Want to see a piece of history? Tour the restored Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey on Dec. 17

Faith Harrington, Standard-Times
·2 min read

NEW BEDFORD — After seven years of restoration in Maine, it's time to celebrate the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey’s long-awaited homecoming to New Bedford and give the public a chance to tour her. The welcome-back event will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 at the New Bedford State Pier with Jose Ulisses de Pina Correia e Silva, the prime minister of Cape Verde and local and state officials.

After the speaking program, attendees are invited to a closer look at the historic vessel during the first public tours being offered from 2 to 4 p.m.; additional tours available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18.

A fishing boat heads out to sea as the historic schooner Ernestina-Morrissey returns to New Bedford after a seven-year restoration performed in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
A fishing boat heads out to sea as the historic schooner Ernestina-Morrissey returns to New Bedford after a seven-year restoration performed in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

State Senator Mark Montigny filed special legislation, "An Act to preserve the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey," which ensures that the vessel will be cared for by the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. It also paved the way for the Commonwealth to receive significant funding from private philanthropy, saving taxpayers millions of dollars in renovation costs.

Honoring the strong ties between the historic vessel and the local Cape Verdean community while ensuring New Bedford remains her official homeport, the law was drafted and filed by Montigny in the Senate and co-sponsored and led by state Rep. Antonio Cabral in the House. Massachusetts Maritime Academy will dock the Ernestina-Morrissey at New Bedford State Pier for at least 90 days per year, where she can be made available for educational programming and cultural events such as the annual Cape Verdean Recognition Week.

Restoration: After seven years of repairs, Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey set to return to New Bedford

“The Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey is a treasured gift from the people of Cape Verde that reflects the strong, enduring bond between our nations,” said Montigny in a press release. “It is almost hard to believe that after decades of securing millions of state dollars in earmarks and legislation, she is finally back home in New Bedford, fully restored and ready to navigate the open seas. Our law forever protects this historic vessel and her Cape Verdean heritage, and New Bedford is proudly displayed on her stern. This is a special day for our community and the Commonwealth, and I look forward to the day when the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey can set sail for beautiful Cape Verde.”

Those wishing to attend the speaking program are encouraged to register with the Massachusetts Maritime Academy at https://givebutter.com/ernestina.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Take a tour of the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey on Dec. 17 or 18