The Michigan Maritime Museum Weblog

News from the Michigan Maritime Museum .

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

FW: Volunteer Connection

   Volunteer Connection

March 30, 2010

 

 

Greetings, Friends!

 

Museum Closed This Easter Weekend

Patti Montgomery, Business Director at the Maritime Museum, has announced that the Museum will be closed April 2-4, 2010 in observance of the Easter holiday.

 

The Last Night for the Museums This Coming Thursday, April 1st (no fooling) 

 Attention All MMM members.  April 1st, Thursday, is the last night you can eat out, support your local museums and see your friends.  In fact, invite a few friends to join us next Thursday at Phoenix Street Café, 523 Phoenix Road, South Haven, MI 49090.  It is opening to serve us as a special event.  They will be serving from 5 to 8pm.  Let’s see if we can fill the place twice over! See you there, Diane Schlanser

 

Electrical System

Anyone interested in assisting Captain Sikkema with preparing the vessel’s electrical system for the annual COI inspection, is invited to contact him at captain@michiganmaritimemuseum.org.

 

Ship’s Company Emergency Life Raft Training

All Ship’s Company Crew are encouraged to participate in the Emergency Life Raft Training on Friday, April 16, 2010 from 6-9 PM at the L.C. Mohr High School pool, 600 Elkenburg St., South Haven, MI  49090. This class will be taught by Jay Krissy, personal safety trainer from Total Marine Safety—Great Lakes of Chicago. To register, please email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org by April 12, 2010.

 

Michigan Charter Boat Association Reminder for Returning Crew

If you haven’t yet renewed your Michigan Charter Boat Association membership, you should take a few moments and renew today. Current members that fail to renew their membership by March 31 will be required to take another pre-employment drug test at their own expense. If you have any questions about the Friends Good Will drug pool, please contact mstephens@michganmaritimemuseum.org.

 

If you have renewed your MCBA membership, please provide the Museum with a copy of your 2010 membership card by April 15 for our records. Membership in a drug pool is required by the Coast Guard for all persons crewing aboard the vessel.

 

Upcoming Summer Voyages for Ship’s Company Crew…

Tentative Voyage Leg Dates:

 

Green Bay—August 8-13 and August 13-18

Chicago—August 23-27 and August 27-31

 

  • Crew are to report on deck at noon on the first day of each voyage leg in uniform.
  • Crew are expected to remain on duty until properly relieved by oncoming crew.

 

The Michigan Maritime Museum will be accepting requests for crew positions on these voyages until April 1 to facilitate crew scheduling and pre-planning for the upcoming season. Please email your request along with your current crew rating to mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org if you are interested in crewing aboard the vessel during dockside tours and extended voyages this season. If you have any questions regarding crewing please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Mary Stephens at 269.637.8078.

 

The Michigan Maritime Museum’s requirements for all Ship’s Company to serve as crew include the following criteria:

  1. Current Museum Membership
  2. Successfully passing a 5-panel pre-employment drug test
  3. Current Michigan Charter Boat Association Membership Card on file
  4. Completion of the Basic Seamanship Sail Training  Classes I, II, and III
  5. Completed emergency contact form on file(attached)
  6. Proof of current First Aid and CPR training

 

Get Your Rig On…

Nathan Haggar supplies bosun knives, spikes, and fids to the Ship’s Company. Knives are $45, spikes are $20, and fids are $15.

If you are interested, please contact Nathan at 269.236.5278

Catch Nathan at a Wednesday night work session in March and have him sharpen your knife.

 

Custom Made Leather Sheaths…

Marcia Flynn is happy to make a leather sheath for anyone needing one for their knife, spike and/or fid. Prices start at $50.00. Call Marcia at 616.901.2018 or email her at marciaflynn@att.net.

 

Ship’s Company Crew Documents Needed by April 15

The Maritime Museum is required to have the following documentation on record for each person desiring to serve as crew aboard Friends Good Will in the 2010 season:

 

  1. Current Museum membership
  2. 2010 Michigan Charter Boat Association Membership Card
  3. Current first Aid and CPR certification

 

If you have not done so already, please email, fax, or mail in your documentation to the Volunteer Coordinator by April 15, 2010, in order for us to prepare for the annual COI. If you have any questions, please email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org.

