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# Maine’s First Ship

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## Posts

- [Sail Boston 250](https://mfship.org/sail-boston-250/) - Sail Boston 250 and Beyond Bath Freight Shed Virginia is taking her longest trip yet, with a two-week trip to Boston and beyond. Virginia is leaving Bath on July 8 before 9am. From July 11-15, Virginia will be at Pier 6 near the Charlestown Naval Yard. She will be there with 50 ships from around the
- [Fireworks July4](https://mfship.org/4thofjuly/) - 4th of July Picnic with Virginia Saturday July 4, 2026 8-10pm Bath Freight Shed - 27 Commercial St, Bath Pack a picnic, bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair, and join Maine’s First Ship for a memorable Independence Day celebration on the banks of the Kennebec River. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food,
- [Native Archaeology Casco Bay](https://mfship.org/native-archaeology/) - Native American Archaeology around Casco Bay and the lower Kennebec July 22, 2026 - 7pm Bath Freight Shed Arthur Speiss, PhD, Senior Archaeologist, Maine Historic Preservation Commission This presentation focuses on the archaeology of the period from the end of the ice age until European arrival, including a discussion of the pre-European artifacts found at
- [History of Mayflower II](https://mfship.org/mayflower-ii/) - The Story of Mayflower II June 3, 2026 - 7pm Bath Freight Shed Whit Perry: Plimoth Patuxet Museums Director of Maritime Preservation and Operations, and Captain of the Mayflower II Captain Perry will tell us about the history of Mayflower II, a reproduction of the iconic vessel that carried the Pilgrims to Massachusetts, and give
- [Picturing Maine's Indigenous Context](https://mfship.org/picturing-maines-indigenous-context/) - Picturing Maine's Indigenous Context Colonialism and the Penobscot August 25, 2022 - 7pm to 8pm Liam Riordan, Professor of History, U Maine Fitz Henry Lane, Castine from Ft. George (1856, detail)Photograph © Museum for Fine Art, BostonBequest of Maxim Karolik, 64-437 This illustrated lecture uses the recent removal of the Gomez Memorial in Bangor, Maine, and
- [Samoset the Wawenock](https://mfship.org/samoset-the-wawenock/) - Samoset the Wawenock Indigenous-Settler Relations in the 17th Century June 23, 2022 - 7pm to 8pm Jody Bachelder, author On March 16, 1621, Samoset, a sagamore of the Wawenock, cemented his place in history. He was the first Indigenous person to make contact with the colonists at Plymouth Plantation, startling them when he emerged from
- [Maine's First People](https://mfship.org/maines-first-people/) - Maine's First People August 11, 2022 - 7pm to 8pm Bunny McBride Meet the Wabanaki women who paddled the waterways before, during, and after Maine’s First Ship was built. With a special appearance by John Bear Mitchell.Bunny McBride is an award-winning author, journalist and exhibit curator, whose work has focused on indigenous peoples, Native American
- [Tall Ships America](https://mfship.org/tall-ships-america/) - Tall Ships America50 Years of Education at Sea July 21, 2022 - 7pm to 8pm Nick Hardisty Tall Ships America works with tall ships operators, host ports, crew, and corporate sponsors with a focus on youth education, leadership development, and preservation of the maritime heritage of North America. The mission of Tall Ships America is
- [The Nature Conservancy](https://mfship.org/the-nature-conservancy/) - The Nature Conservancy July 14, 2022 - 7pm to 8pm Kate Dempsey This lecture is co-hosted by our friends at the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust Explore the past and future of the Nature Conservancy: history, justice, and collaborative conservation.Kate Dempsey has served as the State Director of The Nature Conservancy in Maine since 2016. For
- [English and Wabanaki Watercraft](https://mfship.org/english-and-wabanaki-watercraft/) - English and Wabanaki Watercraft Tools of trade, diplomany, and war in Midcoast Maine, 1605-1700 June 30 2022 - 7pm to 8pm Neill DePaoli For the Wabanaki of mid-coast Maine and the English newcomers, watercraft were an integral part of their daily lives during the 17th century. Waterborne travel was the primary means of transport thanks to
- [Tribes and Shipbuilders](https://mfship.org/wabanaki-center/) - Tribes and their Interactions with the Ship Builders July 7, 2022 - 7pm to 8pm John Bear Mitchell, U Maine The Wabanaki tribes where no strangers to ocean travel and varied the canoe for various waters. The tribes knew both the waters and the forests. Explore early interactions between the tribes and the English.John Bear
- [Wild Horses Sagadahoc](https://mfship.org/wild-horses-sagadahoc/) - The Wild Horses of Old Sagadahoc June 24, 2026 - 7pm Bath Freight Shed Harald E.L. Prins, PhD: Professor of Anthropology, Kansas State University This presentation tells the story of a herd of feral horses that once ranged freely between the lower Kennebec and New Meadows Rivers. They were the descendants of animals abandoned by
- [Popham Archeology Talk](https://mfship.org/popham-archeology-talk/) - An Introduction to the Archeology of the Popham Colony July 15, 2026 - 7pm Bath Freight Shed Ted South, PhD, Maine's First Ship Docent and Virginia Crew What do archaeologists do exactly, and how do they do it? This talk provides a beginner’s guide to the archaeology of Sabino Head in Phippsburg, particularly the results
- [Sailing 2026](https://mfship.org/sailing-2026/) - Sailing 2026 Spring has come, if somewhat reluctantly, and with it a new sailing season. Virginia is back in Bath after a short visit to Portland, where she was lifted and was painted below the waterline.Ticket sales are now open for public sails. While Virginia is in Bath, we will have two sails on Wednesdays
- [Ship Rigging History](https://mfship.org/ship-rigging-history/) - European Ship Rigging in the Age of Discovery (1418-1620) July 8, 2026 - 7pm Bath Freight Shed Jim Nelson, Author and Maine's First Ship Chief Rigger Virginia’s masts, sails, and lines, her “rigging,” might seem primitive to modern eyes, but they are the result of a thousand years of European sailing ship design and evolution.
- [Hurricane 1635](https://mfship.org/hurricane-1635/) - The Colonial Hurricane of 1635 along the Coast of Maine June 17, 2026 - 7pm Bath Freight Shed Neill De Paoli, PhD, Manager of Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site The Great Colonial Hurricane of 1635 was a devastating Category 3 storm that hit New England in late August, destroying settlements, forests, and ships, and causing
- [Altantic Challenge](https://mfship.org/altantic-challenge/) - Adventure and Camaraderie: The Story of Atlantic Challenge June 10, 2026 - 7pm Bath Freight Shed Arista Holden: Executive Director, Atlantic Challenge USA Atlantic Challenge USA is a non-profit program based in Belfast, Maine. It is part of an international global network of community boatbuilding. and offers rowing and sailing programs based on the use
- [Movie Night](https://mfship.org/movie-night/) - Movie Night - Race to AlaskaApril 23, 2026 5-7:30pm Bath Freight Shed PrevPreviousWinterfest NextAnnual Meeting 2026Next
- [Coastal Naviagation Class](https://mfship.org/coastal-naviagation-class/) - Coastal Navigation with Captain Emma Hathaway Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3 8am-3pm Join Maine’s First Ship and Captain Emma Hathawy for a two-day class on Coastal Navigation. Learn to navigate the coast of Maine using paper charts, compasses, dividers, and navigational triangles. You can expect to learn triangulation, how to take a bearing,
- [Sail Boston 250 Dinner](https://mfship.org/sail-boston-250-dinner/) - Sail Boston 250 - Dinner Saturday April 18, 2026 - 6pm J R Maxwell & Co 122 Front Street, Bath Maine Join us for a dinner to raise funds to sail Virginia to Sail Boston 250 – Tall Ships 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Virgina will join ships from around the world.The dinner is hosted
- [Nautical Yard Sale](https://mfship.org/yard-sale/) - Nautical Yard SaleMay 15-17 2026 Bath Freight Shed Join us for the Yard SaleJoin us at the Bath Freight Shed for a three-day Nautical Yard Sale, and spread the word to friends who love marine treasures and great bargains. The sale starts with a celebration on Friday May 16, 4-7pm. It continues on Saturday May
- [Annual Meeting 2026](https://mfship.org/annual-meeting-2026/) - Annual Meeting 2026 Saturday, March 21, 2026 1-3:30pm PrevPreviousMovie Night NextNautical Yard SaleNext
- [Winterfest](https://mfship.org/winterfest/) - Bath Winterfest at Maine's First Ship Saturday, February 21, 2026 1-3pm PrevPreviousBook Signing NextMovie NightNext
- [Book Signing](https://mfship.org/book-signing/) - Maine’s First ShipHoliday Gift Sale and Author SigningDecember 13, 2025 9am - noon Bath Freight Shed Saturday Deccember 13 9am – noonBath Freight Shed27 Commerical StBath Maine 04530 At Maine’s First Ship we have several authors among our volunteers, and we sell many of their books at our shop in the Bath Freight Shed. These
- [Hunt plan](https://mfship.org/hunt-plan-exhibit/) - Hunt plan John Hunt 1607 Ink on paper A plan of Fort St George drawn on October 8. 1607. At this time only a small portion of the fort had been completed. Some of the fort never was completed in the 14 months of the Popham Colony. PrevKnight and rams head On October 8, 1607,
- [End of Season 2025](https://mfship.org/end-of-2025/) - Winter is comming! The final public sailing for 2025 is October 17. We have a few school visits and events at the freight shed during the last two weeks of October, but our season is almost over.Starting October 21 we will be changing over the freight shed to winter mode, rearranging the visitor center to
