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May 28, 2009

Members-Only Reception: Mapping the Pacific Coast

Saturday, June 6 from 5 - 7 p.m. / Mallory Building

Mystic Seaport is honored to have map collector, historian, vintner and sailor Henry Wendt visit from

the state of Washington to talk about his unique collection of maps in our newest exhibit, Mapping the

Pacific Coast. Wendt will add insight to the histories depicted in the maps and illustrations from his

private collection, as well as share stories regarding how he came to collect these rare documents.

The maps in this collection have been selected for their importance in chronicling the dramatic history of

the European exploration of the Pacific Coast of North America, beginning with the first Spanish

exploration through President Jefferson’s decision to commission the Lewis & Clark Expedition. The

exhibition traces some of the greatest adventures in history, including dangerous ocean voyages by

Spanish, French, English and Russian explorers, the race to discover the Northwest Passage, sightings of

sea monsters and the very first contacts between Native Americans and Europeans. The original maps

and illustrations are as much works of art as compendiums of geographic knowledge, charting dramatic

and heroic explorations into a mysterious frontier.

A wine and cheese reception follows Wendt’s talk, allowing guests time to speak individually with the

collector. Consider the event a night out and dine at Seamen’s Inne after the reception for a 20%

discount off the regular menu. The member cost of $15 per person is extended to staff and

volunteers. Please call 572.5308 by Tuesday, June 2, to reserve your place.

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Duty Officers, May 30 - 31, 2009

Saturday, 5/30 Sunday, 5/31

Duty Officer: Catherine Blanchette; Radio Duty Officer: Maureen Hennessey; Radio

Security: G. Doerfler; ext.5310

Security: G. Doerfler; ext. 5310

MEI Watch Captain: Liz Cole; Radio

MEI Watch Captain: Marelda Hart; Radio

Shipyard: Harry Paul; ext. 5341

Shipyard: Harry Paul; ext. 5341

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Photo of the Week

Andy Price captured this image of a Whitehall undergoing repairs in the Henry B. duPont Preservation

Shipyard.

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A Note of Sympathy

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our beloved volunteer, Alice O’Connell. She was

a venerable member of Mystic Seaport who served as an interpreter, a Pilot, a member of the Mystic

Seaport mail team and also participated in many other special events of the past years. As a member of

the Baldwin, Shennecosset and Ram Island Yacht Clubs, Alice was an avid boater who loved cruising

and racing with her family. She is survived by Neal, her husband of 58 years and her beloved family.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Neal and all of Alice’s family.

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Thank You!

Thank you to all the participants in this year’s 1876 Decoration Day ceremony, from the roleplayers, the

Costume Shop, the chanteymen, with especial thanks to Denise Cannella for bailing me out of a toe-

tapping situation, the special demonstration squad, printer Mike and Liz Cole in Interpretation, to the

Boathouse to the Planetarium to Visitor Services to the Web Team to Gardener Kara to all the beautiful

people who willingly participated in order to make this a moving and meaningful day. Special thanks go

to Richard F. Donohue, who once again volunteered his time to help our visitors understand why we

must always remember those who once sat in the now vacant chair. So with “Love & tears for the Blue,

Tears & love for the Gray,” I remain yrs. very gratefully in 1876 –

- Rebecca Bayreuther Donohue

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Brustolon Open House: Friday, June 5, from 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Please join us for food and drink and tales of daring and bravery! Take a look at all the changes. Visit

with the interpreters, see their cubbies and start your weekend off right!

- Interpretation staff

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Five Questions with…Chris White

For those in the know, the red barn-like structure tucked away on the left side of Hinckley Street is home

for the Museum’s Curator Storage and Restoration Department, aka CSR. For others, like me, it was

another new and fascinating discovery. Collections Manager Chris White has the daunting job of taking

care of the Museum’s artifacts.

1. How long have you been employed at Mystic Seaport? CW: I’ve been here just shy of 15 years. I graduated with a BA

degree in History and needed to decide how best to use that education. I

gained experience working and volunteering in various museums and

with the National Park Service before heading east from Washington

State to work at Mystic Seaport.

2. What’s the best part of your job?

CW: It’s really cool to be working with the Museum’s artifacts. The

two dresses hanging here have gone through the restoration process and

will soon be part of the collection housed at the CRC. Also, we tailor-

make boxes here to hold small artifacts. I never know what the day will

hold; I love the variety.

3. What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

CW: Not falling behind in what needs to be done. There are several

buildings located throughout the Museum where artifacts are being

stored, awaiting attention. As Collections Manager my major goal is to

get them properly re-housed so that they are stored properly and put in

the safe, climate controlled area in the Collections Research Center.

4. What’s the funniest or most notable on-the-job experience you’ve had? CW: During my first two months here, I was standing on some heavy-duty shelving, moving some

artifacts around in the mill’s basement (CRC), when I pushed a lever. It opened up a fuel oil pipe! No

artifacts were affected, but needless to say, I needed a shower and change of clothes! My most notable

experiences have been working with filmmakers and the Antiques Road Show crew when Mystic

Seaport was the backdrop.

