The Michigan Maritime Museum Weblog

2012-01-25T20:09:00.001-05:00

Registration is open for the 31st Classic Boat & Small Craft Festival at MMM. The registration form can be downloaded from the "Events" page on the MMM website.

Michigan Maritime Museum Boat Building School

2012-01-05T11:26:00.000-05:00

Friends,

Andy James, builder of Lindy Lou, is going to host a boat building school in the Padnos. The dates and other specifics are still fluid but we are targeting March. The class would be very similar to what is offered by Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC) and the Great Lakes Boat Building School. We will be building CLC stitch and glue boats from kits. We will take a one week class and cram it into a month so we will have plenty of time to cover other areas of interest. This schedule will also make it possible to miss a day or two and still get your boat done. Please visit the CLC website www.clcboats.com and check out their classes. We will get together February 11, 2012 at 11am at the Michigan Maritime Museum main campus to discuss the schedule and what boats folks are interested in building. Please RSVP with Andy if you are interested or planning to attend. Andy would like to get feedback from potential students ASAP. He can be reached at woodys3b@gmail.com.

--Katie Bleil

Director of Education and Administration

Michigan Maritime Museum

www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org

269-637-8078

Night for the Museums!

2012-01-04T14:09:00.001-05:00

--Katie Bleil

Director of Education and Administration

Michigan Maritime Museum

www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org

269-637-8078

Michigan Maritime Museum Cookbook

2012-01-03T17:12:00.000-05:00

2011-11-10T12:51:00.001-05:00

The sailing season is over, but there is still plenty to do. Come on down on a Wednesday evening or a Saturday morning to help Eric and Dave in the Padnos, or get involved in one of the Museum's committees. The Education Committee and the Collections Committee in particular have a lot on their plates right now and could use your help. Contact Katie for more info.

FGW's season ends in Muskegon

2011-10-10T17:30:00.001-04:00

Friends Good Will ended her season with a week of school field trips and a weekend of public sails in Muskegon, Michigan. The next two weekends will be downrigging. Come on down!

Back from Wisconsin

2011-09-20T16:32:00.002-04:00

FGW has returned to SoHa after our trip to Traverse City and Sheboygan, with a stop in Manitowoc along the way. We had hoped to stop in Sturgeon Bay too, but we had rough conditions on the way to Wisconsin from T.C. (30-knot winds and 8 to 14-foot waves) and had to head directly to Manitowoc. Fortunately, this gave us more time to explore this pleasant town.

Trip highlights:

An incident involving the Welcome's British flag (maybe one of those directly involved would care to describe it in the comments section below?), captured on video by Stacy Niedzwiecki
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
The Stage Door Pub, where Sarah K. performed.
The fireworks cruise in Sheboygan.

Thanks to everyone who made this trip a success, especially our special guest crewmembers Caitlin/Jenny from Katie D., Mark L., and Andy U.

Crew needed for THIS MONDAY & Sheboygan

2011-09-02T09:10:00.002-04:00

FGW will be sailing Labor Day (this Monday) at 1:15 & 3:15 -- crew is needed. We also need crew for the trip to Sheboygan. Only a few people have signed up, so please check your schedules and see if there is any way you could come.

Video of FGW in Port Washington

2011-08-23T12:44:00.002-04:00

Here's coverage of FGW in Port Washington.

Fun on Lake Michigan

2011-08-11T18:24:00.004-04:00

I spaced out and missed muster for the Chicago transit. Here's a photo from Marcia F. showing what I missed. :(

Muskegon topics on MMM forum

2011-08-09T13:59:00.002-04:00

I've posted some items pertaining to our past and future Muskegon trips on the MMM Community Forum. Your input is welcome.

Gunnery Training today

2011-08-08T09:51:00.003-04:00

Email check: did any Ship's Company members NOT get the email about the gunnery training today? If you didn't, then the EVC probably doesn't have your correct email address. If you didn't get the message, please make sure Katie has your correct contact info.

First Aid/CPR July 10

2011-07-07T12:51:00.001-04:00

This Sunday, July 10^th, we will be having a CPR/first aid training class at 9am. This will be for both renewing crew members and new crew members. If you would like to attend, please let Katie know ASAP so she can get our coordinator/instructor some numbers.

MMM Online Forum

2011-06-11T12:09:00.002-04:00

We've added a new way for MMM members, staff, and supporters to stay in touch with MMM and each other: the Michigan Maritime Museum Community Forum. Check it out!

Feast of the Strawberry Moon

2011-06-06T14:28:00.004-04:00

The Feast of the Strawberry Moon will take place in Grand Haven this weekend, June 11-12. This is a reenactor event that will re-create an encampment from the French & Indian War.

For more info: go to http://tri-citiesmuseum.org/ and click on the "Feast of the Strawberry Moon" link on the sidebar at left.

Thanks from Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum

2011-05-29T18:04:00.001-04:00

Hi Patti and everyone in South Haven,

I just wanted to thank everyone involved for the great visit to Muskegon by your ship and crew this past two weeks.

Overall the schools, teachers and students were very happy with the programming. While we all would have preferred 75 and sunny all the time we were able to adjust for the rain. In fact I think weather only stopped two sails and the crew was able to adjust and do education on board. So all in all a great partnership/program that we should improve on for the Fall and next year.

The teachers and students really liked the ROV program and going for a sail on your ship. If you would be interested I would welcome an opportunity to do similar programming in South Haven by adding our ROV class to your musuemsails. So please consider adding our traveling ROV program to your school programming.

On a personal note, I have worked with five tall ships and their crews over the last twenty years and found your present crew to be professional, friendly and a truly good group of folks to work with no matter what the weather. I am looking forward to future programming and activities with your fine team.

Mark Gleason, Ph.D.

GLNMM

Muskegon, MI

Volunteer Connection link

2011-05-29T17:58:00.002-04:00

If you haven't been getting the Volunteer Connection, and you want to, contact the EVC. You can also access it via the link on this page (scroll down and look in the lower left corner). The latest edition came out on May 26, 2011.

Help wanted in Muskegon

2011-05-20T22:19:00.003-04:00

We can still use a few crew and docents for the rest of the Muskegon trip. We've got three daysails tomorrow (Saturday), two on Sunday, public dockside tours on Monday and Tuesday, two educational sails on Wednesday, and the transit back to South Haven on Thursday. There openings on all these days. Please contact the EVC (Katie) if you'd like to help out.

Welcome back, Katie!

2011-05-14T09:10:00.002-04:00

My stint as interim Education & Volunteer Coordinator has come to an end. I have passed the baton to Katie Bleil, who will be our permanent EVC and who I am sure will do a great job. Please direct all questions concerning volunteer scheduling and requirements to Katie.

I will still be around doing various tasks for MMM, including updating this blog and setting up an online forum (coming soon!).

--Mike R.

1812 tour

2011-05-04T13:44:00.003-04:00

I've been asked to pass this along:

The Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 has put together a 10-day tour of historic sites from that war. Price: $1812.00, including meals and accomodations.

For more info, contact

Dr. Jim McConnell
(734) 525-2962
jam1776@sbcglobal.net

(MMM has no connection with this group or tour.)

Event at SCA

2011-04-29T11:34:00.003-04:00

From Dave Bugge:

ABOUT IT! Series

INVASION! An Update on Invasive Species │Thursday, May 6, 7:00 p.m. │Free admission

Patty Birkholz, Director of the Office of the Great Lakes, moderates a timely panel discussion on invasive fish and plant species. Hear the latest on the status of Asian Carp in Michigan waterways and learn about the newest invasive plant species and what you can do to help combat them.

Sponsored by Huntington Bank, Bill Underdown-Shoreline Realtors, Bill Hess & Mike Mattern.

Dining Out in honor of shipmate Rosie Refior

2011-04-27T07:55:00.003-04:00

From Marcia Flynn:

To Everyone!

Thursday night is "Dining Out for Life" in Grand Rapids. If you dine at any of the following restaurants, they will donate 25% of their proceeds to the Grand Rapids Red Project. This non-profit is focused on the prevention of Hepatitis C and Aids. They do this through several programs and partner with organizations such as the Kent County Health Department and Bethany Christian Services. Please join us at one of the following restaurants.

I will be "Dining Out" in honor of Rosie Refior. If you are able, please do too.