 

A Letter from Zach Scholz

“To all my friends and crewmates—thank you for an excellent two years working and sailing aboard the Friends Good Will. I have learned a lot in that but must move on to continue my career. Starting on Sunday, March 28th, I will be in the Bahamas working aboard the Liberty Clipper. I have created a blog with more info and to keep everyone up to date with what’s going on. Feel free to check it out, comment, and keep in touch. The address is www.tallshipzach.blogspot.com

Thanks again.” ~~Zach Scholz, Bosun, Liberty Clipper

 

Rigging Weekends…

Only eleven more days until…Uprigging!  Please mark April 10-11 and 17-18 as Rigging Weekends on your calendar and join us from 9 AM-5 PM. Lunch will be provided.

 

Friends Good Will Work Session Update:

Please note that there will not be a Friends Good Will Saturday morning work session on April 3 or a Friends Good Will Wednesday evening work session on April 7. See you for uprigging on April 10-11 and 17-18!

 

Upcoming Activities at the Museum:  


Date:                                                                                          Event:

 

Wednesday, March 31, 6-8 PM                                       FGW Work Session

Thursday, April 1, 5-8 PM                                               Night for the Museums at Phoenix Street Café

Saturday, April 3, 9 AM-4 PM                                                   TSCA Meeting

 

For the good of the cause,

 

Mary Stephens

Education & Volunteer Coordinator

Michigan Maritime Museum

260 Dyckman Avenue

South Haven, Michigan 49090

voice: 269.637.8078

fax: 269.637.1594

www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Volunteer Connection

  Volunteer Connection

March 20, 2010

 

 

Happy 1st Day of Spring!

 

Museum Resumes Winter Hours of Operation

On March 19 the Maritime Museum resumed winter hours and is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-5 and on specified Sunday Lecture dates from 1-4. The Museum will be open 7 days a week beginning on May 1. We are currently seeking individuals to volunteer as front desk staff.  If you are interested in being the first great impression to the patrons of the Michigan Maritime Museum, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org.

 

Kalamazoo Living History Show This Weekend March 20 & 21

Looking to add to your 1812 wardrobe? Need that special something to finish the look you are looking for? Just want to have fun?  The Kalamazoo Living History show features a very large collection of vendors and suttlers. You can find almost anything from buttons to tailors, flintlocks to cooking gear. Ready made clothing, and artisans who will accept commissions. There are numerous displays and entertainment to make the day a fun outing for the entire family. If you attend in period dress you can win door prizes ! All this for only $ 5.00 per person. Additional information is available at:   http://www.kalamazooshow.com/ ~ submitted by Al Kempf

 

Spare Bed Needed

The Museum is seeking a bed to furnish the room at the Keepers House for our relief Captain. If you have a bed to donate, please contact the Business Manager at info@michiganmaritimemuseum.org.

 

Electrical System

Anyone interested in assisting Captain Sikkema with preparing the vessel’s electrical system for the annual COI inspection, is invited to contact him at captain@michiganmaritimemuseum.org.

 

TSCA News

We held our belated monthly meeting at the Padnos Saturday. In attendance were Dick Dodsen, Frank James, Tom Haglund, Ron Wittig, and yours Truly. David Green and John Gritter were there, but working on FGW projects, David Ludwig was there, but trying to dig out from under the avalanche of work he has to get the museum up and running in the next week or so.

 

Work progressed on the Pooduck with the seats getting nearly finished, the centerboard trunk and cap ready to assemble and some other odds and ends accomplished. There was yet more discussion about the rig with no consensus reached. It looks like its going to be a row boat for while, which is not at all a bad thing. What else do you expect when you build a boat by committee? (A "committee boat" as Dick says)  It's not that we can't make a decision, it's just that there are too many decisions made, few of which agree. It's just about time to begin the finish work, which means lots of sanding, priming, sanding, painting, more sanding and more painting. Dick raised the question of floor boards. Those can be added later if we elect to go that way. I'd like to propose that this boat be usable, with or without floorboards or sail rig before June 19th and the Classic Boat Show and Festival. That would be a good time to splash our creation for the first time, if not sooner. While I really hate to start another discussion of substance, we have yet to decide on a color scheme for this "yacht" (here we go again). Most seem to agree that paint, not varnish is called for here. 

