The Charles W. Morgan is the last remaining wooden whaleship and the oldest American commercial vessel still in existence. Built in 1841 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, she sailed on 37 voyages around the globe during an 80-year whaling career. The vessel came to Mystic Seaport in 1941 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1967. More than 20 million Mystic Seaport visitors have walked the whaleship’s decks. Currently undergoing an extensive restoration in the Museum’s Preservation Shipyard, the Morgan will be re-launched in July of 2013 and will embark on her 38th Voyage to historic ports in New England in 2014.
Morgan’s Specifications:
LOA: 113 ′ 0″ * LOD: 105′ 7″ * Beam: 27′ 6″ * Draft: 17′ 6″ * Displacement: 314 Tonnes * Sail Area: 13,000 sq ft * Yard Number: 102 * Hull Material: Wood * Rig: Double-topsail bark rig * Class: Whaleship * Built by: Jethro and Zachariah Hillman, New Bedford, MA * Year Built: 1841 * Construction Cost $26,877.78 * Outfitting Cost $25,908.89 * Restored By: 2006-2013 Mystic Seaport estimate $8,000,000.00 * Original Owner: J. & W. R. Wing Company * Current Owner: Mystic Seaport
Restoration
Follow the restoration of the Charles W. Morgan from the kick-off celebration in Fall 2008 to the project’s most current updates. Read how the “Year of the Charles W. Morgan” will give students throughout Connecticut the opportunity to learn about the state’s history, the whaling industry, and our maritime heritage. Learn more about the project through media coverage and “The Charles W. Morgan: Preserving the Last Wooden Whaleship in the World.”
History
Discover the history behind the Charles W. Morgan, last wooden whaleship in the world and the oldest American commercial vessel still in existence. Find out interesting facts and figures, the vessel’s connection to worldly events, and how the Morgan is connected to Hollywood.
Support
Help support the Charles W. Morgan restoration project. With your support, this National Historic Landmark vessel will continue to educate and serve future generations in her voyage of lifelong learning. Individual donations and other opportunities are available. Learn how you or your organization can help. Use the following link: http://www.mysticseaport.org/index.cfmfuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=210246F6-65B8-D398-7E44B55317D4FA73
Education
From the annual Moby-Dick Marathon to seasonal sail-handling demonstrations, the Charles W. Morgan is a focal point for Mystic Seaport visitors. Discover “Restoring an Icon” to learn what it takes to restore this amazing ship. See how New York artists from the Dalvero Academy have created an innovative exhibit that artistically interprets the whaleship’s restoration and gives contemporary perspectives to this historic object.
Research
Explore in-depth Morgan-related resources in the Museum’s Collections Research Center and G. W. Blunt White Library. Read the Morgan’s logbooks and ships papers, search her crew lists, view historical and restoration photos, order her plans, and learn about whaling and American maritime history.
Corporate Sponsorship
Mystic Seaport will take the Charles W. Morgan back to sea for her 38th voyage in 2014. This is a unique opportunity for corporations to sponsor an American icon, a ship that represents the origins of the engine of American economic success. Learn how your corporation can help.