- [Fall Events 2025](https://mfship.org/fall-events-2025/) - Maine's First Ship Events in Fall 2025 Although Virginia still has public sailings on the Kennebec River in September and October, the summer season at Maine’s First Ship is coming to a close. Virginia made port visits to Boothbay Harbor for the Windjammer Days, Colonial Pemequid for the 17th Century Event, Popham for Flare Night,
- [Maritime Music Celebration 2025](https://mfship.org/maritime-music-2025/) - Maritime Music CelebrationSaturday October 25, 2025 6-9pm An evening of Maine's finest seafaring music Saturday October 25, 2025 6pmBath Freight Shed27 Commerical StBath Maine 04530 An array of Maine’s finest seafaring music artists will share the stage for a fantastic evening of song and camaraderie in support of Virginia, Maine’s First Ship. The audience will
- [Fiber Day](https://mfship.org/events-fiber-day-2025/) - Fiber Day and Free Visitor Center DayOctober 4, 2025 9:00am - 1:00pm Maine Craft Weekend Saturday October 4, 2025 9am – 1pmBath Freight Shed27 Commerical StBath Maine 04530 Join us for the 11th annual Fiber Day at the Bath Freight Shed. Local fiber artists will be weaving, spinning, knitting, hand sewing, felting, and doing rope
- [Local Business Gathering](https://mfship.org/local-business-2025/) - Local Business Gathering October 7, 2025 5:30-8pm Tuesday October 7, 2025 5:30 – 8pmBath Freight Shed27 Commerical StBath Maine 04530 Are you a local business?If so, please join Main Street Bath and Maine’s First Ship for an evening of connection and community.Drinks & light hors d’oeuvresNetwork with local business peersMeet Maine’s First Ship’s new Executive
- [Sailing Virginia 2025](https://mfship.org/sailing-virginia-2025/) - Sailing Virginia 2025 This summer and fall, Virginia will again be hosting public sailings on the Kennebec River. The 2-hour sailings are on Friday afternoons at 12:30 and 3:30. There are a limited number of days, as Virginia will also be making a number of port visits. Each sail is limited to 6 passengers, age
- [English Tea Party](https://mfship.org/english-tea-party/) - English Tea Party Sunday September 21, 2025 - 1-3pmBath Freight Shed Come for a cuppa on Sunday September 21, 2025, 1-3pm when the Bath Freight Shed is transformed into an English tea garden. Savor an afternoon of tea with a selection of fine teas, sandwiches, and pastries. Tea is accompanied by the ethereal harp music
- [Raffle](https://mfship.org/raffle/) - Raffle: Win a Wherry Tickets available at the Bath Freight Shed: $25 (max 200) Maine’s First Ship is holding a raffle for the rowing wherry Pegasus. Proceeds of the sale will be used for Maine’s First Ship educational programs.Sliding seat rowing wheryDesigned and built by Andrew C. VavolotisLOA 22’ 2” – Beam 3’ 3” –
- [King's Ships](https://mfship.org/kings-ships/) - The King's ShipsHenry V and the Birth of the English Navy July 30, 2025 - 7pm Bath Freight Shed and Zoom Matt Blazek - Education Director, Maine's First Ship This lecture explores the pivotal role of King Henry V in the formation of England’s first centralized naval force—the first steps of transforming England’s ad-hoc coastal
- [Indigenous Maritime Culture](https://mfship.org/indigenous-maritime/) - Indigenous Maritime Culture in North America July 23, 2025 - 7pm Bath Freight Shed and Zoom Lincoln Paine, Maritime Historian Before the 1950s, if you wanted to get to the Americas, you had to come by boat. This was true of the waves of celebrities aboard art deco-inspired ocean liners, of nineteenth-century European immigrants, of
- [Ship Modelers Guild](https://mfship.org/ship-modelers-guild/) - Downeast Ship Modelers Guild September 26-28 2025 10am-3pm Bath Freight Shed, 27 Commercial Street, Bath Maine Join us at Maine’s First Ship Visitor Center at the Bath Freight Shed on Friday September 26, Saturday September 27, and Sunday September 28 for an exhibit of model ships by the Downeast Ship Modelers Guild. We plan to
- [Hot Pot Dinner](https://mfship.org/full-moon-dinner-1025/) - Full Moon Dinner - Monday October 6, 2025 Chinese Hot Pot with Chris Toy and Jeff Mao Monday October 6, 2025 6pmBath Freight Shed27 Commerical StBath Maine 04530 Join us on Monday October 6 for the fourth annual hot pot dinner to celebrate the harvest full moon. The meal features food from local farmers cooked
- [New Hampshire Gundalows](https://mfship.org/new-hampshire-gundalows/) - New Hampshire GundalowsBuilding the Replica Piscatuqua July 16, 2025 - 7pm Bath Freight Shed and Zoom Rich Clyborne - Executive Director, Gundalow Company Gundalows, flat-bottomed, shallow-draft barges, appeared in the Piscataqua River watershed in the mid-1600s, carrying cargo such as timber, building materials, supplies, textiles, salt marsh hay, and people to the towns that lined
- [Onboard Tifara](https://mfship.org/onboard-tifara/) - Onboard s/v TifaraMarinique to the Azores and Spain July 9, 2025 - 7pm Bath Freight Shed and Zoom Alicia Witham - Executive Director, Maine's First Ship I have been fortunate to have sailed in many amazing places all over the world. And had not done an Atlantic crossing until April of 2025. I plan to
- [Popham v Havercombe](https://mfship.org/popham-v-havercombe/) - Popham v. Havercombe, High Court of the Admiralty, 1609 This testimony is from a lawsuit by Sir Francis Popham and his mother, Lady Anna Popham, the owners of the ship Gift of God, against John Havercombe, the master of that ship, alleging dereliction of his duty as master. The ship had come home very late
- [17th Century Days at Colonial Pemaquid](https://mfship.org/event-pemaquid-2025/) - 17th Century Days at Colonial Pemaquid Virginia and her older (if smaller) sister Jane Stevens will visit Colonial Pemaquid for 17th Century Days. The event runs July 12th (Sat), 9am-5pm & 13th (Sun), 10am-3pm.Due to damage at the docks from winter storms in the winter of 2023-24, Virginia will be moored in the harbor, and
- [Bateaux to the Brits](https://mfship.org/bateaux-to-the-brits/) - Bateaux to the BritsArnold's 1775 Expedition to Quebec June 25, 2025 - 7pmBath Freight Shed and via Zoom Rob Stevens In September 1775, Benedict Arnold led a force of 1100 Continental Army troops on an expedition from Cambridge, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, to the gates of Quebec City. The expedition was part of
- [Maine's Lobster Industry](https://mfship.org/maine-lobster-industry/) - Maine's Lobster IndustryFrom the Indigenous Period to the Present June 18, 2025 - 7pmBath Freight Shed and Zoom Seth Goldstein Today, the Maine lobster is a global icon, but historically, the crustacean was considered a trash food by many. Historian Seth Goldstein, of the South Portland Historical Society, will trace the lobster fishery from its
- [Vices and Virtues of Woods](https://mfship.org/woods-in-shipbuilding-lutherie/) - Vices and Virtues of WoodUsed in Shipbuilding and Lutherie June 11, 2025 - 7pm Bath Freight Shed and Zoom Fred Gosbee By the beginning of the 16th century, much of Europe’s primordial forests were gone. Wood was the “gasoline” of the age; needed for ships, wagons, gun carriages, and fuel for smelting. The search for
- [Coastal Impacts of Ocean Storms](https://mfship.org/ocean-storms/) - Coastal Impacts of Ocean Storms June 4, 2025 - 7pmBath Freight Shed and via Zoom Joseph Sienkiewicz, Meteorologist Over recent years, sou’easterly winds associated with coastal storms have wreaked havoc along much of the Maine Coast. High storm tides and waves have destroyed docks and buildings, caused significant erosion, and altered landscapes. This talk will discuss
- [Windjammer Days 2025](https://mfship.org/windjammer-2025/) - Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days 2025 June 25-29 2025 Virginia is sailing to Boothbay Harbor to participate in Winjammer Days.Wednesday June 25 – Virginia sails early in the morning to catch the tide for a trip to Boothbay Harbor. Virginia directly joins the Parade of Sail before docking at Fisherman’s Wharf.Thursday June 26 – We will host
- [Maine's First Ship Maypole Celebration](https://mfship.org/maypole-celebration/) - Maine's First Ship Maypole Celebration Saturday May 10, 2025 - 11am-1:30pm Outside the Bath Freight Shed, 27 Commercial Street, Bath Maine Join us rain or shine!Free and open to the publicRight along with having the first English ship built in the Americas, the Midcoast Region of Maine can claim America’s first maypole dance.Over 400 years
- [South Freeport Event](https://mfship.org/south-freeport/) - South Freeport Members Celebration April 4, 2025 5-8pmSouth Freeport ChurchApril 5, 2025 9am-noon Strouts Point Wharf Company Member and Volunteers of Maine’s FirsţShip, please invite your friends and family to our two events to thank and celebrate the support of Strouts Point Wharf and its local community for keeping Virginia safe this winter. 2025 will
- [Spring 2025](https://mfship.org/spring-2025/) - Spring 2025 Virginia has spent a quiet winter at the protected wharf of the Strouts Point Wharf Company in South Freeport. It is spring now, and Virginia is once again uncovered as we are preparing to leave our winter home. We wish to thank the Strouts Point Wharf Company and our friends in South Freeport.Our
- [17th Century Foodways](https://mfship.org/17th-century-foodways/) - 17th Century Foodways April 19, 2026 9am - 12:30pm Outside the Bath Freight Shed Join us on Saturday April 19, 2025 in the boatyard outside the Bath Freight Shed for a celebration of spring and free demonstrations of 17th-century food preparation. The Bath Farmers Market will start its summer season outside at Waterfront Park that
- [The Making of Virginia](https://mfship.org/lecture-making-virginia/) - The Making of Virginia Jim Parmentier For over 25 years Maine’s First Ship has been researching, designing, and building a reconstruction of the 1607-08 Virginia of Sagadahoc, the first ocean-going vessel built by Europeans in North America. The original Virginia was built at the mouth of the Kennebec River by Englishmen of the Popham Colony.
- [Job Executive Director](https://mfship.org/job-executive-director/) - Maine's First Ship - Executive Director Executive Director PositionMaine’s First Ship is seeking a dynamic Executive Director responsible for the overall leadership, management, and operations of a community supported, volunteer driven, membership organization. MFS strives to use our reconstruction of the 1607 pinnace Virginia to immerse the public in an exploration of the region’s early
- [<i>Virginia's</i> First Voyage](https://mfship.org/first-voyage/) - Virginia's First Voyage December 12, 2022 Join us on Monday December 12 as Virginia takes her first real voyage. Virginia is wintering in Wiscasset to avoid the ice flows on the Kennebec River but will return to Bath in the spring. The voyage starts at the Bath Freight Shed about 7:45am with the scheduled opening of
- [Winter 2025](https://mfship.org/winter-2025/) - Winter 2025 Our sailing season for 2024 is done, and Virginia is resting in a calm harbor at Strouts Point Wharf in South Freeport, Maine. She will soon be covered with a tarp. There is limited parking on the site, so it will be hard to visit Virginia this winter.Before the transit to South Freeport, we
- [Taste of Greece](https://mfship.org/event-taste-of-greece/) - Full Moon Dinner for the Hunter's MoonThe Flavors of Greece October 17, 2024 6-8pm - Bath Freight Shed Chef Mollie Jellison of Long Reach Kitchen & Catering On the evening of the full moon October 17, 2024, join the members and friends of Maine’s First Ship at the Bath Freight Shed for a celebration
- [Connecting with the Mondern Maya](https://mfship.org/events-mondern-maya/) - Connecting with the Modern Maya - The Chiapas Maya ProjectOctober 1, 2022 3:30pm Lori Benson Bath Freight Shed27 Commerical StBath Maine 04530 For 26 years, Lori Benson has traveled to the southern Mexican state of Chiapas to work with the Highland Maya. At first, it was part of a continuing project with the Science Museum of
- [Jamestown Godspeed](https://mfship.org/lecture2023-godspeed/) - The re-created 17th century Jamestown ship Godspeed Research, design, and construction June 21, 2023 - 7pm to 8pm Capt. Eric Speth Three small wooden ships, Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery sailed from London in December 1606 arriving at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay almost four and one-half months later. They explored the lower Bay
- [Sail Training Experiences](https://mfship.org/lecture2023-sail-training/) - Sail Training Experiences on Tall Ships Getting kids off their phones and out to sea June 28, 2023 - 7pm to 8pm Alex Agnew Sailing Ships Maine has gotten more than 1,000 kids from all walks of life off their phones by sending them out to sea for life-enhancing outdoor experiential programming. Alex Agnew, President
- [Stability of Wooden Ships](https://mfship.org/lecture-stability-wooden-ships/) - Stability and Safety of Wooden Ships June 26, 2024 - 7pm to 8pm Capt. Iver Franzen, SNAME In the era of sailing ships there were many tragic accidents resulting in the loss of both ships and life. The response by governments to these tragedies took the form of increasingly tighter regulations. Rehabilitated original ships and
- [Designing <i>Virginia</i>](https://mfship.org/event-designing-virginia/) - Designing Virginia July 24, 2024 - 7pm to 8pm David B Wyman This talk describes the evolution of the design of Virginia but also the evolution of the designer that made the design possible. The design of Virginia was a collaboration with John Bradford whose extensive historical research of the original Virginia and vessels like
- [Pirates! ... Privateers! ... Lawyers!](https://mfship.org/event-privateers/) - Pirates! ... Privateers! ... Lawyers! July 31, 2024 - 7pm to 8pm John J Smith In the Age of Elizabeth I, England became a formidable sea power. Her Royal Navy was weak, but her merchant fleet was aggressive, entrepreneurial, and opportunistic and it sought to expand trade with settlements across the seas. Much of its
- [The Doctrine of Discovery](https://mfship.org/lecture-doctrine-discovery/) - The Doctrine of Discovery - Unmasking the Domination Code October 2, 2024 - 7pm to 8pm This event has been canceled Documentary video by Sheldon Wolfchild and Steven Newcomb This powerful documentary is by Dakota filmmaker and director Sheldon Wolfchild and producer Steven Newcomb (Shawnee, Lenape). The film is based on Newcomb’s thirty years of
- [Chasing the Stars with Hokule'a](https://mfship.org/chasing-the-stars/) - Chasing the Stars with Hōkūle’a September 25, 2024 - 7pm Reg Elwell Reg Elwell, a Harvard graduate, Navy veteran, lifetime sailor, and a volunteer for Maine’s First Ship, describes Hokule’a, and the Polynesian navigation used to traverse the large areas of the Pacific Ocean.This is the sixth of the 2024 Summer Lecture Series. This year
- [Global Winds and the History of Human Exploration](https://mfship.org/lecture-global-winds/) - Global Winds and the History of Human Exploration September 18, 2024 - 7pm Capt. Elliot Rappaport Elliot Rappaport, a professional captain of traditional sailing ships, has spent three decades at sea, where an informed understanding of weather is crucial to the safety of vessels and their crews. In his presentation, Captain Rappaport will offer a
- [Model Boat Building](https://mfship.org/workshop-model-boats/) - Paper Boat Models: Youth Workshop August 24, 2024 10am-noon Paper Boat Model BuildingAugust 24, 2024 10am – noonInstructor: Phil Helgerson, Boat builder and hobbyistThis 2-hour Saturday morning session engages young people – ages 8-12 – in good, old-fashioned Ingenuity. The session can be enjoyed by the child alone or their grown-up can join them at
- [<i>Jane Stevens</i> Lines Details](https://mfship.org/shallop-lines/) - Will West 2010 - The design shows the lines of the shallop Jane Stevens
- [17th Century Bag Kniting Workshop](https://mfship.org/workshop-bag-knitting/) - 17th Century Knitted Bag Workshop October 5, 2024 10am - 1:30pm (with lunch break) Instructor: Vivian Bolt Vivian BoltVivian Bolt is an experienced knitter having learned the craft 40 years ago. She first started knitting 17th-century clothing sixteen years ago while a member and then president of the Greater Boston Knitting Guild. She helped the
- [<i>Virginia</i> Model](https://mfship.org/virginia-model/) - Maine's First Ship, 2006 - A 1/8 scale model of the pinnace Virginia built to match the working design for reconstructing Virginia, and showing the ocean rigging.
- [<i>Jane Stevens</i> Construction Details](https://mfship.org/shallop-construction/) - Will West 2010 - Construction details for the shallop Jane Stevens
- [<i>Virginia</i> An In-Context Design](https://mfship.org/virginia-in-context-design/) - John Bradford 2011 - The 1607 Popham Colony's Pinnace Virginia, An In-Context Design of Maine's First Ship.
- [<i>Virginia</i> Conceptual Design](https://mfship.org/design-bev/) - Ernest "Bev" Bevilacqua 1997 - Initial historical concept design for Virginia.
- [<i>Virginia</i> Particulars](https://mfship.org/design-walker/) - Fred Walker, Naval Architects 2001, 2002 - Historical design for Virginia with ocean rigging giving particulars for size and weight.
- [<i>Virginia</i> Lines in the style of Matthew Baker](https://mfship.org/virginia-lines-in-the-style-of-matthew-baker/) - John Bradford 2003 - This single sheet line drawing in the style of 16th century shipwright Matthew Baker shows the shape and proportions of Virginia from multiple angles.
- [<i>Virginia</i> Working design](https://mfship.org/design-outboard-profile/) - David Wyman 2004 - First of the working designs for Virginia which shows the Outboard Profile.