 

Dick showed us the rubber band powered "stern wheeler" they are proposing as one of the kids models for the show. 

 

The show registrations are out and as of Friday, Patti had received the first one back with a check. We're off to a fast start, let's keep that going. Remember, this year the price of admission includes a custom T-shirt, with others available for the First Mate for a slight extra charge. We're hoping to have more boats this year, so don't wait until the spaces all fill up. The next meeting is April 3rd at the Padnos. ~ submitted by Pete Mathews

 

Get Your Rig On…

Nathan Haggar supplies bosun knives, spikes, and fids to the Ship’s Company. Knives are $45, spikes are $20, and fids are $15.

If you are interested, please contact Nathan at 269.236.5278

Catch Nathan at a Wednesday night work session in March and have him sharpen your knife.

 

Custom Made Leather Sheaths…

Marcia Flynn is happy to make a leather sheath for anyone needing one for their knife, spike and/or fid. Prices start at $50.00. Call Marcia at 616.901.2018 or email her at marciaflynn@att.net.

 

HELP WANTED

The Museum is looking for a volunteer to coordinate the health and maintenance of our Fish Tug, Evelyn S. An interest in commercial fishing would be helpful, but is not required. Some knowledge of wooden boats and/or Kahlenberg engines would be helpful, but again, not required.  This person would be asked to monitor the condition of this exhibit, make suggestions to improve the exhibit and coordinate maintenance with the Collections Committee and staff Volunteer Coordinator. Forming a committee of like minded individuals to assist in these efforts would be encouraged. The Collections Committee is looking into having a survey of the vessel done, hopefully this year, which will give all involved an idea of her current condition and what needs to be done. For starters, cleaning, painting and the ongoing task of preventing rainwater intrusion would lead the list. We are also working on reinterpreting this exhibit. This would be a way to contribute to our Museum as well as a way to gain knowledge about both commercial fishing as it was practiced on the Great Lakes and about these very distinctive vessels which are only found here on our Great Lakes. Individuals interested in this unique opportunity please contact the staff Volunteer Coordinator, Mary Stephens, at the Museum, or, for further information, Pete Mathews at 269-628-2339, or canoenut@bciwildblue.com. ~ submitted by Pete Mathews

 

Ship’s Company Crew Documents Needed by April 15

The Maritime Museum is required to have the following documentation on record for each person desiring to serve as crew aboard Friends Good Will in the 2010 season:

 

  1. Current Museum membership
  2. 2010 Michigan Charter Boat Association Membership Card
  3. Current first Aid and CPR certification

 

If you have not done so already, please email, fax, or mail in your documentation to the Volunteer Coordinator by April 15, 2010, in order for us to prepare for the annual COI. If you have any questions, please email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org.

 

Rigging Weekends…

Only twenty-one more days until…Uprigging!  Please mark April 10-11 and 17-18 as Rigging Weekends on your calendar and join us.

 

 

Upcoming Activities at the Museum:  


Date:                                                                                          Event:

 

Wednesday, March 24, 6-8 PM                                       FGW Work Session

Saturday, March 27, 1-4 PM                                                           Basic Seamanship I Sail Training Class (pre-registration required)

 

For the good of the cause,

 

Mary Stephens

Education & Volunteer Coordinator

Michigan Maritime Museum

260 Dyckman Avenue

South Haven, Michigan 49090

voice: 269.637.8078

fax: 269.637.1594

www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, March 12, 2010

Volunteer Connection

 

Volunteer Connection

March 12, 2010

 

 

Greetings, Friends!

