The Current

October 2024

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From the President

With another busy season behind us, we've had time for some Fall sailing here on Narragansett Bay. Considered by many (including me) to be the best time of year to sail here, this year has been a real treat with long stretches of great conditions.


All the boats are on the hard now, and the docks are starting to come out which signals the shift to "holiday mode" and all that entails. Here at HMM, it means you'll be hearing from us soon with our annual request for your support, though this year's pitch will be accompanied by a video about the HMM Education Program that I think you'll find really compelling. Without you, very few of the great things you'll read about in this newsletter would be possible, so I am incredibly grateful for your support!


Until then, enjoy the Fall, and if your boat is still in the water, go sailing!


Cheers,

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Museum & Store Hours


Fall/Winter Hours:

Tues to Sat: 10am - 5pm

Sunday: Noon - 5pm

Another Great Summer of Sailing!


This week marks the end of another sailing season here at HMM. Boats are being hauled out of the water and stored away for next year, and soon we'll begin the boat building program in the boat shop.  


We're extremely grateful for all the wonderful instructors who make our programming on the water possible. The sailing school program at HMM goes beyond technical instruction, offering opportunities for kids to bond with their peers with a balance of on and off-the-water activities, where participants engage in lessons, games and all kinds of fun. These interactions create a supportive and fun atmosphere, helping young sailors form friendships and learn to work together, which enhances their experience. 


Overall, the summer sailing program provides a mix of adventure, education, and personal growth. Students leave with improved sailing skills, a deeper understanding of the maritime world, and a sense of accomplishment from mastering a challenging new activity. Many young sailors return year after year to continue their sailing journey and build on their skills. All of this is possible due to the diligence of these hard-working young people in the picture below—they are the heart and soul of the program! (Photo credit: Ed Gifford)

A Gathering of Cup Royalty


On Monday evening, October 14th, the legends gathered at the Museu Marítim de Barcelona in the shadow of the Royal Galley to celebrate the induction of Josh Belsky, Bob Fisher, Kevin Shoebridge, and Juan Vila into the America's Cup Hall of Fame. Cino Ricci and Louis Vuitton were also honored as recipients of the Sir Richard Francis Sutton Medal for their service to the Cup. Over 200 attendees came together in an amazing setting with Gary Jobson filling his customary emcee role - even the Auld Mug itself made an appearance courtesy of Emirates Team New Zealand to whom we offer our thanks and congratulations on a dominant performance in the Cup final!

Photo: Daniel Forster © ACHOF

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SEE PHOTOS

Upcoming Lecture: "The Pirate's Wife: The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd" presented by Dr. Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, November 21st


Before he was executed in 1701, Captain William Kidd was one of the most notorious pirates to prowl the sea. But few know that he had an accomplice back home: his wife Sarah, a woman whose life is a lesson in survival, resilience, and resourcefulness. Join us on November 21st to hear historian and journalist, Dr. Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, tell Sarah’s story for the first time. 


Dr. Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos is a historian, journalist and author. She has published over 40 articles in newspapers and magazines. She first became interested in pirates while writing an article in 2002 for The New York Times “Museums” Special Section about the Whydah Pirate Museum in Provincetown, MA. For the last fifteen years she has conducted extensive original research on pirates and their wives in archives in London, Washington, New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Join us for our last lecture of 2024 held in Gallery 26 at HMM! Purchase tickets online here. (Note: Gallery 26 is located on the second floor of 26 Burnside Street. Although this space is heated in the wintertime, it is not yet wheelchair accessible. Please consider our virtual tickets if mobility is a concern. Thank you for your understanding.)

November 21, 2024:


Welcome Reception: 6pm

Lecture begins: 7pm

Tickets: $10-$20


Location: Gallery 26, 26 Burnside St, Second Floor


Hosted in-person and virtually

GET TICKETS

Upcoming Workshops for Adults


HMM Adult Education is back with two different upcoming Adult Workshops: Introduction to Bronze Casting and Nautical Wreathmaking!  


This November, join us for a lesson in marlinspike seamanship! In this evening workshop you will learn how to weave and finish your own 12″ Manila rope “wreath.” We will also discuss the history and use of traditional and fancy knotwork onboard boats and look at a few examples of relevant artifacts from the collection. You will walk away with your own wreath ready to hang or decorate further – and more importantly, the confidence and expertise to keep exploring these kinds of projects on your own! Space is limited! Click here for more information and registration. 


In April, we have another session of Introduction to Bronze Casting! Learn bronze casting techniques to make your own hardware, such as oarlocks and cleats. This two-day program teaches the basics of bronze casting, and techniques reviewed will include pattern-making, sand-casting, pouring Britannia metal and bronze, patina and finishing. Our instructor, Doug Borkman, is excited to run another session of his popular bronze casting workshop here at the Museum’s workshop! Space is limited and this workshop often sell out quickly. Click here for more information and to register. 