Bar Divani

Brick Road Pizza

Cygnus

Hop Cat

Kopper Top

McFaddens

Sazerac Lounge

Six.one.six

Stella’s

The Viceroy

Feel free to check out these websites for more information:

http://www.diningoutforlife.com/

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/163436/48/redproject.org

Uprigging update -- special request

2011-04-15T09:38:00.006-04:00

The bowsprit went in easily last weekend, and Eric S. and his team have made good progress this week. This weekend (April 16-17) and next Saturday (April 23) will be our uprigging weekends this year. We will not work on April 24 (Easter).

Special request for this year's uprigging workers:
This year we have two projects going on at the same time. While we are rigging Friends Good Will for the season, Andy James is hard at work getting the Lindy Lou ready for the Museum's new river cruise attraction. He's on a tight schedule and has no time to clean up after those of us who may be working on FGW. Please respect Andy's effort and leave his workspace the way you found it. Please return the tools that you use to their proper places, including the big power tools in the Sea Scouts alcove, and do not leave any scrap wood, gear, or other clutter on Andy's benches.

Thank you!

More on gunnery training

2011-04-14T12:43:00.003-04:00

From Phil Nager:

The Gun Refresher Training on May 7th from 1PM until 5PM will be for those who have already been through Tony Osterberg's NMLRA class.

We will be covering the following:

1. General Safety

2. Gunners Positions and commands

3. Gun Implements

4. Current firing methods and possible future firing methods

5. Gun Cleaning and Care

6. Current US Guidelines for firing Artillery.

Let me know if you have any questions and please let me know who is interested in attending so that I can make handouts.

[Contact EVC to sign up. Phil plans to offer gun training for those with no experience later in the season.]

Gunnery training on May 7 / Voyage sign-up sheets

2011-04-10T19:43:00.003-04:00

We will conduct gunnery refresher training & drills on May 7 from 1-5pm (not 1-4pm as I said in the email). Contact me to sign up.

Sign-up sheets for our voyages have been posted in the Padnos. We are currently scheduled to visit Muskegon in May and October and visit Chicago and Port Washington in August. Check the sailing schedule on the MMM website for dates. Posted dates refer to the dates FGW will be present in the other port and do not include transit times to and from South Haven. There may also be another trip to Chicago in July and a trip to Traverse City in September, but these have not yet been confirmed.

May First Aid/CPR class rescheduled

2011-04-09T11:08:00.002-04:00

The May 14 First Aid/CPR class has been rescheduled to May 7, 9am-noon. This class will provide first-time certification.

Harnesses for Topmen

2011-04-07T11:31:00.003-04:00

From Marcia Flynn:

Once again, Mark Crews of Apex Outdoor Gear (www.apexoutdoorgear.com) has generously offered to discount harness and carabiner packages to any of our crew who wish to purchase their own equipment.

The Petzl 8003 harness is a top-notch full-body climbing harness that has been certified by the top two international certification organizations: the UIAA (International Mountaineering & Climbing Federation) and the CE (European Union). A lightweight, wonderfully comfortable harness that many of us thoroughly enjoy. Size 1 fits chest of 23.5"-37.4" and thigh of 16.5"-24.4". Size 2 accomodates chest of 29.5"-41.3" and thigh of 20.5"-30.3".

The Omni Lock carabiner acts to close the Petzl 8003 harness while providing certified three-way protection to fasten the harness with a tether attached.

For those looking to make their own work positioining tethers, the William Screw-Lock carabiner is an excellent selection due to its CE rating and its shape - very easy to clip in. (If you're making your own tethers, please contact me for a discussion as to types of line that are appropriate - line selection is VERY important.)

The packages Apex Outdoor Gear is offering (tax will be added to package price):

Harness Package:

(1) Petzl 8003 Full Body Harness (specify Size 1 or 2)

(1) Petzl Omni Screw Lock Carabiner

Retail: $156.95

Package: $141.25

Tether Package:

(2) Petzl William Screw Lock Carabiners

Retail $29.90

Package: $26.91

To place an order:

Contact Mark Crews directly at mark.crews@apexoutdoorgear.com or call A.O.G. at 616-940-4611. Identify yourself as crew aboard Friends Good Will so that you will receive the discount price. Let him know which of the packages you are interested in (or both). Pay for your order by debit or credit card.

Since I will be routinely traveling from GR to SH, Mark will let me know when your order is in. I'll pick it up and bring it down.

New this year, Mark has been kind enough to offer these packages for the season. So, if you didn't see it last season, this gives you the opportunity to watch this equipment in action beyond just the uprigging sessions.

First Aid refresher / Drug test update

2011-04-04T16:18:00.005-04:00

I've talked to Dr. Springgate and confirmed that the First Aid/CPR class will be offered on April 9 from 9am-11am at the Museum.

Note that the April 9 class is a refresher class. If you have never received a First Aid/CPR card or certificate, you will need to take a longer course. The Museum will be offering this course on May 14 at 9am. You can also take it through your local Red Cross.

Email me or phone me at the museum to sign up.

DRUG POOL UPDATE

We will continue to use MCBA for our random dug pool. We are looking into setting up a system that will funnel notifications through MMM so that crew can be notified at a convenient time. MCBA will notify MMM, and then MMM will notify the selected individual.

If you've let your MCBA membership lapse and have not joined another pool, you'll have to take a drug test and join their pool or another one. If you've already signed up with another pool, you're all set.

First Aid/CPR training in April

2011-04-02T17:34:00.002-04:00

I've been informed that our First Aid/CPR training in April has been moved to April 9.

Volunteer Connection on Museum Website

2011-03-25T13:45:00.002-04:00

The latest volunteer connection is now linked to the Museum's website in the "About Us" section.

The blog is back

2011-03-18T12:18:00.002-04:00

We've got the blog working again, so check frequently for updates and items of interest.

Volunteer Connection, 10 March 2011

2011-03-17T16:45:00.003-04:00

Volunteer Connection

March 10, 2011

Greetings, Friends!

Spring is almost upon us and there is a lot going on at the Museum as we prepare for our 2011 season.

Patti Montgomery promoted to Executive Director

The Board of Directors is proud to announce that Patti Montgomery has been named Executive Director of the Museum. The vote at the February Meeting passed with overwhelming support. It was felt that Patti has earned this position based on her performance since joining the museum. This will however, add to her responsibilities, already pressing and likely to become more so as the season progresses. If you are interested in volunteering at the museum, I'm sure she can find something for you to do. Please welcome Patti in her new position.

--Submitted by Pete Mathews

Distinguished Underwater Archeologist Kenneth J. Vrana to speak on “The Titanic Mapping Project and Le Griffon Initiative” for Lecture on March 13

(rescheduled from December 12)

The Michigan Maritime Museum is pleased to announce that the President of the Center for Maritime & Underwater Resource Management underwater archaeologist Kenneth J. Vrana will be the speaker for the Sunday, March 13^th lecture at 2 PM. Mr. Vrana’s presentation will provide background historical information, summaries, and updates on the current scientific investigation of RMS Titanic, and the archaeological assessment of a site in northern Lake Michigan believed by some to be LaSalle's Le Griffon, lost in 1679.

Kenneth J. Vrana is

principal of Maritime Heritage Consulting,
member of Tribal Marine Services LLC, and
president of the Center for Maritime & Underwater Resource Management, a nonprofit scientific and educational organization originally established at Michigan State University in 1994
co‐director and co‐principal investigator of the Titanic Mapping Project for Premier Exhibitions, Inc.
Director of the Isle Royale Institute at Michigan Technological University (MTU), which is a collaborative program of MTU and the National Park Service to enhance research, education, and science‐based resource management at Isle Royale National Park and the surrounding waters of Lake Superior.

During a 30‐year career, Mr. Vrana has participated in numerous underwater archaeology and maritime heritage management projects as operational scuba diver, archaeological research diving technician, project coordinator, principal investigator, or consultant since 1979 on sites throughout the United States, and in the North Atlantic, Caribbean basin, and western Pacific. He was project coordinator for the first civilian expedition to Edmund Fitzgerald in 1989, and served as consulting underwater archaeologist for Titanic Expedition 2004, Carpathia Expedition 2007, and Titanic Expedition 2010.

Mr. Vrana will also be speaking at the Grand Rapids Public Museum on March 23.

See http://www.grmuseum.org/dayataglance/2011/3/23 for details.