 

HELP WANTED…

The Museum is looking for a volunteer to coordinate the health and maintenance of our Fish Tug, Evelyn S. An interest in commercial fishing would be helpful, but is not required. Some knowledge of wooden boats and/or Kahlenberg engines would be helpful, but again, not required.  This person would be asked to monitor the condition of this exhibit, make suggestions to improve the exhibit and coordinate maintenance with the Collections Committee and staff Volunteer Coordinator. Forming a committee of like minded individuals to assist in these efforts would be encouraged. The Collections Committee is looking into having a survey of the vessel done, hopefully this year, which will give all involved an idea of her current condition and what needs to be done. For starters, cleaning, painting and the ongoing task of preventing rainwater intrusion would lead the list. We are also working on reinterpreting this exhibit. This would be a way to contribute to our Museum as well as a way to gain knowledge about both commercial fishing as it was practiced on the Great Lakes and about these very distinctive vessels which are only found here on our Great Lakes. Individuals interested in this unique opportunity please contact the staff Volunteer Coordinator, Mary Stephens, at the Museum, or, for further information, Pete Mathews at 269-628-2339, or canoenut@bciwildblue.com. ~ submitted by Pete Mathews

 

 

Heritage to host March 18 program on Fort St. Joseph

ST. JOSEPH - The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center at 7 p.m. March 18 will have a program on "Archaeological Evidence of 18th Century Daily Life along the Banks of the St. Joseph River."


The program will be presented by Michael Nassaney, anthropology professor at Western Michigan University and principal investigator of the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project.

Fort St. Joseph was on the banks of the St. Joseph River, just south of present-day downtown Niles. It was established as a mission in the 1680s by French Jesuits, and was one of the earliest European settlements in the North American mid-continent and western Great Lakes region.

Its precise location has long been in doubt. In 1998, WMU archaeologists conducted a survey in search of the fort, and excavations have taken place at the site in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 in conjunction with the college's archaeological field school under the auspices of the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project.

The March program will focus on recent findings and summarize knowledge about daily life at the fort. Not only do the artifacts confirm the site's commercial, religious and military functions, but archaeologists are gaining a better understanding of the ways people identified themselves on the frontier of the French empire by looking at the practices that they retained and those they relinquished.

Another topic of discussion will be the role played by the fort in strengthening community identity in Niles and its impact on the local economy.

Those who attend the program may also tour The Heritage's temporary exhibit, "The French in North America/Les Français en Amerique du Nord - An Enduring Presence."

Developed by the Canadian Studies program at WMU, the exhibit depicts the history of the French empire in North America, focusing on the legacy of the French found in American culture, landscape, language, and politics.

It also features a sample of artifacts excavated at Fort St. Joseph.

The artifacts, on loan from the Fort St. Joseph Museum in Niles, are a mix of Native and European items found at the site, which may have belonged to a Métis family. The Métis are a culture descended from the marriages of Natives and Europeans.

The March 18 program is part of the museum's annual Public Program Series. It's free for Heritage members and $5 for non-members.

The Heritage is at 601 Main St. in St. Joseph. Those who want more information may call the museum at 983-1191.

 

Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates…

Mark your calendars for April 24th for the annual MSRA Evening Beneath the Inland Seas. This is their 12th annual event and it is shaping up to be one of the best programs ever!

The Knickerbocker Theatre
86 East Eighth St. Holland
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Door open at 6:00 PM)

Buy tickets at the door for $15 or order in advance for $12.50 each here.

The 2010 "Mysteries & Histories Beneath The Inland Seas" event will be held in the historic Knickerbocker theater in downtown Holland, MI, presented by Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates and the Joint Archives of Holland.

The theatre lobby will be open to the public at 6:00, with tables featuring books, DVDs and artwork by the presenters. Come early and peruse the assortment of exciting items. A portion of all proceeds goes to MSRA.