The Museum is currently expanding its Adult Education Workshops, so if you are interested in leading a workshop or know someone who might be, please contact Kirk Cusic at k.cusic@herreshoff.org.

Upcoming Workshops:

Nautical Wreaths: November 19

Bronze Casting: April 12-13

ADULT EDUCATION

Staff Spotlight: Giorgio


Giorgio Mancini is our newest docent, although he has been working here at the museum’s front desk since 2022. After also starting a position last year at the Fall River museum, Battleship Cove, this year he wanted to start training as a Docent for HMM, and he has been amazing! 


Giorgio has had an interest in the history of the Herreshoff Family and HMCo. since early on in his work at the museum, Now, after shadowing our long-time volunteer docents and studying the subject matter in his spare time, he is offering tours during his shifts at the museum to our visitors of all interest-levels! 


With his dedication and loyalty to our museum, and telling the stories in a voice which brings it all to life, we are so very grateful to have Giorgio here to enrich our visitor experience! 

SAVE THE DATE

13th Annual Frostbite Bash

March 29, 2024


The 13th Annual Frostbite Bash is right around the corner! Save the date before your calendar fills up, and join us for another year of raffles, silent auctions, music, dancing, good food, and fun! March 29th 2025. Further announcements will be made when tickets are on sale. 

Halloween Walkabout:

This Sunday, October 17, 1-3pm


The museum is taking part in the Bristol Merchants Association’s annual Halloween Walkabout. Join us out front of the museum on October 27th, 1-3pm and visit Elphaba from “Wicked,” who will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters 12 and under. Pose for photos with our special guests, the Sanderson Sisters from “Hocus Pocus,” who will be roaming the grounds to put a spell on you! Hot cider for all museum visitors. Click here for more information and share the event on Facebook.

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2024 Holiday Preview & Market


The Bristol Merchants Association are back at it again with their holiday programming, and this year, HMM is a trolley stop!  


Join us and the rest of the local businesses for the BMA Holiday Preview, Friday November 22nd to Sunday November 24th! There will be a free trolley running around Bristol on Friday 5-9pm, and HMM will have good food and entertainment all weekend! On Friday, Jimmy C’s will be selling his amazing pizzelles for takeaway and holiday pre-orders. On Saturday, Urban Sketches will be sketching around the museum during the day. We will have a hot cocoa bar and carolers throughout the weekend, and the gift shop will be ready for your holiday shopping for everyone on your list! Click here for more information on the 2024 Holiday Preview. 


All aboard the Trolley! Come on down to HMM’s 2nd Annual Holiday Market on December 7th and 8th, 10-6pm, in conjunction with the ever-popular Bristol Christmas Festival. Bring your family and friends, hop on and off the trolley as you visit all your favorite local businesses in Bristol! We will have an array of local artisans showcasing their beautiful work—perfect handmade gifts for everyone on your list! We will be offering free admission to all visitors that weekend, while also having light refreshments, holiday music, and carolers throughout the weekend. Big John Leyden’s Tree Farm will be on the museum’s lawn selling fresh trees and wreaths. Come join us as we celebrate the season and Bristol’s vibrant small business community! If you are interested in vending at the museum, we still have a few spots left! Please contact Store Manager, Linda Baker, or Click Here if interested.

Thank You!


Providing an exciting, interesting and educational Museum experience takes creative talent, time and funding. We rely on our supporters for help in all three areas to raise the Museum experience.

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Upcoming Events Calendar:

(Subject to change)

Oct 27: Halloween Walkabout 


Nov 19: Wreathmaking Workshop 


Nov 21: Lecture: “The Pirate’s Wife” 


Nov 22-24: Holiday Preview 


Dec 5: Member’s Holiday Party 


Dec 7-8: Holiday Market 


Jan 23: Lecture: "Steam Propulsion, Part 2" 


Feb 11: Lecture: “Deed of Gift” 


Feb 20: Lecture: “Last Trap Fishermen of RI” 

March 20: Lecture: “Jersey Cats” 


March 29: Frostbite Bash 


April 12-14: Bronze Casting Workshop


April 17: Lecture: “18th & 19th Century Sail Repair at Sea” 


April/May TBD: Opening Day 


May 22: Lecture: “Rum Running in Narragansett Bay” 


June 16 - Aug 15: Summer Sailing Camp 


June 19: Lecture: “Tidal Mills” 


June 21: Spring Open House 



July 4: Parade Viewing at HMM 


July 10, 17, 24, 31: Summer Sunset Concert Series 


July 24: Lecture: “History of Surfing” 


Aug 22-24: Classic Yacht Regatta 


Sept 18: Lecture: “Arctic Schooner Bowdoin” 


Oct 23: Lecture: “New Bedford Whaling Portraiture Exhibit” 


Nov 20: Lecture: “Gilded Age Yachting Attire” 

Thank You to your Sponsors

Herreshoff Marine Museum | (401)253-5000 | info@herreshoff.org | herreshoff.org

One Burnside Street, PO Box 450

Bristol, Rhode Island 02809