Mystic Seaport will celebrate the 71st anniversary of the arrival of the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan by offering free admission Nov. 10 to all visitors. The museum exhibits will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the grounds will remain open to the public afterward in preparation for a fireworks show at 7 p.m.
The day will feature a variety of special Morgan-related presentations and demonstrations, including talks by the shipwrights working on the restoration, live music from the Museum’s chanteymen, and numerous activities for kids and families. Fireworks begin promptly at 7 p.m. The pyrotechnics will be launched from a barge moored in the river and visitors are invited to view the display from Mystic Seaport grounds. The Galley Restaurant and Latitude 41° Restaurant & Tavern will be open for dinner.
Nighttime visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight.
The anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the importance the Charles W. Morgan has had in the development of the Museum and the community since she was towed up the river on Nov. 8, 1941.
The Morgan is the last wooden whaleship from the Age of Sail and is the oldest American commercial vessel still afloat. After an 80-year whaling career, the Morgan was at risk of being broken up when she was offered to the infant Marine Historical Association (now Mystic Seaport).
The acquisition of the ship raised the stature of the museum significantly and helped put Mystic on the map of tourist destinations.
The museum estimates more than 20 million people have come to Mystic and walked her decks since 1941.