 

 

All Topmen…

A number of you have expressed an interest in buying your own harness.  Well, good news!  Mark Crews, owner of Apex Outdoor Gear in Grand Rapids, has graciously agreed to provide a 10% discount to our crew on the purchase of harness rig.  Details are:

 

 

Petzl Full Body Harness, Model 8003 (same harness Tim Mattson and Marcia Flynn wear).  Regular retail is $125.00.  Comes in two sizes (when it comes to selecting a size, don't forget to include the bulk of foul weather gear, etc.):

·        Size 1: Waist 23"-37", Thigh 16"-24"

·        Size 2: Waist 29-1/2"-41", Thigh 20"-30"

  • Petzl Omni Screw-Lock Carabiner, Model M37SL.  Regular retail is $33.00. 
  • Package total: $158.00.  Discount $15.80.  Net $142.20, plus tax. 

If you are interested in owning your own harness, you need to:

  • Contact Mark at mark.crews@apexoutdoorgear.com, or by calling him at 616-940-4611. 
  • Identify yourself as crew for Friends Good Will for the Michigan Maritime Museum
  • Let him know what size harness you require. 
  • Pay for your harness/'biner rig by credit/debit card. 
  • Due this by end of day, Wednesday, March 31. 

Mark will place an order to Petzel on Thursday, April 1.  Within the week, they'll be in. 

Marcia will pick up the entire order and bring it to South Haven no later than Sunday, April 11 (maybe April 10, but that's still up in the air - definitely the 11th). 

 

A great rig, and a great offer.  ~ Submitted by Marcia Flynn

 

 

 

Disney’s Give a Day Volunteers Enjoy the Park…

“We are still in Florida, but not a lot warmer than back home.  However there is no snow.  :)

 

I wanted you though know how nicely the volunteer voucher worked.  It was a very pleasant experience.  We received a free day at Disney (actually half price on a two day pass).  All through the park the clerks, guides, and other workers thanked us for being volunteers and wanted to know what we did.  We thus had many chances to talk about the Michigan Maritime Museum and FGW.  I felt like I was doing docent duty all over again!

 

SO we both recommend the experience and Tim says he wants to do more docenting.” ~ submitted by Toni Carroll

 

 

 

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

"Now Hear This" all you wooden boat enthusiasts out there. The Documentation Committee, a subcommittee of the Museum's Collection Committee at Michigan Maritime Museum is attempting to sponsor a class on Surveying Wooden Boats to be held at the museum in September. This class would be put on by the WoodenBoat School of Brooklin, ME, and the Museum. It is a week long class taught by a professional Marine Surveyor with years of experience in surveying wooden boats. The class will be divided roughly 50/50 between class room study (in the Padnos) and field work actually surveying several wooden boats, starting with our own Evelyn S. and Jim Schnieder's Frigate Bird. The cost for the class will be between $650.00 and $700.00 and will result in a certificate from WoodenBoat School at it's completion. Student limit is 12 students maximum, we currently have room for up to six Students in this class. If you're interested please contact Pete Mathews at 269-628-2339, or leave a message at the Museum with your contact information. ~ submitted by Pete Mathews

 

 

Ship’s Company Returning Crew Reminder…

If you haven’t yet renewed your Michigan Charter Boat Association membership, you should take a few moments and renew today. Current members that fail to renew their membership by March 31 will be required to take another pre-employment drug test at their own expense. If you have any questions about the Friends Good Will drug pool, please contact mstephens@michganmaritimemuseum.org.

 

If you have renewed your MCBA membership, please provide the Museum with a copy of your 2010 membership card by April 15 for our records. Membership in a drug pool is required by the Coast Guard for all persons crewing aboard the vessel.

 

Membership Gathering on April 10

Museum Members are invited to attend the Museum’s Spring Membership Renewal Event on the Museum Campus on April 10th from 2-4 p.m. Wine and appetizers will be served. ~ Arlene Dickerson, Membership Committee, Chair

 

 

Rigging Weekends…

Only twenty-nine more days until…Uprigging!  Please mark April 10-11 and 17-18 as Rigging Weekends on your calendar.

 

 

Upcoming Activities at the Museum:  


Date:                                                                                          Event:

 

Saturday, March 13, 9 AM-4 PM                                     TSCA Meeting

Saturday, March 13, 9 AM-noon                                      FGW Work Session

Wednesday, March 17, 6-8 PM                                        FGW Work Session

Friday, March 19, 3-5 PM                                                Meeting of the Board of Directors, Members encouraged to attend!

