Dear Friend, 

For a ship like me, winter is the hardest time. 

Everyone else is inside, warm, and enjoying the holidays. But I’m outside, in the rain, and I need to get inside the shop! 

Here’s what’s going on. I have a grant that will cover most of my restoration costs, but it is a reimbursement grant. I need to make a $200,000 deposit to save my place inside the Port Townsend Shipwrights shop. The plan is to start work again on January 1st.  

I am in that tricky space where I need to pay for work in advance, but I also need to pay my insurance and bring my crew back. 

That’s when I asked Brandi if I could write to you to ask for help. I am so excited that my crew found the grants needed to finish the restoration. The fact that they are reimbursement only, though, is presenting a real challenge. 

Can you please send in a special gift to help? 

It's not all headwinds and choppy seas. Your support has fueled the magic of sailing for over a million people! Your generosity has helped countless people hear the wind in the rigging for the first time. It has allowed me to hear so many children's feet across my decks. We have helped so many learn on board so they can work in the marine industry. Our work has enriched countless lives and preserved maritime heritage.

"My crew is building four spars by hand in Aberdeen."

Besides the electrical and engineering work onboard, my crew is building four spars by hand in Aberdeen. The lower and top main masts are being made in Port Townsend, along with the re-planking and other woodwork. 

We need your help to complete these critical projects. We have over 80% of the money we need to make it through until we set sail. We need to raise additional funds to ensure the projects are completed. I can't miss another sailing season. We need to raise the funds by the end of the year to avoid losing our space in the shop. I need to get out of the cold and rain. 

Your gift today will make it all possible. 

“A new season is coming — because of you.”

The sea has always been my greatest joy, and sharing that joy is my mission. Your support will help me return to the waves, inspiring lives in each harbor and, with luck, seeing you too. 

To make your gift, please click here, mail a check to PO Box 2019, Aberdeen, WA 98520, or text 360-589-8212 to set up a time to meet at the office. You can also contact my amazing Executive Director, Brandi, at bbednarik@historicalseaport.org. 

I know we can make it through this storm together.  I appreciate being able to write to you about this.  

Please send in a gift to complete my restoration. I wish you nothing but calm seas and brisk breezes this holiday season! 

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Lady Washington

Please send your gift by December 31. I understand this may be a challenging year for you as well. If you can’t help financially, know that you are on my mind. I hope things improve and that the holiday magic comes to you! 

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ✅ $35.00 – I want to replace a foot of rigging! 

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ✅ $65.00 – I want to pay for an hour of work! 

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ✅ $100.00 – I want to support the winter crew! 

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ✅ $250.00 – I want to replace ¼ of a plank! 

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ✅ $520.00 – I want to pay for a shipwright for a day! 

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ✅ $____ I want to help where it’s needed most!

Click the Button Below

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Let’s celebrate the future of

our beloved tall ship together and

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We are Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, a 501 (c)(3) educational non-profit public development authority based in Aberdeen, Washington. For decades, we have provided hands on education opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds aboard the tall ship Lady Washington. With a focus on teamwork and empowerment, our programs explore our shared history and our daily connections to the world’s oceans.

For over 30 years, it has been our mission to provide educational, vocational, recreational, and ambassadorial activities and experiences that promote and preserve our maritime history. We are making a difference, one voyage at a time!

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