- [<i>Virginia</i> Inboard Profile](https://mfship.org/design-inboard-profile/) - David Wyman 2004 - Working design showing the internal organization of Virginia
- [<i>Virginia</i> Midship Section](https://mfship.org/design-midship-section/) - David Wyman 2004 - Working designs for Virginia showing the section of the frame at the midship section, including the construction of the frames.
- [<i>Virginia</i> Lines](https://mfship.org/design-lines/) - David Wyman 2004, 2011 - Define the shape and size of the hull
- [<i>Virginia</i> Deck Framing](https://mfship.org/design-deck-framing/) - David Wyman 2004 - Working design showing the construction of the framing and desk
- [<i>Virginia</i> Sail Plan](https://mfship.org/design-sail-plan/) - David Wyman 2008 - Working design showing the plan for rigging
- [<i>Virginia</i> Rigging drawings](https://mfship.org/design/) - #David Wyman 2005 - A number of detailed drawings of rigging components
- [Wednesday Summer Yoga](https://mfship.org/event-summer-yoga/) - Wednesday Summer Yoga June 12 - August 28 5-6pm Join us each Wednesday this summer for an hour of yoga at the Bath Freight Shed. No registration is required and you can just come by. The price is $15 and you can pay by the variety of method (cash, check, venmo, card). The sessions are lead
- [America's Boating Course](https://mfship.org/americas-boating-course/) - America’s Boating Course America’s Boating CoursePostponed until fall 2024Bath Freight Shed27 Commercial StBath MaineAmerica’s Boating Course (ABC) – 12 hr version includes a mix of lecture, reading, discussion and hands-on practice. Appropriate for power and sail boaters and includes:Boat Education: General information about boats and personal watercraft.Boat Safety: How to make your boating safer and
- [Sail on <i>Virginia</i>](https://mfship.org/sail-on-virginia/) - Sail on Virginia We have reached another historic moment for Maine’s First Ship as we move to operational mode and open up the reservation system for tours and sailings. We are only authorized to have six passengers for sailings and on-deck tours, so this will be a small hands-on experience. You can go directly to
- [May Day Party](https://mfship.org/may-day-party/) - May Day and Virginia's return party May 18, 2024 Outside the Bath Freight Shed Join us on Saturday May 18, 2024 in the boatyard outside the Bath Freight Shed for a celebration of Virginia’s return from Portland. This is part of the Bath Sprint Into Summer celebrations.The Jane Stevens Visitor Center will be open on
- [Annual Meeting 2024](https://mfship.org/annual-meeting-2024/) - Annual Meeting 2024 March 25, 2024 Saturday April 6, 2024 - 3-5pm Bath Freight Shed The annual meeting of Maine’s First Ship will be held on Saturday April 6, 2024 from 3-5pm at the Bath Freight Shed. 2023 was a banner year in the history of Maine’s First Ship with our initial Coast Guard certification, public
- [Virginia in Portland](https://mfship.org/virginia-in-portland/) - Virginia in Portland After a stormy but not very cold winter in Wiscasset, Virginia returned to her wharf in Bath on Monday April 29. However, she will only be there a week before going to Portland Yacht Services for a haul out, bottom scraping and repainting, rudder work, and an inspection. Virginia should be ready
- [Wilderness First Aid Workshop](https://mfship.org/workshop-wilderness-first-aid/) - Wilderness First Aid Class More information about the course Wilderness First Aid ClassMay 4 and 5, 2024 8am – 6pmBath Freight Shed27 Commercial StBath MaineThis course is now sold out. You can contact the MFS office at 207-443-4242 to be added to the wait list for the course.This two-day, 16-hour course is taught by the
- [Spring 2024](https://mfship.org/spring-2024/) - Spring 2024 After a stormy, wet, and not very cold winter, spring is coming to Midcoast Maine, and to Maine’s First Ship.In March we got yet another high-water storm, coming close to breaking the water height record set this February. Once again water got to within inches of the floor of the freight shed. Virginia is
- [Winter 2024](https://mfship.org/winter-2024/) - Winter 2024 Winter seems like a quiet time at Maine’s First Ship, with Virginia under her tarps in Wiscasset, and the Fright Shed cold and lonely except for the Bath Farmers Market on Saturday morning. Behind the scenes, there is a flurry of activity planning for a full season of events throughout the season.This winter
- [Job Vessel Operations Coordinator](https://mfship.org/job-vessel-operations-coordinator/) - Maine's First Vessel Operations Coordinator Program Area: Vessel OperationsCategory: Part Time, variableCompensation: $24 / hr / No lodging aboardLocation: Bath MaineORGANIZATION DESCRIPTIONThe mission of Maine’s First Ship is to use our reconstruction of the 1607 pinnace Virginia to immerse the public in an exploration of the region’s early history, craftsmanship, and relationships, and their impact
- [Job Education Manager](https://mfship.org/job-education-manager/) - Maine's First Ship - Education Manager Program Area: Community Engagement & EducationCategory: Part Time, VariableCompensation: $22 / hrLocation: Bath, MEORGANIZATION DESCRIPTIONThe mission of Maine’s First Ship is to use our reconstruction of the 1607 pinnace Virginia to immerse the public in an exploration of the region’s early history, craftsmanship, and relationships, and their impact on
- [Fall 2023](https://mfship.org/fall-2023/) - Fall 2023 As summer slides into fall, Maine’s First Ship and Virginia look back at a summer of sailing, sea trials, crew training, and the resulting rework on the rigging. Virginia visited Boothbay for Windjammer Days, and Colonial Pemaquid for the 17th Century Event.We have had a lot of visitors at the Jane Stevens Visitor Center,
- [Shipwright's Elves Workshop](https://mfship.org/elves-workshop/) - Shipwrights' Elves Workshop Saturday December 9, 2023 1-3pm Join us on Saturday December 9 at the freight shed for family activities where young people and their grown-ups can hand-make gifts with the help of our talented volunteers. People of all ages are welcome.There will be ingenious and easy projects with paper, rope, wood, and more. Bath
- [Basic Metal Working](https://mfship.org/workshop-metal-working/) - Basic Metal Working Basic Metal Working Instructor: Michael Foster, Jewelry and metal-working hobbyist This three-day workshop teaches skills for crafting in metal. Participants craft a copper wind spinner and will learn to cut, drill, anneal, form, and solder copper sheets and wire.Enrollment is limited to 6 students who must be at least age 15.The tuition is $100
- [Virginia Sailing 1023](https://mfship.org/virginia-sailing-1023/) - Deck and dock tours of VirginiaWednesdays and Saturdays in October Bath Freight Shed27 Commerical StBath Maine 04530 Maine’s First Ship is now able to offer guided tours of Virginia including the dock, deck, and below deck areas. Our captain and crew will show you around and you can experience hands on the life of a
- [Full Moon Dinner 0923](https://mfship.org/full-moon-dinner-0923/) - Full Moon Dinner - September 29, 2023 Chinese Hot Pot with Chris Toy and Jeff Mao Friday September 29, 2023 6pmBath Freight Shed27 Commerical StBath Maine 04530 Join us on Friday September 29 for the second annual hot pot dinner to celebrate the harvest full moon. The meal features food from local farmers cooked at
- [Jane Stevens at Fort St George](https://mfship.org/jane-stevens-at-fort-st-george/) - Jane Stevens at Fort St George Back to our roots Friday September 18, 2023 Popham Villiage Phippsburg Maine When the Popham Colonists arrived at the Sagadahoc River, one of the first tasks was to construct one or more shallops, small open boats which could be rowed or sailed. One of these would become the tender for the
- [Popham Colony History Part 2](https://mfship.org/lecture2023-popham-history2/) - Popham Colony History - Part 2 Later navigators and settlement preparations 1584-1607 August 2, 2023 - 7pm to 8pm Dan Wood By the end of the 16th century, navigators had been exploring the northern areas of the American coast for a century. A huge fishing industry was in place in the Grand Banks off of
- [Period Music of the 1600s](https://mfship.org/lecture2023-1600s-music/) - Period Music of the 1600s Lecture and demonstrations July 19, 2023 - 7pm to 8pm Julia Lane Music has always been an important part of daily life. Singing, in particular, was not only an avenue for self-expression and storytelling but also provided a source of cultural common ground. Songs were as much a part of
- [Popham Colony History Part 1](https://mfship.org/lecture2023-popham-history1/) - Popham Colony History - Part 1 Early navigators 1497-1583 July 26, 2023 - 7pm to 8pm Dan Wood In 1496, only four years after Columbus, King Henry VII of England gave John Cabot a patent to discover whatever part of the world which was before this unknown to Christians. Thus started over a century of