Ship’s Company Update

Uprigging will take place over three weekends in April everybody is encouraged to come out.

April 9-10 Installation of the Bowsprit (a first time event)
April 16-17 First Regular Uprigging Weekend (install headrig and topmast)
April 23-24 Second Regular Uprigging Weekend (install rest of toprig and mainsail)

Volunteers who are available during the week are welcome to come any Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm to assist with preparations for the big weekend work parties.

--Submitted by Eric Standen

Drug tests: MCBA has told us that they are now back in compliance, and they have promised to forward to us an email from USCG confirming this. We expect to continue to use MCBA as our drug pool.

Upcoming Events at the Maritime Museum

Date:	Event:
Saturday, March 12, 1-4 PM	Basic Seamanship I
Sunday, March 13, 1-4 PM	Basic Seamanship I
Sunday, March 13, 2-4 PM	Lecture Series: Ken Vrana
March 18, 3 PM	MMM Board Meeting
March 19, 10 AM	Grants & Education Committees joint meeting at Julia’s
April 9-10, 16-17, 23-24	Uprigging weekends (see above)
April 19	First Aid/CPR class, time tba
April 15, 2011	Opening of New Exhibit: “Crusin’ Down The River”
April 16, 2011	Coast Guard Clean Up Day
April 17, 2011	Lecture Series 2:00-4:00 PM
April 29, 6:30-9:30 PM	Basic Seamanship I
April 30 – May 1	Basic Seamanship II & III

Thank you, Volunteers!

Michigan Maritime Museum was again represented at the Chicago Maritime Festival this year. Librarian Warren Fritz and his wife Marti set up a display table, provided by the Festival managers, showing a video of the museum and distributing literature on the museum and its programs as well as applications and information on the Classic Boat Festival. By all accounts the festival was well attended, the presentations worthwhile and the music, as always, enjoyable. Thanks Warren and Marti.

The Museum was represented again this year at the Grand Rapids Boat Show thanks to the generosity of ShowSpan, the shows producers. This year we had a booth inside the show hall itself, near the "Giant Lagoon" where the waterskiing demonstrations took place. Yes, they were water skiing inside De Vos Hall though no mermaids were sighted. The emphasis this year was on education at the museum, especially David Ludwig's boat building classes. We had on display a Davis Dinghy and the solo canoe built in these classes with literature on how visitors could build one of these craft themselves. This drew lots of interest. There was also a video of the museum and images and literature on other Museum programs and activities, the Classic Boat Festival, Friends Good Will and the launch project currently building. Thanks to Volunteers Marcia Flynn, Chuck Snow, Dick Dodsen for the help setting up and tearing down the show, working the show during it's 5 day run and also to Anita and Jim Upson for not only working the show, but for loaning us the DVD Player so we could show the video.

--Submitted by Pete Mathews

Remembering Rosie Refior

Rosie Refior has been a valuable member of the Ship’s Company since very early in our program. She has served in many capacities: deckhand, docent, and to everyone’s delight as Ship’s Cook. Her enormous heart was somehow squeezed into her petite frame. Last year Rosie encountered health problems, which required her to undergo transplant surgery. Her recovery was complicated by numerous medical situations, including the onset of hepatitis C. Late last month, in the words of her family, “God called Rosie home to put another star in the sky.” We will all miss Rosie, and we wish our shipmate, her husband Ron, and all of the members of the family our deepest sympathy, and thank them for having shared Rosie with us.

--Submitted by Al Kempf

Introducing your new Education & Volunteer Coordinator

Hello, my name is Mike Robertson. I started as a volunteer aboard Friends Good Will in 2007. Last year, I also joined the grants committee and was a full-time paid crewmember and docent for a few weeks at the end of the season. I will be replacing Mary Stephens temporarily until her permanent replacement takes over in May. Mary will be a tough act to follow, but I’ll do my best to keep things running smoothly until the sailing season starts. I’ll be at the office on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Give me a call or send me an email if you have any questions about volunteer assignments or educational programming.

Mike Robertson

Education & Volunteer Coordinator

Michigan Maritime Museum

260 Dyckman Avenue

South Haven, Michigan 49090

voice: 269.637.8078, ext. 224

fax: 269.637.1594

www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org

FW: Volunteer Connection, February 3, 2011

2011-02-07T13:21:00.000-05:00

From: Patti Montgomery [mailto:info@michiganmaritimemuseum.org]
Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 7:50 PM
To: volunteer@michiganmaritimemuseum.org
Subject: Volunteer Connection, February 3, 2011

Volunteer Connection

February 3, 2011

Hello to All……..Whoa It’s Cold Outside!!

They are calling it the blizzard of 2011! The day started out pretty rough here at the good old Michigan Maritime Museum, but the sun in now shining very brightly and everything is covered with a fresh blanket of white snow. Other than the fact I can’t get the doors open because of the snow drift, it’s really remarkably a beautiful day! Perhaps we called off today’s work session a little too early. I think Eric and the gang deserve a break anyway. Eric will be in the Padnos Thursday and Friday if anyone wants to stop by and help!

Patti Montgomery

Business Director

Great Turn Out For First Ships Company Meeting 2011

Thank you to all of our loyal Ship’s Company Crew for attending our first meeting of the season! As promised Al has provided us with the information you were asked to be looking for in this Connection. More to come on the Drug Testing.

Basic Navigation Class

Ship’s company members wishing to study basic Navigation will be able to participate in a “correspondence” course utilizing e-mail. The class sessions will cover the introduction to charts, reading charts, working out course and speed, and plotting lines of position. There is no cost for the course, but the students will have to supply their own plotting tools, and two training charts. The training charts will be bulk ordered for your account once the class size is finalized. There will be 9 or 10 lessons, with a new lesson every two weeks. There is home work.

To sign up for the class please indicate your interest to Sailing Master Al Kempf, Jr. at alkempf1901@aol.com , prior to February 11^th. The first lesson will be distributed the weekend of February 12 / 13.

Friends……. Goodwill

No, that is not the name of our beloved ship, but notification that we will be opening our own version of a Goodwill store. Not really a store, as we will not be selling anything, but asking anyone who no longer wishes to actively participate in the Sailing program to donate their old uniforms, (or ones you might have grown out of ) to help form a newbie loaner program so that persons new to our program will be able to participate in uniform prior to their obtaining their own uniform. This will be loaner clothing that will be expected to be returned and reused. Any donations to the wardrobe may be left on the Bos’n’s bench in a clean wrapper.

Help Create Our New Exhibit…..Cruisin Down the River

Been rummaging in the attic or basement this winter, clearing out those old boxes of who knows what? If so, did you happen to find photographs of the Black River here in South Haven in more modern times? In preparing for our new exhibit on the Black River and its history, we've discovered that while we have many older images, thanks to the Appleyard and McCrimmon collections, we don't have that many recent photos. The Harbor has changed much in recent years during its transition from a commercial port to a largely recreational port. Its images of this transition we're looking for. If you have any of your visiting or living here, times spent on your boat or just observing the harbor. We'd be interested. Anything from the harbor entrance upriver is of interest, perhaps especially upriver which is much less photographed than the harbor area. The images would be scanned and reproduced so as not to damage them and they would remain your property. All we need is your permission to use them in the exhibit. Of course, if you'd like to donate them to the museum archives to help keep our pictorial history complete and up to date, we'd welcome them. Please contact the museum office or member Rich Edwards, chairman of the Exhibits Committee, via the museum.

Pete Mathews

canoenut@bciwildblue.com

Night for the Museums This Week!

Gather for an evening of great food, drink, and conversation while supporting your local Museums. These first Thursday’s of the month seem to be growing in popularity!

Join your friends at the Vineyard on Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 5-8. Remember that YOUR participation helps support OUR Museum!

Docents Make a Difference & Share with Others

DOCENT: a person who acts as a guide, typically on a voluntary basis, in a museum, art gallery, or zoo.

Spring is coming! Looking at my thermometer and out my window as I write this it's difficult to believe. But it will happen. And, when it does, all the planning and preparation going on at the museum now will bear fruit in the form of new an exhibit in the Akers Gallery, The added emphasis on our own Black River History in conjunction with H.A.S.H. and other groups, highlighted by the new river launch and it's programs. There will be renewed school trips and programs developed by our newly formed education committee.

We have a loyal and steadfast, albeit small, cadre of docents to assist in leading these school trips, and helping our guests to interpret all we have to offer at MMM. We would like to expand this very important volunteer opportunity. Simply put, we need more docents. Candidates for docent will receive training in interpreting those aspects of the museum they are interested in. It needn't be all our exhibits, but the ones you feel most comfortable with and/or have the most interest in. Hours would be at your convenience, as many or as few as you'd like to spend. For more information please contact Patti at info@michiganmaritimemuseum.org, or give her a call at the museum.

Pete Mathews

canoenut@bciwildblue.com

Board Meeting Changed to This Friday

The February Board Meeting scheduled for the 18^th has been moved up to this Friday, February 4, 2011 @ 3:00PM in the Akers Gallery. All members are welcome to attend.

Other activities of interest are as follows:

Education Committee Meeting

Friday, February 4, 2011

11:30 @ the Museum

New Exhibit Committee Meeting

Friday, February 4, 2011

1:00 @ the Akers Gallery

Icebreaker Weekend, February 4^th & 5^th

The Museum will be open Friday & Saturday starting at 10:00AM

The Museum will host the showing of The March of the Penguins, Friday @ 7:00PM and Icebreaker Mackinaw Saturday between 10:00 & 2:00.

Friends Good Will Committee Meeting

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

5:00 @ the Padnos Boat Shed

Where Did She Go?

There will be no Volunteer Connection until the first of March. As much as I will miss letting you know what the latest happenings are here in South Haven, I will be leaving for vacation on February 11^th and will return to work the morning of February 28^th. David will hold down the fort and our committees will continue to move forward with their projects at hand. A little rest and relaxation will get me ready for the very busy spring and summer that will soon be upon us. Yes, it will be somewhere warm…….god willing!

Until the next time…………..

Patti Montgomery

Business Director

Volunteer Connection

2011-01-21T14:58:00.000-05:00

Volunteer Connection

January 20, 2011

Greetings Friends of the Michigan Maritime Museum!

Another two weeks have flown by! At this rate it will be spring before we know it. To those of you who are somewhere warm, and enjoying the sunshine…..good for you. For those of us here in good old Michigan, sticking out the wrath of winter, well, we’re in this together. At least we have much to do to keep us busy. I hope this latest Connection will keep you “connected” to all that is happening in and around our Campus. Thank you for your interest and your dedication to our cause.

Patti Montgomery

Business Director

TSCA Meeting Report

Greetings All, and a Happy New Year.

Our regular meeting was held Saturday in the Padnos. Members present were:

Chuck Snow, Tom Jarosch, David Green, Rick Smith, Phil Nager, Sandy Bryson, David Ludwig and yours truly. Work continued on the Dory with a stem being cut and shaped and mounted on the form. The patterns for the sides were cut and partially trimmed. They should be finished by the next meeting. A pattern was cut for the tombstone (transom) but we need to have the form for that in place. Tom Jarosch has expressed interest in this project so I suggest we let him take the lead there at the next get together. David and I will put our heads together to get materials before the next meeting.

A business meeting was held during lunch; the following items were discussed. John Hansen brought his prototype Lightning model. He's suggesting that if we decide to build a fleet of these that we have a mold made and make them of fiberglass. While most agree this is probably best, none here were ready to undertake that project, and most felt that we had enough on our plate at this time.

Sandy talked about the Classic Boat Show and festival. There were several good suggestions for places to advertise this event, hopefully at no cost.

We discussed the auction, the possibility of donated items (a nautical flea

market) and the division of the proceeds. The subject of the museum charging admission was discussed. It seems that is likely to happen this year.

Quiet Water Symposium was discussed. We have the same space we did last year. There was discussion of perhaps making it a little less canoe oriented than in the past (I don't know why) with more pulling boats there to more evenly describe what it is TSCA stands for. We still need a commitment from the museum as to what they can do at the show since part of the space is donated to them.

The next meeting will be 22 January at the Padnos. I won't be there but the materials should be.

Pete Mathews

Secretary, Michigan Maritime Museum Chapter Traditional Small Craft Association canoenut@bciwildblue.com

Ship’s Company First Meeting 2011 Season

Sunday, January 23, 2011 4:00PM

"All hands”! Muster for the Ship's Company Meeting, Sunday, January 23 at 1600 hours. Come early for the Shackleton Presentation. Topics range from the business side of tall ship during an ASTA summer, opportunities for voyages and programs for next summer, new sail training initiatives, new Drug Testing pool and South Haven's own tall ship weekend for next August.

-Jim Spurr, First Officer"

MICHIGAN MARITIME MUSEUM

Friends Good Will Ship’s Company Meeting

Sunday, 23 January 2011, 1600 Hours

Museum Main Gallery

1. Introductions and Welcome Patti Montgomery, MMM Business Mgr.

2. Personnel Announcements Patti Montgomery

A. Captain Adele Arlitt, 2011 Season

B. Volunteer Assistance from the MMM Office

C. MMM Education/Programming Committee

3. Financial Review of 2010 Season; Budget for 2011 Jim Spurr

4. Drug Pool Al Kempf, Jr. and Jim Schneider

5. Maintenance and Work Sessions Eric Standen

6. Opportunities for Sailing to other ports and destinations in 2011; Tall Ships, South Haven Jim Spurr

7. Sail Training Program and Classes Al Kempf, Jr. and Sail Training Committee Members

8. Mechanical Systems and Engineering Committee

9. First Aid and CPR Classes

10. Uniforms

11. Costs to Join the Ship’s Company Patti Montgomery and Marcia Flynn

12. 2011 Policy and Training Manual; distribution of CD’s Eric Standen

13. River Launch Jim Schneider

14. Additional Questions or Other Topics

Sunday Lecture Series…….. This Week!

Program on Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance

On Sunday, January 23, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., author, speaker and maritime historian Rochelle Pennington will present a program at the Michigan Maritime Museum focusing on one of the most dramatic and inspirational sagas in the annals of ships and the sea.

Sir Ernest Shacketon and 28 sailors and scientists set out in 1914, as the world was slipping into the horrors of WWI, for a mission of peace and discovery of Antarctica. For more than two years, he led the small party through trials and tribulations, threatening their lives and sanity.

The manner in which these few rose to the challenges and cared for each other, have been the focus and study of management teams and business corporations wishing to learn in what manner to effectively lead people through difficult situations.

Those acquainted with the sea will marvel at the skills brought to bear by tired, hungry and nearly frozen mariners, navigating across huge expanses of the Great Southern Ocean, in the smallest of boats to make a landfall upon which their lives all depended.

Author Rochelle Pennington traveled to England and Scotland, researching source material for her book, which will be available for sale following the presentation.

Road Trip to Rhode Island!

Thank you for the many responses we received to heed the call of our request for a hero!!

If I didn’t know better, I’d think you have all done this before! Once again…..you amaze me. Plans will be made and finalized after we receive final word of our Coast Guard Inspection. It sounds like Volunteer; Chuck Snow passes all of the qualifications needed. THANK YOU CHUCK! We will be in touch!

Patti Montgomery

Business Director

Greetings all:

A little advance warning, we are meeting this coming Saturday in the Padnos to continue work on the Gloucester Light Dory for those who can make it.

Unfortunately, I'm not one of those. But there will be folk there. Any and all are welcome at these meetings. If you've always had a dream or desire to build a boat, this is a good way to get started. Whether you want to observe, or pitch in and help with the building boat, it makes no difference. There will be coffee and donuts for all, unless you show up late. We can make more coffee, but the donuts? That's a different story.

The materials, the plywood at least, will be there tomorrow. I doubt if the fasteners will have arrived. I don't know when David ordered those.

Tom Jarosch has undertaken the task of making and fitting the transom support brace. This part is critical to having the stern of the vessel come out correctly. Chine logs need to be cut and scarfed from the available sassafras and cutting strips for and glueing up another stem should be done some time. There was a problem with the first one so it's not usable. The chines should be done carefully as there are some tricky bevels to be cut on those, though the bottom of the logs can be planed to shape. The patterns have been trimmed to shape so they should be ready to go. The 1/2" plywood for the bottom needs to be scarfed. The plans are at the museum clamped to the form for your reference.

Hope you all have a good time. The next meeting will be 5 February.

Pete

Reminder for Board of Directors & Members

There will be NO January Board Meeting this month. Our next Board Meeting is scheduled for February, 18, 2011 @ 3:00.

