SUPPORT THE RETURN OF THE HISTORIC ERNESTINA-MORRISSEY TODAY!

Dear Friends and Supporters,

SEMA’s excitement is palpable as we come to the end of a successful year of

The newly painted starboard quarter

progress toward the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey’s complete rehabilitation. Here are some significant highlights!

We are proud to announce that PHASE I, the entire hull rebuild, is COMPLETE thanks to the hard work of our

The new aft deck and stern rail with the refurbished original wheel.

partners at Bristol Marine’s Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor, ME.

In addition, Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) and DCR worked together in the planning process for PHASE II, the outfitting of the rig and below decks, which is also complete and ready for action!

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The September passage of legislation by the Massachusetts State Senate, as supported by Senator Mark Montigny, to complete the restoration of the schooner was a major milestone for SEMA. The bill designates New Bedford as the vessel’s homeport in perpetuity, while MMA will assume control of the Ernestina-Morrissey to provide for its operations and maintenance.

We have one more step to go…the passage of Bill S.2328, “the Act to Preserve the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey” by the Massachusetts House of Representatives. SEMA and others are waiting anxiously for its passage so PHASE II can begin! PLEASE VISIT www.ernestina.org NOW TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP BY CONTACTING THE MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE TO URGE THEM TO ACT AND GET THE BILL TO GOVERNOR BAKER’S DESK FOR HIS SIGNATURE! YOUR VOICE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

On September 12, SEMA had the great honor of receiving the “Don Turner Award” from the USS Constitution Museum. This notable award is given annually, “to a person or team of people, professional or amateur, who have contributed significantly to efforts to preserve important vessels or who have made significant contributions to our knowledge and understanding of ship design and construction.” SEMA is very proud to be in the company of previous recipients of this recognition.

On USS Constitution for Don Turner Award Ceremony: l-r Cmdr. Nathaniel R. Shick, Anne Rand, Paul George, r-Robert Hildreth, Mary Anne McQuillan, r-Matthew Stackpole, Julius Britto, Polly Zajac, John Bullard, Michael Gomes, Capt. Willi Bank, Derek Stevens

WoodenBoat magazine is currently chronicling the life of the Ernestina-Morrissey in a three-part   series entitled, “A Schooner for the Ages: The six charmed lives of Ernestina Morrissey”. Author Randal Peffer tells the tales of her story as fisherman, Arctic explorer, warrior, Cape Verdean packet, and educator.  The final installment will cover her current rehabilitation.   The articles include beautiful pictures and great coverage as you would expect from WoodenBoat magazine!

PLEASE SUPPORT SEMA TODAY! Your donation will help us accomplish our mission: that the Ernestina-Morrissey, a National Historic Landmark Vessel and the Official Vessel of Massachusetts, once again sails the waters of Massachusetts and beyond as a cultural and educational sail-training vessel. Just click the yellow DONATE button at at the top of the right hand column above.

Sincerely,

Julius Britto, President of the Board

Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with the purpose of raising funds to provide for the maintenance, equipment, manning, programming and operation of the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey as a sail training vessel, school ship, and educational enterprise