Slideshows

The launch of "The Spider" and "The Comeback" at the bittersweet landing boatyard, South Bristol.

From rings to hatpins, pendants to christening watches, jewelry complements what is known of maritime history, giving a personal touch to dry facts and names. Both personal and commemorative artifacts shed light on individual lives of people long-gone and provide an unique entry point into history.

Despite ships often being depicted as the bulwark of men, in reality they were often home to both wives and children. Both captains' kids and cabin boys spent childhoods and their teenage years aboard ships, many later going on to speak or write about their unique upbringings.

Photographs introduce us to this novel way of life and three families in particular; the Larsens, the Quicks and the Tapleys who all raised their children on the family vessel.