New Exhibit Committee Meeting will meet tomorrow, January 21^st at 1:00 in the Akers Gallery.

Night for the Museums

Gather for an evening of great food, drink, and conversation while supporting your local Museums. These first Thursday’s of the month seem to be growing in popularity!

Join your friends at the Vineyard on Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 5-8. Remember that YOUR participation helps support OUR Museum!

Museum Closes As New Exhibit Takes Form

After much consideration, we have decided to close the Museum for the rest of January and February as we take the necessary steps to erect our new exhibit for the Akers Gallery, Crusin’ Down The River! This does NOT mean however that there is not life and activity here on a regular basis. Again our work sessions continue each week in the Padnos and always welcome a helping hand. Our committee meetings are encouraged, called and productive. David is successfully balancing all of our requests that require his expertise, and I continue to give it everything I have each day! There is a presence at 260 Dyckman Ave.……..if you don’t believe me stop by and find our for yourself

Patti Montgomery

Business Director

Michigan Maritime Museum

269-637-8078

2011-01-19T12:23:00.000-05:00

Volunteer Connection

January 6, 2011

Happy New Year Friends!

Welcome 2011! This will be a year filled with hope, promise and excitement here at the Museum….mark my words. We are off to a fabulous start and have much to be grateful for. Your generous contributions continue to flow in as we come closer and closer to reaching our budgeted goal for the Ride the River Fund Drive. Thank you all for finding it in your hearts, and your pockets to give, and for the valuable time and energy that seems to be endless for so many of you!

It’s a cold and snowy day today; however the Museum remains full of activity. My office is much warmer thanks to the generosity of our President, Pete Matthews. Thank you for the heater, it has helped tremendously and is sure to save some money on our heating bills! With all of the active committee work, there is always someone stopping by. Just remember to call first so that you are not standing out in the cold! I’m always happy to see you and appreciate all of your help.

Patti Montgomery

Business Director

What’s For Dinner Tonight?

Night for the Museums*

See You All Tonight At

Clementine’s

Come out and invite a friend or two along

Greet your neighbors!

Enjoy the 1st Thursday in January

While supporting your favorite Museums

*Historical Association of South Haven, Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum

Michigan Maritime Museum, South Haven Center for the Arts

Volunteers Needed to Work Shows:

Thank you to all of those who have responded to help for the Grand Rapids Boat Show & the Chicago Maritime Festival. Your prompt response has been amazing and further details will be communicated very soon. What a great opportunity to spread the word about the Michigan Maritime Museum!

Engineering, Mechanical, and Systems Committee

Thanks to those who heard the call and will roll up their sleeves and get greasy! Tim Bell, Tom Askew, Jim Schultz, Tom Jett, Jim Ellis, Steve Stryd and Jim Spurr in undertaking to care for the engine, Mechanical and systems of FGW, through the year. This will include training this winter, commissioning in the spring, maintenance through the season and winterizing come late fall. Jim Schneider will donate time to teach the basics. A primary goal of the committee will be to create a manual, including photographs, instructing all about the more "modern" aspects of an 1810 replica. There is not much maritime history in these efforts, but it is said, "If they had had an engine, they would have used it!"

We look forward to getting started, very soon!

-Jim Spurr, First Officer"

Road Trip to Rhode Island!

It won’t be long and it will be time to head east my friends, to pick up the hull of our soon to be Lindy Lou! We are looking for a hero to step forward who could bring her home. We are in need of a driver, and a truck large enough to pull a 30’ River Launch Hull and trailer. If you or someone you know might be willing to help our cause, or if you have the truck but would prefer to co-pilot, please call or email Jim Schneider or Patti at the Museum. The estimated pick up time is early March. Your help would make a huge difference and I’m sure it would be a trip that you will remember and talk about for years to come!

Patti Montgomery

Business Director

Events Calendar

Did you know that you all have access to the Calendar of Events, Activities, and Meetings here at the Museum? If you are interested in knowing just what’s going on visit our website at www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org then just click on Events, and then click on Calendar of Events on the left hand side. There you are, and hopefully I’m on top of it, and we are current with our scheduled activities. If you would like to add a meeting or activity to our calendar, please feel free to contact me with the information you would like to add. Together we can keep everyone informed and spread the word!

Welcome New Volunteers & Members

Word has it that we have had some new faces showing up out in the Padnos for work sessions! Welcome, in a big way to Doug, and also to Nicholas. Work is back in session and the heat is on in the Padnos. With Eric and David’s leadership these work sessions are in full swing and the completion of some major projects are targeted before the arrival of Lindy Lou! It’s a busy place and thanks to all of you who show up to lend a hand, our Tall Ship Friends Good Will shall be ready for a great season of 2011. Stop by and see what YOU can do to help!

Until next time………..

Patti Montgomery

Business Director

Michigan Maritime Museum

269-637-8078

Volunteer Connection

2010-12-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

Volunteer Connection

December 2, 2010

Greetings, Friends!

Don't Miss Tonight's Night for the Museums at the Thirsty Perch…

A Night for the Museums

December 2, 5:30 – 8 PM, at the Thirsty Perch, 272 Broadway Street, South Haven, MI

Join your friends and neighbors for dinner.

Order from the regular menu.

The Historical Association of South Haven, the South Haven Center for the Arts, Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, and the Michigan Maritime Museum benefit from the proceeds.

Distinguished Underwater Archeologist Kenneth J. Vrana to speak on "The Titanic Mapping Project and Le Griffon Initiative" for Lecture on December 12…

The Michigan Maritime Museum is pleased to announce that the President of the Center for Maritime & Underwater Resource Management underwater archaeologist Kenneth J. Vrana will be the speaker for the Sunday, December 12^th lecture at 2 PM. Mr. Vrana's presentation will provide background historical information, summaries, and updates on the current scientific investigation of RMS Titanic, and the archaeological assessment of a site in northern Lake Michigan believed by some to be LaSalle's Le Griffon, lost in 1679.

Kenneth J. Vrana is principal of Maritime Heritage Consulting, a member of Tribal Marine Services LLC, and president of the Center for Maritime & Underwater Resource Management (CMURM), a nonprofit scientific and educational organization originally established at Michigan State University in 1994. The mission of CMURM is to assist and enable businesses, communities, and governments in making the often difficult decisions necessary to wisely use and preserve their precious maritime heritage as well as sustain coastal tourism and other economic benefits. Mr. Vrana is also the Director of the Isle Royale Institute at Michigan Technological University (MTU), which is a collaborative program of MTU and the National Park Service to enhance research, education, and science‐based resource management at Isle Royale National Park and the surrounding waters of Lake Superior.

Mr. Vrana has been involved in numerous underwater archaeology and maritime heritage management projects as operational scuba diver, archaeological research diving technician, project coordinator, principal investigator, or consultant since 1979 on sites throughout the United States, and in the North Atlantic, Caribbean basin, and western Pacific. He was project coordinator for the first civilian expedition to Edmund Fitzgerald in 1989, and served as consulting underwater archaeologist for Titanic Expedition 2004, Carpathia Expedition 2007, and Titanic Expedition 2010. He is currently co‐director and co‐principal investigator of the Titanic Mapping Project for Premier Exhibitions, Inc. During a 30‐year career, Mr. Vrana has logged nearly 1,000 operational and scientific dives on historic shipwrecks and other underwater heritage sites.

Traditional Small Craft Association, Michigan Maritime Museum Chapter Update…

A small but dedicated crew met November 20 at the Padnos to start work on the form for the Gloucester Light Dory. Jack Lawrence, Phil Nager, Richard Smith, Sandy Bryson, yours truly and a first time visit by Paul Vandenbosch made up our crew. The ladder frame has been constructed after only two trips to the hardware store (we're getting better) and cleats were cut and attached in preparation for mounting the station molds to this strongback. The station molds were checked against the plans for accuracy and found to be accurate. Richard and Phil found some 1/8" plywood and made a pattern for the stem. We ultimately hope, given the number of these that could be built, hope to make patterns for all the parts to simplify the laying out process. Jack and Sandy brought two beautiful live edge vertical grain sassafras boards donated by John Wilson of The Home Shop we can use for chine logs and or stems, transom framing or other applications requiring hardwood. It won't be enough, but it's a start.

No business meeting was held.

