Lecture - The Restoration of the CHARLES W MORGAN

The Charles W. Morgan is the last surviving wooden whaling ship from the great days of sail. Built in 1841 in New Bedford, MA, the Morgan had a successful 80-year whaling career. She made 37 voyages before retiring in 1921, and was preserved as an exhibit through the efforts of a number of dedicated citizens. After being on display in South Dartmouth, MA, until 1941, she came to Mystic Seaport, where each year thousands of visitors walk her decks and hear the fascinating story of her career as a whaling vessel, historic exhibit, film and media star, and a porthole into America's rich history.

This talk will focus on the documentation of the physical object at its current point in time and during restoration, through the use of images developed by the use of photographic and digital cameras, traditional drafting and other drawing techniques, CAD (Computer Aided Design) drawings, and various forms of electronic measurement including the latest laser scanning techniques available. 

Dana Hewson, Vice President for Watercraft Preservation and Programs at Mystic Seaport will introduce a series of presenters involved with the documentation and restoration of the CHARLES W MORGAN currently underway at the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport.