Posted Wednesday, June 1, 2016 by Katie MeyersinMaine Maritime Museum, Boatshop, boat building, wooden boat

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the museum’s Discovery Boatbuilding Program! During the school year, two groups of seventh and eighth-grade students spend one day a week at the museum’s Boatshop developing an understanding of basic woodworking techniques, wood technology, and thinking in three dimensions, and eventually go through every process of building a 12-foot, flat-bottom skiff. The Discovery Boatbuilding Program is designed to put students in a working environment that emphasizes and develops each student’s personal growth, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and problem solving.  

Maine Maritime Museum was an early pioneer in utilizing boatbuilding as a vehicle to teach STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), a concept that is now mirrored in numerous programs across the country. The Discovery Boatbuilding Program utilizes the museum’s rich maritime history and working Boatshop to teach an innovative and hands-on curriculum.

To celebrate this incredible milestone, a special exhibit, 20 Years of Discovery Boatbuilding, will feature photos, videos, and personal stories from alumni and staff. The exhibit will be on view June 4 to September 18.

For a closer look at the completed skiffs (which will be for sale in the coming weeks), join us at a launching ceremony! Launches will be held in Woolwich and South Bristol, and the public is welcome to attend.

June 13, 9 am, Nequasset Boat Launch, Woolwich

June 14, 10 am, Bittersweet Landing Boatyard, South Bristol