The next meeting is 4 December when we will continue the set up of the form and perhaps build more patterns for the transom pieces, sides and bottom. I'll pick up some more 1/8" pattern material before then. We may also consider ordering material for the first boat or two. While each individual building one of these boats may choose whatever material they'd like for their own boat, we have discussed using Okume for the first two boats, the one for use on the waterfront and the one to raffle during the classic boat show. ~ submitted by Pete Mathews

Big Sale Just in Time for Christmas! 30% off all items in the Ship's Store!

All items in our Ship's Store are included in this big one day event…including selected artwork! Also choose from selected Christmas items including tree ornaments and nautical Christmas CDs. December 11, 10 AM-5 PM One day only.

Upcoming Events at the Maritime Museum…

Date: Event:

Thursday, December 2, 5:30–8 PM Night for the Museums at Thirsty Perch

Saturday, December 4, 9 AM-4 PM Traditional Small Craft Association Work Session--Gloucester Light Dory

Saturday, December 4, 9 AM-12 PM FGW Work session

Wednesday, December 8, 6-8 PM FGW Work Session

Friday, December 10, 1-2:30 PM New Exhibit Committee Meeting—Anyone interested is invited to come!

Friday, December 10, 3-5 PM Board of Directors Meeting, Akers Gallery—Members encouraged to attend!

Saturday, December 11, 10 AM-5 PM 30% off Sale in Ship's Store

Saturday, December 11, 9 AM-12 PM FGW Work session

Sunday, December 12, 2-4 PM Lecture Series Speaker Ken Vrana on "The Titanic Mapping Project and Le Griffon Initiative"

Mary Stephens Update…

Dear Friends, You may know from the grape vine that I have recently submitted my letter of resignation to Museum Business Director Patti Montgomery. I am moving on to a new challenging position in another organization in a couple of weeks. My last working day will be Saturday, December 11th.

Over the course of these last seven years, I have truly enjoyed the privilege of working with each of you. I will miss your dedication, enthusiasm, perseverance, and, of course, the many remarkable talents that each of you bring to the Maritime Museum. With many of you, I have shared a unique camaraderie which I hope will continue in the years to come. Thank you for your support and encouragement throughout the years.

Please extend your cooperation to the current leadership team and the succeeding Education and Volunteer Coordinator. I wish each of you, my fellow volunteers, all the very best. Do not hesitate to contact me at: stephensmary1@gmail.com. ~ submitted by Mary Stephens

For the good of the cause—today and in the years to come,

Mary Stephens

Education & Volunteer Coordinator

Michigan Maritime Museum

260 Dyckman Avenue

South Haven, Michigan 49090

voice: 269.637.8078, xt. 224

fax: 269.637.1594

www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org

Volunteer Connection

2010-11-11T16:28:00.000-05:00

Volunteer Connection

November 11, 2010

To all of our Veterans, thank you. Freedom is not free. We appreciate your sacrifice!

Greetings, Friends!

“Ride The River Fund Drive”

Well everyone, it’s official…The Ride The River Fund Drive is underway!

A wonderful edition of the Ship’s Lamp is in the mail and we are in hopes that the enthusiasm we have all been feeling will create positive results for our annual appeal.

This has been a successful and exciting year here at the Museum. With the increase of memberships on the rise and the excitement of new opportunities that lay before us, our next year could be one that will literally go in the history books!

The launching of a new exhibit, building our very own River Launch Vessel, and preparation for daily river cruises and educational programming will keep us all very busy, but busy is good, very good! We are alive here at the Michigan Maritime Museum and are striving for an exciting and financially secure future.

It’s time to spread the word to every person we know! Get involved, it will take each and every one of us to make this happen!

Our annual appeal is absolutely critical and is the primary source of funding that sustains the operational expense of the Museum on an annual basis. Please join me in sharing the excitement and encourage anyone, and everyone to support the Ride The River Fund Drive! Every dollar counts and it’s up to all of us to make the difference. I know I can count on each of you! ~ Patti Montgomery, Business Director

Good Luck, Captain Sikkema…Welcome Home, Captain Adele

Captain Sam Sikkema is off to blue water! The MMM was hoping to keep him as Captain for 2011. He was, by all reports, growing fond of us as well, and we all know how he feels about Friends Good Will. But more distant destinations called and as wrote Masefield, “A wind’s in the heart of (him), a fire’s in (his) heels.” He promises to keep in touch and encourages us all to keep him informed and would welcome hearing from us. Both the MMM and Captain Sikkema acknowledged the real possibility of his returning to Friends Good Will, as Captain, in the future.

There is no better way to soften any regret than to welcome back Captain Adele Arlitt. Those with the program in 2009 will remember her as Relief Captain of Friends Good Will. She knows our sloop, knows our program and recalls fondly many of the volunteers with whom she worked and sailed. She has logged thousands of miles and brings a wide variety of commercial and sailing experience to the program. She is comfortable with a volunteer led program, day sailing from our harbor and looks forward to numerous voyages, already in the making.

We will keep in close contact with Captain Arlitt over the winter and she will be starting in the latter part of March. Let’s plan a homecoming; a wonderful reason for an early spring party as we prepare to uprig! ~Jim Spurr

November Lecture Series Features Ross Richardson, Shipwreck Hunter

The Michigan Maritime Museum continues its popular winter season lecture series on Sunday November 28, at 2:00 p.m. with a presentation by noted Shipwreck Diver and Maritime History Researcher Ross Richardson.

Mr. Richardson, of Lake Ann, Michigan recently discovered the propeller of the Westmoreland, an arched steamship which went down in the Manitou Passage in the 1850’s, lying on the bottom, yet keeping her secrets. She is known, for perhaps good reasons, as Michigan’s Treasure Ship. Mr. Richardson will tell the tale of her all too brief career as a once beautiful ship, and her recent discovery, shedding light on that which for some 150 years, been shrouded in the darkness of the deep.

Mr. Richardson observes, “Her Captain went back, twice, within 20 years of her sinking. You don’t expend that effort or subject yourself to such risk unless it might be well worth your while. Plausible rumor of gold coins in her hold could have well supplied his motivation.”

Mr. Richardson is by profession a realtor in Traverse City, but also serves as a Benzie Area Public Safety Dive Team Diver. In his spare time, he researches and hunts for shipwrecks. There is estimated to be at least 6000 shipwrecks in the Great Lakes and those of Lake Michigan are of particular interest to the Michigan Maritime Museum. Patti Montgomery, Business Director, predicts, “Mr. Richardson will be one of our most exciting guest speakers. The lecture is in our main gallery and we look forward to a nice crowd following the Thanksgiving Day Holiday weekend.”

Friends Good Will Posting on You Tube

Ship’s Company Crewmember Steve Stryd has posted the following video on You Tube from this summer’s Chicago to South Haven voyage. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBBOyhMzVzY

From the ‘Bosun…

Calling all volunteers! The winter maintenance season for Friends Good Will is upon us. As always there is standing rigging to paint and belaying pins and blocks to scrape and oil. The mild weather this fall has allowed us to make a good start on exterior projects – the deck is oiled and the mast and transom are sanded and varnished. Work on the bowsprit is progressing, David made good progress on the frame, and the winter cover has been put into place. Thank you everyone who took time to prepare Friends Good Will for the winter.

There are many rigging and carpentry projects small and large to be done over the winter including things like making new blocks, remaking strops and spliced eyes for many rigging pieces, and stripping and varnishing the topsail yard and crojack yard. As usual, we can use all the help we can get, so plan to come to the regular work sessions Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. If you are free during the day, David and I am usually at the Padnos Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, so call the Museum to check and then come on over. We are looking forward to seeing you this fall and winter. ~ Eric Standen, FGW Bosun

Mary’s 2¢…So far, this has been the smoothest fall/winter transition for Friends Good Will yet. A huge thank you to Eric Standen and the rest of the crew for your dedication and commitment to getting the job done!

Big Sale Just in Time for Christmas! 30% off all items in our Ship’s Store!

All items in our Ship’s Store are included in this big one day event…including selected artwork! Also choose from selected Christmas items including tree ornaments and nautical Christmas CDs. December 11, 10 AM-5 PM One day only.

Date: Event:

Saturday, November 13, 9 AM-12 PM FGW Work session

Wednesday, November 17, 6-8 PM FGW Work session

Friday, November 19, 3 PM Board of Directors Meeting

Saturday, November 20, 6-8 PM FGW Work session

Sunday, November 28, 2-4 PM Lecture Series Speaker Ross Richardson on the Shipwreck of Westmoreland

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, xt. 224

fax: 269.637.1594

www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org

Ship's Company Alert--Calling all Volunteers!

