Mystic Seaport Podcast

In May 2010, a brand-new exhibit in the R.J. Schaefer Building will bring the fascinating story of American tugboats to Mystic Seaport members and visitors. Every day tugboats move millions of tons of cargo, escort cruise ships, save lives during maritime disasters, conduct environmental clean-ups, and salvage wrecks. Yet, many people still think of tugs as the cheery, coal-smoke bellowing little ships from children's storybooks. This exhibit will explore this "invisible industry" of maritime towing, a key component of every cargo port in the country, from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon. It will introduce the kinds of work that tugboats do and how they've changed over the past 150 years in their design, operation, and use. Visitors will also learn why today's tugs are stronger, safer, and more efficient than ever, and how tugs might change in the future. Our plans for the exhibit include several interactive components, including radio-controlled model tug demos and workshops, a mock tug bridge, a CAD design work station, and hands-on activities exploring the physics of propulsion and bollard pull. A colorful, inviting exhibit designed for family audiences and school groups, but with plenty of content to satisfy even the most knowledgeable maritime expert, it will include hands-on activities as well as material drawn from Mystic Seaport's rich collections - historic photographs, paintings, models, and manuscripts about important Tug-related people, places, and events. The Museum hopes to host visiting tugboats on our waterfront campus, and will develop interpretive programs for visitors of all ages. "We're thrilled with all the interest and support we've received for the Tugs exhibit," said Jonathan Shay, Director of Exhibits & Interpretation. "This exhibit builds upon research and planning done over the past few years, including a symposium we hosted for tugs enthusiasts in March 2007 that was organized by staff member Chris Freeman. Last summer an outside evaluator tested our Tugs exhibit ideas with Museum visitors and members, which really helped us to refine our plans and get funding to make the exhibit a reality." This new exhibit is made possible thanks to a $149,000 grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as well as generous individual donations and in-kind support. IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Its mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. With leadership support from The Dibner Fund in hand, Mystic Seaport hopes to match the IMLS grant funds in total.