On my way to Mystic
Mystic Seaport is an interesting place. It’s got a segment that’s very touristy… folks in period costumes wandering about, rides on steam-powered boats, walk-through exhibits, that sort of thing. They’ve also got a very serious research component with an incredible series of collections: periodicals, drawings, books, film & video, ships plans, art, maps… on and on. They also have a huge collection of small boats that most of the public never sees, like the back rooms of the Smithsonian. I don’t know if most museums cater so equally to the serious researcher and the casual tourist alike, but Mystic is trying to pull it off. It’s not easy, and they seem to be forever on the verge of going under financially. Nonetheless, it’s a very special place, and I feel privileged to be heading down there.
That’s Brilliant, a 1932 Sparkman & Stephens design. Translated into average person speak: “That’s a very sexy wooden boat.” I got to see her being worked on up in Rockport when I did my boat shop tour.You should go there if you’re in the area. If you like boats, and I assume that includes anyone who takes the time to read this little blog, you’ll love this place. Here’s the spring 2007 map & schedule of events.The good thing about working 7-3:30 is that it gives me the afternoons to explore their collections in more depth. Really, how could you not??? I’m also interested in teaching and doing more writing in the future, and there may be opportunities to do some workshops with the public while I’m there. And then there’s the sea shanties to learn… I hear they’ve got an active group of folks who like to sing. I used to sing with a group of folks who’d meet the first Friday of every month and I miss that. It’d be good to get back into that. They’re putting me up in the seaport’s flop house right on the grounds, so I think I’m going to be heavily immersed in Seaport Life.I have a feeling that this summer is going to pass by very very quickly. I’ll keep this blog going throughout the summer at the very least. Hopefully there will be Internet access somewhere around…