Conversations in the Yard: Harold Burnham on the rehabilitation of the Schooner Ernestina Morrissey
Thu, Feb 27
|Maritime Gloucester
Master Shipwright Harold Burnham will discuss his eleven year project of the National Historic Landmark Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey. Built in 1894 at the James & Tarr Shipyard in Essex, she is now the Massachusetts flagship.
Time & Location
Feb 27, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Maritime Gloucester, 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
About the event
Master Shipwright and 2012 National Heritage Fellow Harold Burnham of Essex, Massachusetts, will delve into his work from 2008 to 2019 on the rehabilitation of the National Historic Landmark Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey. Built in 1894 at the James & Tarr Shipyard in Essex, the Ernestina-Morrissey stands as a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship of Essex shipbuilders. Over its remarkable history, the schooner has served as a Grand Banks fishing vessel, an Arctic exploration vessel, and a transatlantic packet ship, embodying a legacy of resilience and adaptability.
Now recognized as the official flagship of Massachusetts, the Ernestina-Morrissey is a source of immense pride for the Essex community, reflecting the enduring heritage of the town’s 350-year tradition of wooden shipbuilding. Harold will share insights into the intricate process of rehabilitating this iconic vessel, emphasizing its significance as a cultural and historical touchstone.
He will also outline his plans for the restoration of the Sylvina W. Beal, a 1911 fishing schooner built by Frank C. Adams in East Boothbay, Maine, continuing his commitment to preserving the legacy of New England’s maritime history.