- [Making Maritime Photography Magical](https://mfship.org/workshop-photo-magic/) - Making Maritime Photography Magical Making Maritime Photography Magical Instructor: Keith Spiro, Media ProfessionalThis two-hour workshop teaches participants how to take better photographs and how to be safe when working in a maritime environment. Bring your own camera. You may use any level of camera with which you feel comfortable, including cell phones. Families are encouraged to
- [We Fed the Pilgrims](https://mfship.org/lecture2023-we-fed-the-pilgrims/) - We Fed the Pilgrims Early European settlement of New England July 12, 2023 - 7pm to 8pm Mike Dekker During the last half of the 16th century, a huge cod fishing industry was created in the Grand Banks east of Newfoundland. Most of the fishing crews came over seasonally. At the beginning of the 17th
- [Windjammer Days](https://mfship.org/windjammer-days/) - Windjammer Days June 26, 2023 News Virginia is going sailing! Summer has come an Virginia is going sailing. Virginia is visiting Boothbay Harbor for Windjammer Days as the newest (and smallest) of the tall ships. Virginia arrives at the Boothbay Harbor public landing the afternoon of Monday June 26, and will stay until the morning of Thursday June
- [Thanks to Maine Maritime Museum](https://mfship.org/thanks-mmm/) - Thanks to the Maine Maritime Museum Public Letter of Thanks to the Maine Maritime MuseumJune 25, 2023 The Maine’s First Ship community is elated to have Virginia home at the Bath Freight Shed dock. We are grateful to our volunteers, members, and community who have worked tirelessly and provided funds to restore the integrity of
- [<i>Virginia</i>](https://mfship.org/bevs-virginia/) - Virginia Ernest "Bev" Bevilacqua 1998 Watercolor The drawing of Virginia is one of the first done for Maine's First Ship. Virginia Lines in the style of Matthew BakerNext Research for Maine’s First Ship was begun in early 1997 by Bev Bevilaqua and other members of the vessel committee. His efforts, which included a visit to
- [Wabanaki Warriors in WWII](https://mfship.org/wabanaki-warriors-in-wwii/) - Wabanaki Warriors of WWII We did not ask; they did not tell June 7, 2023 - 7pm to 8pm Harald E.L. Prins Discover the story of Penobscot Elder Charles Norman Shay of Indian Island Maine. His life story brings to light the mostly ignored or fogotten service and sacrifice made by Native American soldiers and
- [Bateaux to Canada](https://mfship.org/lecture2023-bateaux-to-canada/) - Bateaux to Canada In the footsteps of Benedict Arnold June 14, 2023 - 7pm to 8pm Rob Stevens In September 1775 General Benedict Arnold lead an expedition from Cambridge Massachusetts in an attempt to defeat the British at Quebec. The thousand strong force travelled up the Kennebec River in hastily constructed bateaux. Going over the
- [Homecoming Dinner at JR Maxwell](https://mfship.org/homecoming-dinner/) - June 6, 2023 7-9pm J.R. Maxwell & Co Restaurant On June 6, please join us as we celebrate Virginia’s Homecoming to the Kennebec River. 5:00 – 6:30pm Exhibit “Moods of Virginia” with photographer Keith Spiro at the Patten Free Library. Reception with light refreshments 7:00 – 9:00pm 17th century inspired dinner with J.R. Maxwell &
- [<i>Virginia</i> Homecoming](https://mfship.org/virginia-homecoming/) - Virginia is coming home! Spring has come and Virginia is coming home. The homecoming has been delayed by a winter storm which took out one of the dock supports at the Bath Freight Shed. We are making progress on fixing the dock, but until that work is done, Virginia will be spending a couple of
- [Coastal Navigation](https://mfship.org/workshop-coastal-navigation/) - Coastal Navigation Workshop Introduction to Coastal Navigation Instructor: Mark Phillips, US Naval Officer (Retired) This three-day workshop introduces the fundimentals coastal navigation and teaches participants how to navigate small craft safely in coastal waters. It also provides a broad overview of types of Navigation at Sea. The workshop uses in-person and video instruction and a lot of
- [Annual Meeting 2023](https://mfship.org/annual-meeting-2023/) - Annual Meeting 2023 News February 15, 2023 Sunday March 26, 2023 - 3pm The annual meeting of Maine’s First Ship was held on Sunday March 26, 2023 from 3-5pm at Sarah’s Cafe in Wiscasset Maine. 2022 was a banner year in the history of the Maine’s First Ship with the launch and the first voyage of
- [Full Moon Dinner 0922](https://mfship.org/full-moon-dinner-0922/) - Full Moon Dinner - September 10, 2022 Chinese Hot Pot with Chris Toy and Jeff Mao Saturday September 10, 2022 6pm Bath Freight Shed 27 Commerical St Bath Maine 04530 We are bringing back the Full Moon Dinners at the Bath Freight Shed after two years of global pandemic. These dinners featuring farm-to-table dining began
- [Stargazing with Southern Maine Astronomers](https://mfship.org/events-stargazing-0922/) - Stargazing and 17th Century Navigation Saturday September 24, 2022 6-8pm Southern Maine Astronomers Saturday September 24, 2022 6 – 8pmBath Freight Shed27 Commerical StBath Maine 04530 Join Maine’s First Ship and the Southern Maine Astronomers for an evening nautical-themed astronomical exploration.We will explore the night sky and the same stars that guided the Popham Colonists
- [Raffle: <i>Virginia</i> chest and quilt](https://mfship.org/event-raffle-chest-and-quilt/) - Raffle: Virginia chest and quit Raffle held November 1, 2022Tickets available at the Bath Freight Shed: $5 or 5/$20 Maine’s First Ship is holding a raffle for a Vriginia themed sea chest. Inside the chest is a a Virginia decorated quit.The items are availabe for view and raffle tickets are available for sale at the Bath
- [Women's Shipbuilding Day](https://mfship.org/eventwomens-shipbuilding/) - Women's Shipbuilding Day November 13, 2022 9am - 3pmBath Freight Shed Join us this November for the 8th annual Women’s Shipbuilding Day. Virginia was launched in June 2022 but is still under construction at her wharf on the Kennebec River.Shipwright Rob Stevesn will present an overview and tour of Virginia before participants begin hands-on shipbuilding
- [Holiday Workshop](https://mfship.org/events-holiday-workshop/) - Shipwrights and Riggers Holiday Workshop December 10, 2022 1-3pmBath Freight Shed Maine’s First Ship and the ArtVan invite you to join us December 10 for a Holiday Workshop.Craft you own nautical-themed holiday decoration or ornament with our shipwrights, riggers, and friendly elves from Think About It and ArtVan. For the whole family!Gift wrapping with ArtVan
- [Winter 2022-2023](https://mfship.org/winter-2022-2023/) - This winter Virginia has moved to the Wiscasset Town Dock. The Kennebec is to dangerous a place due to ice flows from the 130 miles of river above us.Virginia was moved to her winter home on December 12. She will stay there until late March or early April. For details of the trip see mfship.org/first-voyage
- [Late Summer 2022](https://mfship.org/late-summer-2022/) - The summer has moved moved swiftly since the launch of Virginia on June 4. The 2022 Summer Lecture Series is now complete. There have been nine talks, many of them looking at history from the Wabanaki point of view. In case you missed these, all of the 2022 Summer Lectures are available as recordings on
- [The launch of <i>Virginia</i>](https://mfship.org/the-launch-of-virginia/) - June 4, 2022 Bath Freight Shed Join us on June 4th for a celebration to commemorate the launch of the Maine's First Ship reconstruction of the pinnace Virginia and to thank the many volunteers who have shared their time and talents to bring both history and vessel to life. We also thank our many donors
- [<i>Virginia</i> Lines in the style of Matthew Baker](https://mfship.org/after-baker/) - Virginia Lines in the style of Matthew Baker John Bradford 2003 Watercolor with digital color modification This single sheet line drawing in the style of 16th century shipwright Matthew Baker shows the shape and proportions of Virginia from multiple angles. PrevVirginia Stamp: Virginia of SagadahockNext Prior to 1600, most shipwrights served long apprenticeships. They were
- [Where Fact Meets Fiction](https://mfship.org/where-fact-meets-fiction/) - The Popham Colony: Where Fact Meets Fiction July 28, 2022 - 7pm to 8pm Richard deVillers Seymour, author Explore the interaction of fact and fiction in stories of the Popham Colony.Richard Seymour has been a clinical psychologist for the past thirty years. He currently practices in both Portland and Brunswick, and is a Professor Emeritus
- [Early English Voyages](https://mfship.org/early-english-voyages/) - Early English Voyages to the New World June 16, 2022 - 7pm to 8pm Margaret J. Wilson, author The European colonization of North America in the 17th century was preceded by over a hundred years of expeditionary voyages by European navigators and explorers. Most of these voyages were headed by well-born, highly educated men who
- [Annual Meeting 2022](https://mfship.org/annual-meeting-2022/)
- [Winter 2022](https://mfship.org/winter-2022/) - Winter has come to the boatshed at the Bath Freight Shed. This will be the last winter for the boatshed, as it will be torn down as part of the launch of Virginia, scheduled for June 4, 2022. days until launch The Jane Stevens Visitor Center is open Wednesday and Saturday 10-2 until May 2022.
