Maritime Sites
1. Mystic Seaport, CT
Walk the decks of a tall ship, or see carpenters replank a vessel at this “museum of America and the sea.” Mystic Seaport replicates a 19th-century coastal village with craftspeople plying their trades, historic vessels, and a working shipyard.
75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic • 860 572 0711 • Open Apr–Oct: 9am–5pm daily; Nov: 10am–4pm daily, Dec & mid-Feb–Mar: 10am–4pm Thu–Sun • Adm • www.mysticseaport.org
2. Maine Maritime Museum, Bath, ME
Ships have been built at the mouth of the Kennebec River for more than three centuries. Here, sail-era artifacts, paintings of historic vessels, and displays of Maine maritime life chronicle both the practicalities and the romance of that trade.243 Washington St. • 207 443 1316 • Open 9:30am–5pm daily • Adm • www.mainemaritimemuseum.org
3. Penobscot Marine Museum, Searsport, ME
Tiny Searsport was home to 10 per cent of America’s deep-water sea captains by the close of the 19th century. Recapture the adventure of that time with captains’ chests from the China Trade, a whale’s jaw, and a wall of portraits of some 300 Searsport sea captains.5 Church St. • 207 548 2529 • Open late May–mid-Oct: 10am–5pm Mon–Sat, noon–5pm Sun; Dec–Feb: 11am–4pm Thu–Sun • Adm • www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org
4. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, New Bedford, MA
In the late 19th century, New Bedford was the world’s leading whaling port. Many buildings of the era, including the Seamen’s Bethel chapel mentioned in Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, are preserved at this park. Don’t miss the extraordinary scrimshaw carvings and a half-scale whaling ship at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.33 William St. • 508 996 4095 • Open 9am–5pm daily • Free • www.nps.gov/nebe
5. Nantucket Whaling Museum, Nantucket, MA
Partially set in a former whale-oil refinery and candle factory, this museum tells how one small island dominated a lucrative industry for nearly a century. A 46-ft (14-m) sperm whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling sets the tone.15 Broad St. • 508 228 1894 • Open mid-May–Oct: 10am–5pm daily; Nov–mid-Dec: 11am–4pm Thu–Mon • Adm • www.nha.org
6. Maine Lighthouse Museum, Rockland, ME
This is one of the world’s largest collections of lighthouse artifacts. Marvel at gigantic prisms that made small lamps visible far out at sea, and learn how keepers lived.1 Park Dr. • 207 594 3301 • Open late May–Oct: 9am–5pm Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm Sat–Sun; Nov–late May: 9am–5pm Thu–Fri, 10am–4pm Sat • Adm • www.mainelighthousemuseum.org
7. Expedition Whydah Sea Lab & Learning Center, Provincetown, MA
“Black Sam” Bellamy went down with his ship in a storm off Cape Cod in April 1717. This dockside display bristles with discoveries from the ongoing excavation of the wreck – including authentic pirate treasure.16 MacMillan Wharf • 508 487 8899 • Open daily mid-Apr, Sep–Oct: 10am–5pm; Jun–Aug: 10am–7pm • Adm • www.whydah.com
8. Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Salem, MA
Salem’s merchants brought the riches of the Far East back home. Uncover their story by retracing their steps along the historic wharves.193 Derby St. • 978 740 1650 • Open Mar–Nov: 9am–5pm daily; Dec: 1–5pm Tue–Fri, 9am–5pm Sat–Sun; Jan–Feb: 9am–5pm Sat–Sun • Adm • www.nps.gov/sama
9. Historic Ship Nautilus and the Submarine Force Museum, Groton, CT
Tour the world’s first nuclear-powered vessel and learn about the first submarine to dive 20,000 leagues under the sea. Visitors can try commanding the sub at simulated controls.1 Crystal Lake Rd. • 860 694 3174 • Open May–Oct: 9am–5pm Wed–Mon; Nov–Apr: 9am–4pm Wed–Mon • Free • www.ussnautilus.org
10. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT
Relics from the more than 200 ships that have been wrecked on Lake Champlain are displayed here. Full-size working replicas of historic vessels help to bring the lake’s boating history alive.4472 Basin Harbor Rd. • 802 475 2022 • Open 10am–5pm daily late May–mid-Oct • Adm • www.lcmm.org