5. What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?

CW: I’m working on family genealogy, both my side and my wife’s side. My wife and I also take an

active interest in the local history of our town of Westerly, RI. Biking and hiking are my favorite forms

of exercise.

Interview conducted by Volunteer Trudi Busey and photographed by Andy Price.

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From the Office of Volunteer Services

The Noyes Committee expresses appreciation to the members of staff and management for the

overwhelming response to the call for nominations for the William C. Noyes Volunteer of the Year

award. It will take two meetings for the committee to decide, since each nominee reflects the best

qualities of the individuals that comprise our wonderful Corps of Volunteers.

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The First Thursday Lecture Series

The First Thursday Lectures Series will present the Treworgy Planetarium Program on June 4 in the

dome of the Planetarium. Coffee and Donuts will be served at 8:30 a.m. in the lobby with the program to

follow at 9 a.m. Under the direction of Don Treworgy, Max Maxwell will head up the group of staff and

volunteers and will speak of the trials and tribulations of the installation of the new projector.

Last week, the First Thursday Lecture Series was described by a volunteer as an “outstanding learning

experience, which in its on-going programs describes in detail the many aspects of this Museum, and is

not to be missed.”

On Thursday, July 2, as part of the on-going series, Chris Freeman will speak about the new and

redesigned PILOT Program which has been so supportive of the Museum for so many years. He will tell

of its inception, its founders and the far-reaching effect it has had on the development of Mystic Seaport.

Remember, both staff and volunteers are welcome to attend and enjoy the coffee and lectures. However,

be sure to call ahead and reserve your place at ext. 5378.

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Volunteer of the Week

Bill Salancy, jack of all trades and master of them all, is the

optimal overall volunteer. He is seen in Facilities, at the Mill,

Exhibits, Interpretation, in Watercraft, in the Shipyard, at the

VRC and all over the grounds when crisis calls. He has 40 years

of mechanical design and development experience, experience

with hazardous waste material, 45 years of boating and boat

building and expertise in general carpentry. This multi-faceted

man of all endeavors is a jewel in the crown at Mystic Seaport.

Departments, directors and supervisors all call upon Bill

whenever logistical problems arise. Bill is a great support to staff

and the Museum owes a great debt of gratitude to this devoted

volunteer. Bill and his wife Sally moved up the street in 2006

primarily to volunteer at the Museum. Sally started as a volunteer, but was soon invited to join staff in

the Education Department.

Thank you, Bill. You are a treasure.

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Update on the Museum’s Book Donations

The book project is well underway and halfway to its goal of book delivery throughout Connecticut,

Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Several volunteers have completed their part of the mission and more

volunteers are needed to wrap up the project. Staff members who can help would be most welcome.

Thanks to Marie Engelman, John Goetsch and Sherman Butler who all put many miles on their vehicles.

Massachusetts is done, most of Rhode Island and a good portion of Connecticut. If you are planning a

trip to the Fairfield, Danbury or the North Western part of the state, please call the Volunteer Office at

ext. 5378 and carry along some books with you. Thank you!

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Figure It Out!

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Congratulations to Robert Schloemer who correctly identified last week’s “Figure It Out” image as the

bronze sculpture “Boy Feeding Seagulls” located outside of the R.J. Schaefer Exhibit Hall.

Take a look at this photo and see if you can “figure it out.” Submit your answer to

staffbulletin@mysticseaport.org by June 1 at 5 p.m. Whoever correctly identifies the image will win a

free pastry and cup of coffee at the Bake Shop. If more than one correct response is submitted, the

winner will be chosen through a random drawing.

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Classifieds

For Sale: Patio Set - Wooden table and six chairs from Plow and Hearth. $150. Please call Spence at

514.6138 or Lynn at 514.5746.

For Sale: Skittles game-deluxe version; 18"x40"x 5" board and pins made of hard woods. Exactly like

the skittles in the Discovery Barn. Great entertainment for adults and kids alike. $35 (in catalogues for

$100+) Call Roger at 536.5332.

Please Note: Classified listings will run for one week only unless otherwise requested. Thank you.

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Job Openings

The following full-time positions are available. Please visit our website for details.

Williams-Mystic, The Maritime Studies Program of Williams College and Mystic Seaport

Museum:

Admissions Counselor

Marine Sciences Technology/Teaching Assistant

Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund

For information or an application, visit our website at www.mysticseaport.org/hr or call Human

Resources at ext. 5346. Mystic Seaport is an AA/EOE employer.

TM

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To submit an article to the Staff Bulletin, please send content to staffbulletin@mysticseaport.org.

If you have questions, call Mike O’Farrell at ext. 5317. The deadline is Wednesday at 10 a.m.