- [Women's Shipbuilding Day](https://mfship.org/womens-shipbuilding-day/) - November 7 2021Women’s Shipbuilding DayFrom 9:00am until 3:00pmAt Bath Freight ShedJoin us on November 7, 2021 at the Bath Freight Shed from 9-3 for the annual Women’s Shipbuilding Day. No previous experience is required and tools are provided.Shipwright Rob Stevens will present an overview of Virginia before participants begin hands-on shipbuilding activites on Virginia. The group will be
- [Fall 2021](https://mfship.org/fall-2021/) - As fall creeps upon us, we grow ever closer to our June 4, 2022 launch date. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic we had a good summer at the MFS Visitor Center, although we are missing many of our international visitors. We are again wearing face masks inside the freight shed and boatshed. days until launch The
- [Late summer 2021](https://mfship.org/late-summer-2021/) - The 2021 lecture series is now complete, but we have recordings of 4 of the lectures. See mfship.org/events to watch the videos. They are also available on the MFS youtube channel. We thank all of you who attended in person or on zoom, and a special thanks to our five presenters. We plan on more
- [The Conservation of Fort St George Artifacts](https://mfship.org/lecture-2021-fort-st-george-artifacts/) - August 19 2021 7pm to 8pm Molly Carlson, Objects Conservator This session explores the art and science of archaeological object conservation featuring the 1607-08 Fort St George objects. Fort St George was the site of the Popham Colony near Popham Beach in Phippsburg Maine. Archeological explorations were done there from 1994 to 2013.Molly O’Guinness Carlson
- [Early Shipwrights along the Damariscotta](https://mfship.org/early-shipwrights-along-the-damariscotta/) - August 12 2021 7pm to 8pm Tim Dinsmore, Historical Archaeologist Historical archaeologist Tim Dinsmore will present over thirty years of archaeological research he has directed on the 18th-century Barstow and Bryant Shipbuilding Complex located along the west bank of the upper Damariscotta River in Newcastle, Midcoast, Maine. Mr. Dinsmore’s talk will focus on what has
- [The Diseased Ship: New England Sea Captains and the Slave Trade](https://mfship.org/lecture-the-diseased-ship/) - July 15 2021 7pm to 8pm Meadow Dibble, Brown University This dramatic story features a prominent Yankee sea captain, a tragedy on the high seas, a viral outbreak, a major political cover up, and a conspiracy of silence that has lasted two centuries surrounding New England’s involvement in the slave trade. Following these historical threads
- [Founding Fish: 17th Century Cod Fishing](https://mfship.org/founding-fish/) - July 1 2021 7pm to 8pm Mike Dekker, Author and Historian Fishing has been a mainstay of the region’s economy since the arrival of Europeans in the early 17th century. Originally plying the waters of the Gulf of Maine on a seasonal basis, English fishing crews established permanent, year-round fishing stations from the Isle of
- [2021 Lecture Series](https://mfship.org/2021-lecture-series/) - The 2021 Maine's First Ship summer lecture series offers five lectures available both via zoom and in-person from June 24 to August 19. Topics include geology of Casco Bay, historic cod fishing, the slave trade, historic ship building, and conservation of archeological artifacts.
- [<i>Virginia</i> at Fort St George](https://mfship.org/virginia-at-fort-st-george/) - Virginia at Fort St George Sam Manning 2006 Ink on paper Drawing of Virginia at Fort St George along with native canoes PrevVirginia with tanbark sails Jane Stevens in fogNext This drawing depicts Virginia moored near Fort St George surrounded by native canoes. Virginia has ocean rigging but with the sprit main commonly used for
- [Knight and rams head](https://mfship.org/knight-and-rams-head/) - Knight and rams head Fred Gosbee 2020 Wood 17th century ships used a pulley system to hoist heavy spars. The part fixed on the deck is known as a knight, and is traditionally caved with a head. This head is that of Rob Stevens, Virginia's shipwright. PrevVirginia’s mizzen tack Hunt planNext To hoist the heaviest
- [<i>Virginia</i> with tanbark sails](https://mfship.org/virginia-with-tanbark-sails/) - Virginia with tanbark sails Gill Ross 2012, 2020 Watercolor with digital color modification Virginia Leaving a Maine Cove. This is the modified version showing tanbark sails. PrevStamp: Virginia of Sagadahock Virginia at Fort St GeorgeNext This depicts Virginia leaving a Maine cove in October 1608 and heading into the Atlantic for her voyage to England.
- [The 500 million year geologic history of Casco Bay](https://mfship.org/events-2021-cascobay/) - June 24 2021 7pm to 8pm David West, Department of Geology, Middlebury College This presentation is a general overview of the nearly 500 million year geologic history preserved in the bedrock of the Casco Bay region of mid-coastal Maine. Although the current coast of Maine is relatively tame in terms of dramatic geologic activity, this
- [Visitor Center open](https://mfship.org/visitor-center-open/) - The Jane Stevens Visitor Center of Maine’s First Ship is open again. Join us to see the progress in building Virginia. We are located in the Bath Freight Shed at 27 Commecial St, Bath Maine.Summer: Memorial Day weekend to Labor DayWednesday to Sunday 10am-2pmSpring, Fall, Winter:Wednesday and Saturday: 10am-2pmThe Visitor Center is also open on
- [Mainstay mouse](https://mfship.org/mainstay-mouse/) - Mainstay mouse MFS rigging crewe 2020 Rope and canvas A stay mouse is part of the rigging used in 16th - 19th century wooden ships as a stopper to prevent an eye loop from getting too tight. PrevSong: Virginia of Sagadahoc Sword matNext The mainstay mouse is built up of canvas strips called “parceling” wrapped
- [<i>Virginia's</i> mizzen tack](https://mfship.org/virginia-mizzen-tack/) - Virginia’s mizzen tack Traditional Rigging Co, Appleton Maine 2019 Canvas, rope, and twine Virginia's sails are reinforced with rope which is handsewn in place by the sailmaker. At each corner this bolt rope is formed into a loop so the sail can be lashed to the spar. PrevRigging bench still life Knight and rams headNext
- [Rigging bench still life](https://mfship.org/rigging-bench-still-life/) - Rigging bench still life MFS rigging crewe 2019 Twine and wood This is a double block (pulley) and a grommet which is a rope formed into a circle. The grommet is used to tie the block to the rigging. PrevSword mat Virginia’s mizzen tackNext Every pulley (or “block”) aboard Virginia requires a specially made rope
- [Jane Stevens in fog](https://mfship.org/jane-stevens-in-fog/) - Jane Stevens in fog The MFS Shallop Project 2011 Wood The shallop Jane Stevens moored in the Kennebec on a calm, foggy morning. Boats were and still are part of the equipment carried aboard every ship as a tender. The shallop Jane Stevens is Virginia’s boat. PrevVirginia at Fort St George Song: Virginia of SagadahocNext
- [Song: <i>Virginia of Sagadahoc</i>](https://mfship.org/song-virginia-of-sagadahoc/) - https://mfship.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Virginia-of-Sagadahoc-best-21.m4a Song: Virginia of Sagadahoc Fred Gosbee, Castlebay 2019 voice and instruments Ballad of the historic Virginia of Sagadahoc PrevJane Stevens in fog Mainstay mouseNext
- [Stamp: <i>Virginia of Sagadahock</i>](https://mfship.org/virginia-of-sagadahoc-stamp/) - Stamp: Virginia of Sagadahock United States Postal Service 1957 Paper with sticky back and perforations This United States postage stamp was released in August 1957 to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the Popham Colony, and to celebrate 350 years of shipbuilding in Maine. PrevVirginia Lines in the style of Matthew Baker Virginia
- [Sword mat](https://mfship.org/sword-mat/) - Sword mat MFS rigging crewe 2019 Rope and twine A sword mat is used as a cushion when two heavy wooden spars come in contact with one another. PrevMainstay mouse Rigging bench still lifeNext A sword mat is a woven mat that uses thin rope for the warp and twine, or “marlin” for the weft.
- [Fall at Maine's First Ship](https://mfship.org/fall-at-maines-first-ship/) - Due to increasing COVID-19 rates in Maine, we will be closing the Jane Stevens Visitor Center for the winter. We can arrange for private tours by appointment, but we need to ensure the safety of our volunteers working on Virginia. As you cannot visit us in person, we now have a virtual tour of Bath, the
- [Visitor Center fall hours](https://mfship.org/visitor-center-fall-hours/) - The Jane Stevens Visitor Center is changing to fall hours from Labor Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. The Visitor Center is now open Friday and Saturday 11-3 and Sunday 12-4. The last day the Visitor Center is open this year is Sunday October 11. The COVID-19 restrictions are still in place: All visitors must wear
- [Visitor Center reopening](https://mfship.org/visitors-center-reopening/) - The Maine’s First Ship Visitor Center is reopening. It will be open Summer hours of 11am to 3pm Wednesday to Saturday, and 12pm to 4pm on Sunday. However, there are a number of restrictions based on the Maine state guidelines. All visitors must wear a face mask Use the available hand sanitizer Visitors must maintain
- [Welcome to the new website](https://mfship.org/welcome-to-the-new-website/) - Maine's First Ship website: mfship.org has been redesigned to enhance the visual appearance, and to provide a better base to add new features. Some of the new features are not done yet but will be added over time. There are three major sections off the home screen, About Us, Virginia, and History. About Us shows items
- [COVID-19 July 4, 2020](https://mfship.org/covid-19-july/) - The boat shed has started to come back to life as a limited number of volunteers have returned to restart work on the Virginia. In the Freight Shed work has restarted on the rigging. The visitor’s center and boat shed are still closed to the public. We will post here when you can visit us.

