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Live Oak Vital in Charles W. Morgan Restoration
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Framing and other structural elements for the Charles W. Morgan's restoration require more than 50,000 board feet of white and live oak, along with thousands of board feet of other types of wood. Three live oak characteristics make it the perfect material for shipbuilding; its incredible strength, resistance to rot and decay, and growth in gentle sweeping curves. The combination of these qualities make live oak ideal for the Morgan restoration, which focuses on the part of the ship at the waterline and below.
Much of the precious wood that is being used in the wooden whaleship's restoration has come from the storm-ravaged Mississippi Gulf Coast, where more than 300 tons were salvaged after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
In September 2006, United States Senator Christopher Dodd joined RADM USCG (Ret.) Douglas Teeson, president and director of Mystic Seaport, in presenting plaques made of Mississippi live oak to Mississippi Senators Thad Cochran and Trent Lott. The plaques were presented in recognition of the citizens of Mississippi who donated fallen live oak trees to the Museum.
"The one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina provides an opportunity to reflect upon the strength and fortitude of the citizens the state of Mississippi. In addition to strength and fortitude, Mississippians have also demonstrated tremendous generosity during a time of tragic loss," Senator Dodd said. "The citizens of the state of Connecticut are extremely grateful for the donation live oak felled by Hurricane Katrina, as this resource will be reused to enable Mystic Seaport to restore one of our state's great icons, the Charles W. Morgan."
Senator Thad Cochran, the senior Senator from Mississippi, offered the following: "The citizens of the state of Mississippi recognize the value of supporting our great nation's shared cultural heritage. I am proud that the citizens of our state, in the midst of their loss, have made a significant and lasting contribution to helping preserve our nation's maritime heritage."
Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi added: "Live oak is cherished in the state of Mississippi. I am pleased that the citizens of our state, rather than simply mourning the loss of these valued trees, have contributed them to Mystic Seaport so that they may continue to live on. "
Museum President Doug Teeson publicly thanked the citizens of Mississippi for their contributions to Mystic Seaport. "Mississippi Live Oak allows us to restore the Charles W. Morgan for the benefit of future generations," Teeson said. "Mystic Seaport is pleased - and proud - to give new life not only to this historic vessel, but to these historic trees."
Read media coverage detailing the use of live oak in the Morgan's restoration.
| <<Sept 08 Launching the Restoration Voyage |