All Aboard the Charles W. Morgan
Charles W. Morgan photo by Boats-n-Cars on Flickr
Ahoy there! A special treat will literally be on deck for ship enthusiasts this weekend, as Charles W. Morgan—the last wooden whaleship in the world—will dock in Charlestown right by Boston’s own USS Constitution.
From Friday, July 18, through Tuesday, July 22, Morgan will be open to the public in Charlestown Navy Yard for all to board and explore the ship. The visit will take place during “Charlestown Neighborhood Week” and is affiliated with “Summer on the Waterfront.”
Together, Charles W. Morgan and USS Constitution comprise two of the country’s oldest ships from two centuries—Morgan was built and launched in 1841, and the Constitution was launched in 1797. USS Cassin Young will round out the team of ships on view this weekend, representing the 20th century.
Morgan’s visit is part of the ship’s 38th voyage after recently undergoing a five-year, multimillion-dollar restoration process. The stop in Boston will be celebrated with free tours, family-friendly activities, and demonstrations—including music, theater, and Spouter the inflatable whale—each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Known as a “lucky ship” for surviving countless storms and “hostile natives,” Morgan is the last wooden whaleship in the world of an American whaling fleet that once had more than 2,700 vessels. The ship was first launched from New Bedford, Mass., on July 21, 1841—she turns 173 years old on Monday—and was typically manned by a crew of about 35.
Usually the main attraction at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut, Morgan set sail in May to visit historic ports in New England. After Charlestown, she’ll head to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy via the Cape Cod Canal.
Free, Charlestown Navy Yard, Pier 1, Boston. Visit nps.gov for more info.