## Pages

- [Home](https://mfship.org/) - Maine’s First Ship strives to use our reconstruction of the 1607 pinnace Virginia to immerse the public in an exploration of the region’s early history, craftsmanship, and relationships, and their impact on our community and environment today. We are located in the Bath Freight Shed about 10 miles north of the original 1607-08 Popham Colony
- [Events](https://mfship.org/events/) - Upcoming events July 8 - July 23 Sail Boston 250 - And Beyond Virginia travels to Boston, Plymouth, and Newburyport in celebration of America's 250th birthday. Details July 8, 2026 - 7pm 2026 Lecture SeriesEuropean Ship Rigging(1418-1620) Jim Nelson - Author and Chief Rigger for Maine's First Ship Details July 15, 2026 - 7pm 2026
- [Event Recordings](https://mfship.org/recordings/) - Event Recordings Launch Virginia Join us to celebrate the launch of the pinnace Virginia at the Bath Freight Shed. Details and Videos Recorded 2024 Lecture SeriesThe Making of Virginia Jim Parmentier Details and Recording Recorded 2026 Lecture SeriesThe Story of Mayflower II Whit Perry - Captain of the Mayflower II Details Recorded 2025 Lecture SeriesOnboard
- [Contact Us](https://mfship.org/contact-us/) - Contact us Maine's First Ship OfficePO Box 231 Bath Maine 045301-207-443-4242info@mfship.org Jane Stevens Visitor Center and Virginia's wharfBath Freight Shed 27 Commercial Street Bath Maine 04530 Interim Executive Director: Matt Blazak matt@mfship.org Part-time Operations Coordinator: Kimberly Madden info@mfship.org Director of Educational Operations: Matt Blazak matt@mfship.org Use the form below to send us a message Please
- [Visitor Center](https://mfship.org/visit/visitor-center/) - Visit us in Bath Maine The Jane Stevens Visitor Center is located in the Bath Freight Shed and Virginia's wharf is on the Kennebec River behind the freight shed. 27 Commerical StBath Maine Jane Stevens Visitor Center Hours and Virginia May 2026: Saturday May 16: Free preview of new exhibitsFriday to Monday, May 22-25 (Memorial
- [Employment](https://mfship.org/employment/) - Employment Opportunies at Maine's First Ship Maine’s First Ship, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is not currently accepting employment applications.
- [Newsletter](https://mfship.org/newsletter/) - Newsletters You can signup to receive Maine’s First Ship newsletter when it is published. We will also send out a small number of news items (about 1 per month). You can unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe button in the footer of the message. Signup to receive the newsletter 2026 2023 2022 2021 2020
- [MFS Credits](https://mfship.org/people/) - The people of Maine’s First ShipMaine’s First Ship strives to use our reconstruction of the 1607 pinnace Virginia to immerse the public in an exploration of the region’s early history, craftsmanship, and relationships, and their impact on our community and environment today.Maine’s First Ship is a 501(c)(3) non-profit maintaining a welcoming environment for students, visitors,
- [Virginia](https://mfship.org/virginia/) - Reconstructing the 1608 Pinnace Virginia The pinnace Virginia was the first English ocean-going ship built in the Americas. It was built in 1607-1608 at the Popham Colony’s Fort St George located near the mouth of the Kennebec River. There were about 100 colonists (all men and boys) including a shipwright Mr Digby of London. Virginia
- [virginia status](https://mfship.org/virginia/virginia-status/) - Virginia's Construction Blog - 2019-2023 December 2023 Virginia is again in Wiscasset and under the cover of some tarps for the winter. We learned from last year and hopefully the tarp is able to survive any high winds. Virginia is fully down-rigged except for the main mast. The tarps are translucent so it stays light
- [History](https://mfship.org/history/) - History and Maine's First Ship The pinnace Virginia was the first ocean-going English ship built in the Americas, and she started a 400-year legacy of shipbuilding in the lower Kennebec River near Bath Maine. The tidal portion of the river was previously called the Sagadahoc River; Sagadahoc is a Wabanaki name meaning “river mouth”. The
- [Donate - Recurring](https://mfship.org/donate-recurring/) - Donate to Maine's First Ship - Recurring You can set up a recurring donation to Maine’s First Ship monthly, quarterly, or annually using this form.To cancel this donation, send a note to mfs@mfship.org or phone us at 207-443-4242.
- [Donate](https://mfship.org/donate-2/) - Donate to Maine's First Ship - Individual Donate as business partner Make a recurring donation
- [Business Partners](https://mfship.org/business-partners/) - 2026 Business Sponsors Maine’s First Ship is a community built on shared support and a love of maritime heritage. We are deeply grateful to our business sponsors whose generous contributions make our events, sails, voyages, and educational programs possible.Your support helps us inspire learning, preserve tradition, and connect our community to the sea.Please consider becoming
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://mfship.org/visit/faq/) - Frequently Asked Questions What should I wear? On the sails and tours there is very little to protect you from the weather. If it is raining you will get wet; if it is sunny you will be in the sun. It can be much colder out on the water than on land. So wear clothing
- [Individual Members](https://mfship.org/members/) - Become an Individual Member Maine’s First Ship is a membership organization. When you make a donation of $40 or more you become a member of Maine’s First Ship for one year. Cash or anonymous donations at the Visitor Center or MFS events do not count for membership donations.Membership allows you to vote at Maine’s First
- [support us](https://mfship.org/support-us/) - Membership and Support Donate The mission of our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Maine’s First Ship, is to use our reconstruction of the 1607 pinnace Virginia to immerse the public in an exploration of the region’s early history, craftsmanship, and relationships, and their impact on our community and environment today.We are stewards of the recently built and
- [before popham](https://mfship.org/history/before-popham/) - Maine before the Popham Colony Long before the arrival of Europeans, the land which is now Maine was the home of several tribal nations that we now know as Wabanaki. The name Wabanaki translates to “People of the Dawn”, and comes from the name the people in Quebec called them. Most tribal nations called themselves
- [Davies Journal](https://mfship.org/history/davies-journal/) - The Journal of Robert Davies There is little remaining original documentation from the Popham Colony. This is the journal of the pilot (navigator) of Mary & John, one of the two ships used to establish the colony. The ship was owned by the Gilbert family, and Raleigh Gilbert was the captain. The ship’s officers were
- [Art of the Virginia](https://mfship.org/art-of-the-virginia/) - Art of the Virginia Virginia Virginia Lines in the style of Matthew Baker Stamp: Virginia of Sagadahock Virginia with tanbark sails Virginia at Fort St George Jane Stevens in fog Song: Virginia of Sagadahoc Mainstay mouse Sword mat Rigging bench still life Virginia’s mizzen tack Knight and rams head Hunt plan
- [Hunt plan](https://mfship.org/hunt-plan/) - John Hunt's plan of Fort St George (1607) This plan by John Hunt of St Georges fort is dated October 8, 1607, seven weeks after the establishment of the Popham Colony. This plan was returned to England on the Mary and John, which left for England on that same day. It appears that John Hunt
- [brochures](https://mfship.org/brochures/) - Maine's First Ship Brochures Current brochure 2022 brochure 2020 brochure 2019 brochure 2018 brochure
- [Visit](https://mfship.org/visit/) - Plan Your Visit to Maine's First Ship Maine’s First Ship is located along the Kennebec River waterfront in historic Bath Maine. Our Visitor Center is located in the historic Bath Freight Shed along with shipbuilding and event space. In season we offer sailing and deck tours on the pinnace Virginia, our reconstruction of the ship
- [Making Beginnings](https://mfship.org/making-virginia/making-beginnings/) - Making Virginia - Beginnings The story of making Virginia starts with the original Virginia that was built at the Popham Colony in 1607 in what is now Phippsburg Maine. This was the first English ship built in the New World. When the colony was abandoned in 1608, Virginia sailed to England, and in 1609 sailed across
- [About Us](https://mfship.org/about-us/) - About Maine’s First Ship Maine’s First Ship strives to use our reconstruction of the 1607 pinnace Virginia to immerse the public in an exploration of the region’s early history, craftsmanship, and relationships, and their impact on our community and environment today. Video: 25 Years of History, Ingenuity, and Community Virginia Maine’s First Ship Annual Report
- [17th Century Luncheon](https://mfship.org/17th-century-luncheon/) - 17th Century Foodways - Luncheon Saturday April 19, 2025 1:00pm Bath Freight Shed LuncheonJoin us for a 17th-century meal as a celebration of spring. In the morning, our guest chefs Sam Collins and Joe Robbins will cook outside over open fires in the boatyard next to the Bath Freight Shed. In the afternoon, we will
- [Making In Water](https://mfship.org/making-virginia/making-in-water/) - Making Virginia - In the Water By May 2022, it had been 11 years since construction started on Virginia and 23 years since the design started. After several delays including a global pandemic, a launch date of June 4, 2022 was selected and a huge celebration with thousands of people was planned. Hundreds of items
- [Making Framing](https://mfship.org/making-virginia/making-framing/) - Making Virginia - Framing From 2011 to 2016 the major focus of making Virginia was in creating the frame which supports the ship. This includes the frames, stem, stern, keelson, and clamps.