2010-11-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

The winter maintenance season for Friends Good Will is upon us. As always there is standing rigging to paint and belaying pins and blocks to scrape and oil. The mild weather this fall has allowed us to make a good start on exterior projects – the deck is oiled and the mast and transom are sanded and ready for varnishing. Work on the bowsprit is progressing and David is making good progress with the frame for the cover and should be ready to put on the shrink-wrap by the end of the week.

Eric Standen, Friends Good Will Bosun

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mary Stephens

Education & Volunteer Coordinator

Michigan Maritime Museum

260 Dyckman Avenue

South Haven, Michigan 49090

voice 269.637.8078 xt. 224

fax 269.637.1594

www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org

Haunted Ship Tours--Saturday, October 23, 4-10 PM

2010-10-16T17:17:00.000-04:00

The Michigan Maritime Museum
Is holding a
HAUNTED SHIP!!!
Saturday, October 23, 4-10 PM
Come hear tales of woe and vengeance of those poor unfortunate souls the Coast Guard failed to save, then experience our harrowing and bone-chilling interpretation of Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner aboard the Ghost Ship, Friends Good Will. Finally, join us for creepy sea chanteys, scary stories, cookies, and hot apple cider in the Padnos Boat Shed.

Volunteer Connection

2010-10-16T15:59:00.001-04:00

Volunteer Connection

October 16, 2010

Greetings, Friends!

The Michigan Maritime Museum

Wants YOU!!

For our Haunted Ship

October 23, 2010; 4 – 10 PM

There are many ways to get involved with this fun Halloween event:

· Bake a batch of cookies for the Spooky Stories and Sweets portion, which will be held in the Padnos Boatshed. The smaller the cookies, the better; that way kids feel like they’re getting more.

· Donate costume material! We’ll need costumes for drowning victims – the people the Coast Guard failed to save – as well as undead pirates/mariners as seen in Pirates of the Caribbean or Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner. They’re pretty broad categories; honestly, I can make pretty much any clothing donation work. If you don’t want the garment back, after the event it will be donated to Goodwill. If you do want it back, you’ll get it back of course.

· Old bed sheets! These are wonderful for spookifying interiors.

· And of course: Volunteer to work the event yourself! Whether on FGW as the gaunt and ghastly Ancient Mariner, or wailing away your sorrows in the Van Oort, or just handing out cookies and listening to stories in the Padnos, there are certain to be lots of opportunities to help and have fun!!!

If you have any questions, please call me! And if you want to donate something, but need it to be taken care of and return to you unaltered, just make a note (which includes your name and phone number) on the item itself and I’ll see to it that it doesn’t get destroyed.

Please contact your fearless leader, the Michigan Maritime Museum Halloween Director and Coordinator, Pirate Queen Knifefight aka Hannah Green, for more information and to volunteer or donate. Thanks!!! thehannahgreen@gmail.com or 269-615-7028

2010 – 11 Lecture Series Kicks off with Presentation on “Lost” Lake Michigan Passenger Steamers.

Ted St. Mane is a historian and passenger steamship enthusiast who has spent several years researching the fascinating history of Lake Michigan’s “lost” passenger steamship industry.

Mr. St. Mane will be the featured speaker, kicking off the Museum’s lecture series at 2 PM on Saturday 31 in the Padnos Boat Shed.

Through fascinating tales and splendid images St. Mane presents the romantic and sometimes dangerous story of a vanished industry that once connected communities all along Lake Michigan’s shores. His presentation will cover the arrival of the first steamship to Lake Michigan in 1821 through the turbulent booms and busts of more than 130 years. Passenger steamers of this bygone era provided an essential link for immigrants, excursionists, business people and leisure travelers. On offer were dining, dancing, day trips and luxurious shipboard settings, but mishaps like storms, fires and shipwrecks were a persistent danger to passengers and crew alike.

St. Mane’ book Lost Passenger Steamships of Lake Michigan will be available for purchase and signing after the presentation.

The Museum’s lecture series admission is free for members, other attendees are asked to make a donation.

Frequently engaged as a speaker on topics of local history, he is also co-owner and director of operations for MLT Group Advertising & Marketing in Rochester, Minnesota. His published works include books and documentaries on the rich history of America’s Midwest.

Winter Hours…

The Museum has switched to winter hours. Throughout the month of October, we will be open to the public Thursdays-Saturdays, from 10 AM-5 PM. The remainder of the winter we will be open on Fridays and Saturdays, and once per month on the Sunday afternoons which feature a lecture series speaker.

Update from the Bosun…

A hearty thanks to all the Ship’s Company Crew who worked tirelessly this week down-rigging Friends Good Will!!! The down-rigging is complete, the bowsprit is out, and

the down-rigging sessions that were previously scheduled for Sunday, October 17 and Monday, October 18 have been cancelled.

Winter work sessions in the Padnos Boat Shed commence this week and will continue through next March on the following schedule:

· Wednesday Evening Work Sessions 6-8 PM

· Saturday Morning Work Sessions 9 AM-noon

It is helpful to know in advance who will be attending the work sessions, so please email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org if you plan to attend. If you are interested in volunteering on work projects outside of the regularly scheduled work sessions, please contact Bosun Eric Standen at dande-standen@sbcglobal.net

Traditional Small Craft Association Update…

The group met as planned yesterday at the Padnos Boat Shed. Members present were David Ludwig, Tim Lane (welcome aboard, Tim) Ron Wittig, Dick Dodsen, David Green, Jack Lawrence, Sandy Bryson and yours truly. Tim is fresh off a five year apprenticeship under Walter Ansel, master shipwright at Mystic Seaport and WoodenBoat School rebuilding a sailboat (Cinderella) at WoodenBoat School

Work progressed on the Pooduck with the installation of the centerboard complete with it's lanyard and trunk cap, the pintles and gudgeons and hence, the rudder and the seats. John Hansen, our resident engineer is calculating the CLE (center of lateral effort) of the existing sprits'l rig to compare with the CLR (center of lateral resistance) to ensure the boat will balance with some weather helm. This appears to be the case. John also glued the leathers to one set of oars and installed the buttons, making them ready to go. All that remains are two blocks to lock the centerboard pin in place, a cleat for the halyard (all roughed out) and another coat of paint on the bottom, and it will be time for the launch. It WILL happen this year, if we have to make a frostbite affair out of it. Thanks to the additional effort put in by some members, this could well be done by the next meeting. The plan is for this boat to live on the waterfront as part of the Museum's waterfront program, on long term loan to the museum as is the AuSable River Boat.

On the schedule for next month, we will take the lines off the Chip Steulen Faering that is sitting out behind the Padnos. This boat doesn't belong to us, or the Museum, but we have the owners permission to perform this task. Several in the group have never taken lines off so it will be a good learning exercise for them, and a good refresher for those of us that have done it before. We will develop offsets, and perhaps lines drawings of the boat. There are no plans to build one, or do anything to this severely damaged specimen. John has been in touch with Chip to get more history on the boat. There is a builders plate identifying it as one of Chips boats and the numbers 1983. We don't know if that's the year or a hull number. It's presumed to be the year built.

I will start assembling material to build a strongback for the form for the Gloucester Light Dory (Gloucester Gull) so that can be set up. We will initially build two boats, one for the Museum waterfront, and one to be raffled off next season as a fundraiser. After that we will use the form to build boats for individual members. The understanding is that the owner will buy all the material. The group will cut and help assemble the hull (stem, transom, sides, bottom and chine logs). Once it comes off the form it is expected the owner will take it home to be finished there. We cannot plug up the shop with four or five half completed 15-1/2' dories. All agreed that having a construction and/or restoration project going is a popular attraction for museum visitors judging from the comments we receive from those who come in to look, as questions, and take pictures. I will be ordering full size plans from "Dynamite" Payson to assist in this project.