Saturday, March 27, 1-4 PM                                                          Basic Seamanship I Sail Training Class (pre-registration required)

 

For the good of the cause,

 

Mary Stephens

Education & Volunteer Coordinator

Michigan Maritime Museum

260 Dyckman Avenue

South Haven, Michigan 49090

voice: 269.637.8078

fax: 269.637.1594

www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Volunteer Connection

 

Volunteer Connection

March 4, 2010

 

 

Greetings, Friends!

 

 

Topmen ! !    Topmen  ! ! !

Saturday March 6th Bosun Eric Standen will begin the morning work session with the trimming of the topsail yard and preparing it for our 2010 Sailing Campaign.   All veteran Topmen are invited.   All individuals wishing to learn more or to become Topmen in Training are also invited.   The program will begin at 8:30 AM with a review of the Safety and Operating Procedures for all Topmen and Topmen in training.     Topics to be covered are the rigging of the topsail, setting and striking the topsail, terminology, and marlinspike skills related to the topsail.   Plan to attend and learn more about this portion of our program.   And, Oh, By the Way, the view is marvelous from the top ! ! ~ Al Kempf, Sail Training Committee Chair

 

Membership Gathering on April 10

Museum Members are invited to attend the Museum’s Spring Membership Renewal Event on the Museum Campus on April 10th from 2-4 p.m. Wine and appetizers will be served. ~ Arlene Dickerson, Membership Committee, Chair

 

About It! - Great Lakes in Crisis?

Presented by Dave Dempsey

Type:

Education - Lecture

 

Date:

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Time:

7:00pm - 8:00pm

Location:

 Saugatuck Center for the Arts

Description

Join us for the first conversation in the Spring 2010 About It! Lecture Series, presented in collaboration with the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance.

Lake Michigan, and the Great Lakes, is facing an array of challenges that have long-term consequences. Dave Dempsey, Communications Director for Conservation Minnesota and winner of the 2009 Michigan Author Award, has helped shape conservation and Great Lakes policy for 25 years. He will discuss several of the “hot topics” currently impacting the Great Lakes and share excerpts from his new book, The Waters of Michigan.

The book, created in collaboration with local photograher David Lubbers, presents a truly unique view and understanding of the waters of Michigan along with a reminder about how precious and fragile the lake is.

Dave Dempsey has been active in environmental matters since 1982. He served as environmental advisor to Michigan Governor James J. Blanchard from 1983-89. From 1991-94, Dave was Program Director at Clean Water Action. He served as Policy Director of the Michigan Environmental Council from 1994-99. President Clinton appointed him to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission in 1994, where he served until 2001.

Following the presentation, join us for a reception (sponsored by Huntington Bank) and book signing.

 

Chicago Maritime Festival

Thank you to Pete Mathews, Susan Mathews, Al Kempf, Marcia Flynn, Zach Scholz, and Phil Nager for representing the Michigan Maritime Museum at the Chicago Maritime Festival last weekend!

 

 

Save the Dates!

Only thirty-seven more days until…Uprigging!  Please mark April 10-11 and 17-18 as Rigging Weekends on your calendar.

 

 

Upcoming Activities at the Museum:  


Date:                                                                                          Event:

 

Thursday, March 4, 5:30-7:30 PM                                  Night for the Museums at Maria’s

Saturday, March 6, 8:30 AM-noon                                  Topman Training (pre-registration required)

Saturday, March 6, 12:30-4:30 PM                                  CPR/First Aid First-Timer Class (pre-registration required)

Sunday, March 7, 2-4 PM                                                Sunday Lecture Series with Master Woodcarver Patrick B. Pointer

Wednesday, March 10, 6-8 PM                                       FGW Work Session

Saturday, March 13, 9:00 AM-noon                                FGW Work Session

 

 

For the good of the cause,

 

Mary Stephens

Education & Volunteer Coordinator

Michigan Maritime Museum

260 Dyckman Avenue

South Haven, Michigan 49090

voice: 269.637.8078

www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org