Mystic Seaport 2014 Event Schedule

[Cathy Monaghan]

Mystic Seaport Highlights for 2014

Mystic, Conn. –The following are the major events at Mystic Seaport for the 2014 calendar year. This is not an exhaustive list, but covers the major highlights of the year ahead that may be of interest to you. For more information on any of the items below, please visit our website (http://www.mysticseaport.org) or contact our communications department.


EVENTS

Charles W. Morgan Departs Mystic, May 17

After an extensive restoration lasting more than five years, the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan – a National Historic Landmark and America’s oldest commercial vessel – will be depart Mystic Seaport on her 38th Voyage to historic ports in New England. Following a brief ceremony in the Museum shipyard, the Morgan will be towed down the Mystic River to City Pier in New London, where final outfitting will be completed for the voyage.

Charles W. Morgan Exhibition, City Pier, New London, May 24-25; May 31-June 1

For four days, the Morgan will be open to the public along with an extensive dockside exhibition featuring live music, demonstrations, informational exhibits and videos, and the opportunity to board the ship.

Lobster Days, Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26

Crack your first lobster claw of the season at Mystic Seaport’s butter-dribbling, shell-sucking, quintessentially-New-England Lobster Days during Memorial Day Weekend. Lobsters in the rough are served by the Rotary Club of Mystic. Proceeds from event are distributed to local charities. Museum admission plus price of food or visitors can purchase a special admission and food combo ticket. A change from past years: There will be an evening seating for meals on Friday and Sunday nights.

Decoration Day, May 26

Join us this Memorial Day for a ceremony dedicated to the memory of those lost in the Civil War. A brief, yet reverent service comprised of remarks and hymns will begin in the Greenmanville Church at noon. Immediately following the service, join in a procession to the cannon on Chubb's Wharf for the playing of taps and a wreath-laying upon the Mystic River.

Sea Music Festival, June 12-15

Mystic Seaport is proud to host its 35th annual Sea Music Festival, one of the world’s premier sea music events. Maritime music enthusiasts converge at the Museum each year to hear both national and international performers carry on classic musical traditions of the Golden Age of Sail.

The WoodenBoat Show, June 27-29

Hosted in conjunction with WoodenBoat Magazine, the WoodenBoat Show features more than 75 boats in the water, three tents and extensive land exhibits hosting more than 200 exhibitors, live boatbuilding events and more. This is the most popular event of the year.

Independence Day, July 4

Activities include a noontime picnic on the Village Green, a children’s parade through the Museum’s village at 1 p.m., an 1876 Independence Day Ceremony and a concert by the Silver Cornet Band.

Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous, July 26-27

A dazzling display of high-quality antique boats creates a colorful gathering along the Museum’s waterfront all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Sunday at 12:45 p.m., the vessels make their way down the Mystic River in a jubilant music-filled three-mile parade lead by the Museum’s 1908 steamboat Sabino.

“Moby-Dick” Marathon, July 31-Aug. 1

Visitors, Museum volunteers, and staff join together to read aloud Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick" in a 24-hour marathon event.

Charles W. Morgan Returns to Mystic, Aug. 6-8 (Specific day is weather dependent)

At the completion of her 38th Voyage, the Morgan will be towed from New London back to her traditional berth at Chubb’s Wharf at Mystic Seaport.

Antique Marine Engine Exposition, Aug. 16-17

Experience the transition from sail to engine power as maritime collectors from around the country show off full size and miniature 19th- and early 20th-century marine engines. Inboards, outboards and steam engines will be on display in the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard. This is the largest gathering of antique marine engines in the country.

Coastweeks Rowing Regatta, Sept. 14

Signaling the start of the fall head racing season in New England, the 21st annual Coastweeks Regatta offers a range of masters, open, collegiate and junior categories and includes local and regional rowers in both racing and recreational shells. Visitors can watch the racing action from the Mystic Seaport shoreline.

Antique Vehicle Show, Sept. 21

Get up close and personal with a dazzling display of authentic antique cars, trucks and motorcycles from the turn of the century. Cap off the weekend with the parade of vehicles Sunday at 3 p.m. Watch more than 100 antique vehicles circle the Museum grounds in the annual event’s finale.


Chowder Days, October 11-13

At Mystic Seaport’s annual Columbus Day Weekend festival, visitors taste the best chowder anywhere, delectable seafood specialties, seasonal desserts and beer, wine and apple cider. Cost of food is in addition to Museum admission.

Lantern Light Tours, Nov. 29-Dec. 27 (Specific dates TBA)

Step back in time to Christmas Eve, 1876 for a guided tour of Greenmanville, Conn. Visitors experience a progressive play with a holiday theme. The Lantern Light Tours have been a New England Holiday tradition for more than 30 years.

59th Annual Community Carol Sing, Dec. 21

A Mystic tradition for over five decades, several thousand people gather every year to sing their favorite holiday carols. Admission is a canned food item to be donated to the local food drive.

Visitor contact info:

860.572.0711
888.973.2767
info@mysticseaport.org
http://www.mysticseaport.org

2014 Admission – Adults: $24; Seniors/active military/college students with ID: $22; Youth (ages 6-17): $15; Children ages 5 and under and Museum members: Free. Group rates are available.

Please check website for current hours and days of operations: http://www.mysticseaport.org/visit

[Dick Barthel]

Thanks Cathy. That is an excellent post for someone like me who is right down the river from the Morgan and would probably have missed all that! Dick