As a group we also looked at the small Lyman the museum holds in it's collection. This boat is an accessioned artifact, but we believe the committee will agree to restoring this boat to usable condition, also for use on the waterfront, perhaps with one of our antique outboards of the same vintage that can be made to run. A quick inspection by some of the graduates of the "Inspecting Wooden Boats" class determined that the transom and stem of this boat appear to be in good shape, the garboards may need some attention and there will probably be some frames to replace. That it needs a new deck, we already know. This will be a future project. Before that is the Black River Skiff. This boat, actually owned by, but not used by, the Sea Scouts is suffering from neglect. We have Mark Holbein's blessing to repair this boat and add it to the waterfront program. Mark had started some repairs that can be easily finished, Then it's a matter of refinishing the boat to have it ready for spring. it should make a good stable rowing, if not a high performance, platform on it's namesake river.

Other projects in the offing, Tim Lane and I looked at the AuSable River Boat we built. This boat was launched during the class last month as a demonstration to see how much it would re-swell. We feel that by screwing or riviting the cleats on the bottom, splining the seam and recaulking we can stabilize the bottom and make the boat more usable. There is also talk about giving David Ludwig a hand by finishing the repairs on the Davis Dinghy outside, properly bedding and refastening the keel and skeg. That boat will then be ready for service once again.

John Hansen reported on his progress in developing a 1/2"=1" scale model of the Lightning. His conclusion so far is that it's not a good class project. I believe we can read into that that it's more of a project than he'd anticipated. He has also found a kit boat based on the Paul Elvestrom designed race boat, the Soling. This is a popular three man keel boat and an Olympic Class. He reports that this one meter kit is around $150.00, the electronics around $100.00. Anyone interested in sailing pond yachts? Perhaps a good spring/fall activity at the Museum. Speaking of on the water activity, it was noted that we didn't have an on-the-water messabout this year except for the aborted boat parade during Harborfest. The regulars, in addition to building boats, are interested in other activities, most feeling that our own Black River is an excellent choice. More on this later. Of course, all are invited to our New Years Day river trip on the Kalamazoo River to work off some of the Holiday cheer or find quiet refuge from football games. There is usually several wildlife sightings (of the furry and feathered variety, not the kind encountered the night before) and of course, great mexican food at Su Casa in Fennville afterwards.

Sandy Bryson reported on the Pine Lake Chapter annual messabout held last weekend. It appears this turned out to be the first frostbite event of the year with a great deal of gamming and very little boating on Lake Lansing. He also asked the group about a different logo for the Classic Boat Festival next year. He suggested using boat lines for the graphic. This was accepted by the group attending with the suggestion of using the Langell Skiff lines the museum has as a representative of a good pulling boat. He also noted that Tom Jarosch is no longer on the Board of Quiet Water Symposium and that we need a Chapter contact for this group. They provide us with a free exhibit space every year and need someone to get in touch with about arrangements. This does NOT mean membership on the QWS board, just relaying information to and from their board to our chapter. Any Volunteers?

Next meeting is November 6th I believe. There was some talk of meeting twice a month to work on projects for those who are able. That may not happen in October as FGW will be downrigging for the season creating a stir in the Padnos. Although, we may be able to work in small projects like the Davis and ARB around them. Pete Mathews, Secretary, Michigan Maritime Museum Chapter, Traditional Small Craft Association, canoenut@bciwildblue.com

Friends Good Will on YouTube…

Just in case you were not able to visit Friends Good Will in Milwaukee last week, click the link to see her underway in the Milwaukee channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMhWwy67MFU. Thanks to Dave Bugge for forwarding the link.

Seeking Volunteers to Assist in the Museum Store…

Do you have a few hours to spare on Saturdays? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Do you like telling others about the Maritime Museum? The Michigan Maritime Museum is seeking volunteers to work at the front desk during the winter months on Saturdays. On the job training is provided. Come join our team of enthusiastic volunteers! Sign up to make that positive first impression to our Museum guests by emailing mstephens@michiganmaritmemuseum.org today!

Date: Event:

Wednesday, October 20, 6-8 PM FGW Work session

Saturday, October 23, 9 AM-12 PM FGW Work session

Saturday, October 23, 4-10 PM Haunted Ship Tours

Wednesday, October 27, 6-8 PM FGW Work session

Saturday, October 30, 9 AM-12 PM FGW Work session

Sunday, October 31, 2-3 PM Lecture Series Speaker Ted St. Mane on “Lost” Michigan Steamships

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, xt. 224

fax: 269.637.1594

www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org

Volunteer Connection

2010-08-13T17:09:00.000-04:00

Volunteer Connection

August 13, 2010

Greetings, Friends!

The South Haven Tall Ship Rendezvous Needs Your Help!

Thank you to everyone who has signed up to work during the tall ship festival August 19-22 on the Museum Campus. There are still several volunteer positions that must be filled in order to this event to run smoothly.

Volunteers Still Needed:

#1 Need: Grounds security—3 people per shift

#2 Need: FGW Dockside interpreters/safety

(11:15 AM-12:45 Thursday-Saturday & 10 AM-12:45 Sunday)—4 per shift

#3 Need: Ship’s Store Front Desk-Answering Phone/General Questions—1 per shift

There will be three shifts each day for most volunteer positions:

Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
9:30-12:30	9:30-12:30	9:30-12:30	9:30-12:30
12:30-3:30	12:30-3:30	12:30-3:30	12:30-3:30
3:30-5:30	3:30-5:30	3:30-5:30	3:30-5:30

Volunteers will have the opportunity to dine with the visiting vessels’ Ship’s Companies at a Cook-out hosted by Jim & Lynn Spurr at 6 PM on Sunday, August 22.

Please email mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org by August 16, to sign-up for a volunteer position and be a part of this exciting tall ship festival!

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

It Sure Has Been Quieter without Her…

We miss her, but folks from Wisconsin are certainly enjoying Friends Good Will! Click the link to view the Green Bay Tall Ship Festival photo gallery including photos of Friends Good Will at http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20100813/GPG0101/8130594/Tall-ships-sail-into-Green-Bay

The Setting Sun…

As the summer begins to wind down, the sun is setting earlier. Ship’s Company crew that have signed up to crew the sunset sail need to be sure to check the times for sunset sail. To view the Friends Good Will 2010 Sailing Calendar, please click on the link
http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=bar79gq7ajag87kjckjuhv0p7s%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York. Thank you!

HELP!

If you've seen our campus lately, you may have noticed we have a number of boats sitting in various places covered with tarps. These are part of our small craft collection. The storage location we had for these artifacts was needed by the owner so they're home once again. The Museum is in need of an indoor storage facility until we can construct a display shed for them on our campus. The Collections Committee would prefer they not sit outside, even covered, for the winter. Anyone knowing of suitable storage that the owner is willing to donate please contact Pete Mathews at 269-628-2339, or Patti Montgomery at the museum.

Thanks - Pete Mathews, Volunteer, Michigan Maritime Museum

Antique Outboard Motor Show at the Michigan Maritime Museum

SOUTH HAVEN, MI—The Michigan Maritime Museum in partnership with the Wolverine Chapter of the Antique Outboard Motor Club, is holding an Antique Outboard Motor Show/Swap Meet/Auction on Saturday, August 28, 2010.

Club members from across Michigan and Indiana enjoy displaying and talking about their antique and classic motors. Old iron will be seen and heard running and smoking in the test tank as members show off their latest restorations.

The Antique Outboard Motor Show/Swap Meet/Auction is free to the public. The event will be held on the Maritime Museum Campus on Saturday, August 28, from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM.

The Maritime Museum is home to the tall ship Friends Good Will, substantial exhibit galleries, a boat building shop, a collection of small craft and marine motors, a large collection of maritime artifacts, a Great Lakes Research Library, and the Light keeper’s Dwelling. Its mission is to promote and interpret the history and culture of Michigan’s Great Lakes. The main Campus is located at the draw bridge in South Haven. For more information, visit www.MichiganMaritimeMuseum.org or call 269-637-8078.

Upcoming Activities at the Museum:

Date: Event:

August 8-18 FGW to Green Bay ASTA event

Wednesday, August 18, 7:30 PM Parade of Sail into South Haven

Thurs.-Sun., August 19-22, 10 AM-5 PM Tall Ship Rendezvous

August 23-31 FGW to Chicago ASTA event

Friday, August 27, 3 PM Board of Directors Meeting at the Light Keeper’s Dwelling

Saturday, August 28, 9 AM-3 PM Antique Outboard Motor Show

Tuesday, August 31, 6-8 PM Volunteer Potluck Dinner—Save the Date!

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, xt. 224

fax: 269.637.1594