschka glass models elegantly illustrate the absence of any boundaries between art and the science of the sea, including our modern-day environmental concerns for ocean conservation.”

Spineless: A Glass Menagerie of Blaschka Marine Invertebrates marks the continuation of the Museum’s educational initiatives on introduced species in the context of maritime history, which began with the currently-on-view Alexis Rockman: Oceanus. A new series of waterfront panels on introduced species, Spineless, and Oceanus will highlight many of the same invertebrates created by the Blaschkas in a contemporary context.

Spineless: A Glass Menagerie of Blaschka Marine Invertebrates will be accompanied by various programs and lectures throughout the duration of the show.

Spineless was made possible by generous support from:

The Edward and Mary Lord Foundation

The SpringRiver Foundation

Design Principles, Inc.

Thank you to the individuals and institutions who loaned materials for this exhibition.

Elizabeth Brill

Marian and Russell Burke

Corning Museum of Glass

Ernst Mayr Library at Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology

Suzette Mouchaty

Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University

Museum of Science, Boston

New Bedford Whaling Museum

Emily Williams

Yale Peabody Museum Department of Invertebrate Zoology

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Media Contact

Sophia Matsas
Director of Marketing & Communications
Mystic Seaport Museum
860.572.5317 (o)
sophia.matsas@mysticseaport.org

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on FacebookTwitterYouTube, and Instagram.

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Mystic Folkways Music Festival Returns to Mystic Seaport Museum October 7-8

Mystic Folkways Music Festival Returns to Mystic Seaport Museum October 7-8

Mystic, Conn. (September 29, 2023) – Mystic Seaport Museum is proud to present Mystic Folkways, a music festival, curated in collaboration with Sean W Spellman of Westerly Sound. The festival will take place on October 7 and 8 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (music beginning at 12 p.m., see schedule below) and will feature over 25 performances from musicians all over the world.

This year’s festival continues the tradition of offering one of the most accessible multi-day music festivals in the United States. Attendees will have full access to the Museum, with overnight dockage available for boaters. The festival will also feature campus-wide programming centered around maritime tradition, offering music on three stages, as well as local food trucks, historic boat cruises, and much more.

“We’re excited to bring this event back again after a successful festival last year. The Museum is the perfect setting for an event of this type. Visitors can enjoy live music while exploring our grounds and savoring the fall backdrop along the Mystic River,” says Peter Armstrong, Museum president.

“I’m so excited to be able to work with Mystic Seaport Museum to present an affordable festival like this in such a historic and interesting location,” said Sean Spellman. “Bringing internationally respected artists to this area, together with some great local musicians is what I hope will inspire a more active music and arts community in this region, that is the goal of Westerly Sound.”

The performance lineup includes:

Saturday, October 7

  • Laden Valley 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
  • Cactus Lee 1:25 – 1:55 p.m.
  • Tim Easton 2:10 – 2:50 p.m.
  • Twain 3:05 – 3:45 p.m.
  • Mike Nau 4:00 – 4:40 p.m.
  • Hailu Mergia 4:55 – 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 8

  • Number One Babe 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
  • Matt Costa 12:45 – 1:15 p.m.
  • Jenny O. 1:25 – 1:55 p.m.
  • Rahill 2:10 – 2:50 p.m.
  • Florry 3:05 – 3:45 pm
  • Spirit Family Reunion 4:00 – 4:40 p.m.
  • Whitney 5:10 – 6:10 p.m.

Tickets for Mystic Folkways are available for both one-day and two-day access. For more information and to purchase tickets visit here.

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About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on FacebookTwitterYouTube, and Instagram.

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Media Contact

Sophia Matsas
Director of Marketing & Communications
Mystic Seaport Museum
860.572.5317 (o)
sophia.matsas@mysticseaport.org

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on FacebookTwitterYouTube, and Instagram.

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Mystic Seaport Museum Announces Low Carbon Transformation and Climate Action Initiative

Mystic Seaport Museum Announces Low Carbon Transformation and Climate Action Initiative

Mystic, Conn. (July 28, 2023) – Mystic Seaport Museum is excited to announce its groundbreaking low carbon transformation, coinciding with the momentous occasion of its 100th anniversary. The event will take place on Saturday, July 29, 2023, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the SABINO Dock. SABINO is the ideal backdrop to announce the Museum’s initiative given the recent engine conversion resulting in a 95% reduction of the vessel’s carbon footprint.

The following state and local officials will be attending and speaking at this event: Richard Blumenthal, United States Senator; Mark Boughton, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services; Hank Webster, Deputy Commissioner of Energy, Heather Somers, State Senator; and Aundre Bumgardner, State Representative.

“Mystic Seaport Museum was recently named one of America’s 25 most beautiful landmarks. It’s wonderful that they’re doing their part to preserve this natural beauty while reducing carbon emissions to help preserve our planet. As the nation’s leading maritime museum, the steps they are taking to achieve a low carbon transformation will enable continued public education regarding the nautical history of Connecticut, and America, for generations to come.” stated Commissioner Mark Boughton, who in addition to being Commissioner of the state Department of Revenue Services, is Gov. Lamont’s point person for infrastructure projects in Connecticut.

As a leader in maritime heritage and education, the Museum is committed to addressing the challenges our oceans face due to climate change. Our low carbon transformation represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to support resilience planning, mitigate sea level rise, and take decisive climate action.

“We are excited to share our progress and vision for a sustainable future with the community,” said Peter Armstrong, President of Mystic Seaport Museum. “This low carbon transformation is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship and dedication to preserving our maritime heritage for generations to come.”

A recent Forbes article noted, “Now is the time for climate action—to keep temperatures in check and ensure the long-term growth of the maritime industry,” after shipping giant Maersk announced its intent to hit its net-zero goals by 2040.

The Museum’s low carbon transformation encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including the implementation of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient infrastructure upgrades, and the adoption of sustainable practices throughout the Museum’s operations. These efforts are a continuation of the great work already done, including the use of geo-thermal heating and cooling in the Thompson Exhibition Building and the installation of solar panels on the Collections Research Center roof.

By embracing these measures, we aim to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and inspire others to take similar actions.

Members of the community, maritime enthusiasts, environmental advocates, and members of the media are welcome to join us on July 29th as we celebrate this momentous occasion. This event is included with the Museum’s general admission and free for Members.

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Media Contact

Sophia Matsas
Director of Marketing & Communications
Mystic Seaport Museum
860.572.5317 (o)
sophia.matsas@mysticseaport.org

About Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on FacebookTwitterYouTube, and Instagram.

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