- [Making Deck](https://mfship.org/making-virginia/making-deck/) - Making Virginia - Deck and More From 2018 to 2022 a major focus of making Virginia was in building out the deck, the fittings on the deck, and below deck. During this time we dealt with a global pandemic, and a rush to complete necessary work for the launch in June 2022.
- [Making Planking](https://mfship.org/making-virginia/making-planking/) - Making Virginia - Planking From 2016-2018 a major focus of making Virginia was planking. The planking is the outer surface of the hull and includes the caulking between the planks.
- [Making Virginia](https://mfship.org/making-virginia/) - Making Virginia - an Illustrated History This is the story of making the reconstruction of the pinnace Virginia, Maine’s First Ship, from the organization’s beginning in 1997 to public sailing in 2024. It is the story of a dedicated crewe of volunteers who did what was required to get Virginia sailing, told with pictures and
- [Making Rigging](https://mfship.org/making-virginia/making-rigging/) - Making Virginia - Rigging Work on the rigging for Virginia mostly started in 2015 and continued until well after the launch. In the 17th century, rigging and sails cost more than constructing the hull, and it is a major part of the making of Virginia.
- [Sailing and Tours Winter](https://mfship.org/sailing-winter/) - Sailing and Tours We have reached the end of our sailing season for 2024. We will reopen our reservation system for 2025 in the Spring. We will be down-rigging Virginia in the last two weeks of October to prepare for a transit to Freeport for the winter. While Virginia is at the Bath Freight Shed,
- [Sailing and Tours](https://mfship.org/sailing/) - Sailing and Tours We have reached another historic moment at Maine’s First Ship as we open up reservations for tours and sailing on Virginia. The 2024 sailing season runs from early July to mid October. Virginia will be absent on port visits during this time.On deck tours and History and dock tours are available in
- [Exhibits](https://mfship.org/exhibits/) - Online Exhibits and Recordings Art of the Virginia Designing Virginia Lecture Series Recordings Launch Virginia Bath Freight Shed History Virtual Tour 2020
- [Designing <i>Virginia</i>](https://mfship.org/designing-virginia/) - Designing Virginia From 1997 to 2009, the main effort of Maine’s First Ship was designing Virginia. The only description we have of the original Virginia is “a pretty pinnace of 30-tonnes” and a 1-inch drawing of a small pinnace. The design phase was to both understand what the original might have looked like, and to
- [Directions](https://mfship.org/visit/directions/) - Directions to Maine's First Ship Visitor Center Maine’s First Ship Visitor Center is located on the waterfront in historic Bath Maine in the Bath Freight Shed. It is just east of the 1852 Customs House, and just north of the Sagadahoc Bridge across the Kennebec River. Enter the Visitor Center at the north door.From US-1
- [Visit New](https://mfship.org/visit-new/) - Plan Your Visit to Maine's First Ship Maine’s First Ship is located along the Kennebec River waterfront in historic Bath Maine. Our Visitor Center is located in the historic Bath Freight Shed along with shipbuilding and event space. In season we offer sailing and deck tours on the pinnace Virginia, our reconstruction of the ship
- [Group Visit](https://mfship.org/visit/group-visit/) - Group or Educational Visit Contact us to arrange a group or educational visit to Maine’s First Ship. We can schedule special tours and educational activities at Maine’s First Ship.To ask a question or schedule a visit, contact Matt Blazek matt@mfship.org or use the contact form belowPlease enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name
- [Captain Stintson Davis](https://mfship.org/videos/stintson-davis/) - Captain Stintson Davis Video of an interview with Captain Stintson Davis recorded on November 17, 1985. Capt Davis was 103 years old at the time of the interview. He was interviewed by Daniel Wood. This interview was done at Harmons Harbor, Five Islands, Georgetown, Maine. Capt Davis talks about his life on the sea spaning
- [Parking](https://mfship.org/visit/parking/) - Parking for Maine's First Ship Parking in front of the Bath Freight Shed is not allowed, but there is parking on the west side of Commercial Street.,On weekdays parking is generally available on Commercial Street near Waterfront Park, a block north of the Bath Freight Shed.Permit parking areas underneath the viaduct are available on weekends.
- [Volunteer](https://mfship.org/volunteer/) - Volunteer At Maine’s First Ship, almost all of our work is done by volunteers. We need people with many different skills, and of all ages to augment the work of the board and our part-time administrator.To volunteer, email mfs@mfship.org Login Construction Most of the construction work on Virginia is done but we still need people
- [logout](https://mfship.org/logout/) - Logoff from Maine's First Ship
- [Home New](https://mfship.org/home-new/) - Plan YourVisit Events andWorkshops Support and Membership BathFreight Shed Volunteer History Virginia Exhibits andRecordings Facebook Posts Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction iconsMaine's First Ship July 16th, 4:05 pm View Comments Likes: 17 Shares: 1 Comments: 1 Comment on FacebookHow long will you be there? And do you have a
- [Bath Freight Shed](https://mfship.org/bath-freight-shed/) - Bath Freight Shed The Bath Freight Shed was built in 1892 by the Maine Central Railroad to warehouse goods arriving or departing by rail. The Freight Shed is located at 27 Commercial Street, on the waterfront of historic downtown Bath Maine on the banks of the Kennebec River. The space is best described as “rustic,
- [virginia charter](https://mfship.org/history/virginia-charter/) - The Virginia Company Charter (1606) I JAMES, by the Grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. WHEREAS our loving and well-disposed Subjects, Sir Thomas Gates, and Sir George Somers, Knights, Richard Hackluit, Prebendary of Westminster, and Edward-Maria Wingfield, Thomas Hanham, and Ralegh Gilbert, Esqrs. William Parker, and
- [wabanaki stories](https://mfship.org/history/wabanaki-stories/) - Tales from the Wabanaki Although most of the history of the Popham Colony is told from the English perspective, we have just a few sentences reflecting the perspective of the Wabanaki. These are mainly from the French Missionary Pierre Biard who traveled to the area in 1611 looking for corn. At this time he did
- [zuniga](https://mfship.org/history/zuniga/) - Letters between Don Pedro de Zúñiga and King Philip III of Spain These excepts of letters between King Philip III of Spain and Don Pedro de Zúñiga, Spanish ambassador to England) were found in the General Archives of Simancas Spain. Along with these letters was the John Hunt plan of Fort St George. These were
- [Privacy Policy](https://mfship.org/privacy-policy/) - Last updated: June 23, 2020 This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service,
- [Gorges](https://mfship.org/history/gorges-2/) - On the Popham Colony by Ferdinando Gorges Sir Ferdinando Gorges (1566-1647) was one of the major investors in the Plymouth Company. In the early 1600s he was the Captain of the port of Plymouth and was central to much of the planning for the colony. He was later granted a large land grant for most
- [original](https://mfship.org/history/original/) - Original source documents Although the documentation about the Popham Colony is sparse, there are a few 17th century sources to look at. Also here are online books which are in the public domain. Henry Thayer Charles Edward Banks Alexander Brown George Parker Winship From the Wabanaki Virginia Company Charter Ferdinando Gorges Henry Burrage Architecture
- [MFS Video](https://mfship.org/mfs-video/) - Home About Events Visit Sailing Support Us History Virginia Volunteer Hamburger Toggle Menu Maine's First Ship - History, Ingenuity, Community In 2022, Maine’s First Ship received a Maine Community Foundation Community Bulding Grant to record first person interviews with current and past volunteers to keep a video history of Maine’s First Ship. This a a
- [Articles and Media](https://mfship.org/articles/) - Articles and Media 2023 Wiscasset Newspaper January 24, 2023 press release for Americana Corner grant: https://www.pressherald.com/2023/03/26/pejepscot-history-center-and-maines-first-ship-receive-funds-from-preserving-america-grant/Tailwind Documentary (spring ‘23) – Maine’s First Ship: 25 Years of History, Ingenuity, Community Trailer 1: General Trailer 2: Education Maine Archives & Museums May 2023 – Hands On Our History https://www.mainemuseums.org/Resources/Documents/Newsletters/May2023.pdBath Community TV promo for 2023 programs : https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/bath/video/646d157656b6e1000860dc56?page=HOME 207 / Don Carrigan https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/after-two-decades-of-work-virginia-is-making-waves-in-coastal-maine-history/97-a7eb543f-9894-4961-a871-52eca87d7db7 https://wgme.com/features/good-day-maine/bath-and-beyond-midcoast-destination-offers-hiking-history-ships-and-much-more-maine-summer-bath-heritage-days-bath-iron-workshttps://www.newscentermaine.com/video/news/local/bath-heritage-days-carry-on-despite-all-the-rain/97-1e32dd8d-2491-4003-bfc0-fbfcbbf62624?fbclid=IwAR3vd3T4gXZxDLGGEy6RsPPWV6EDD5HMQ-lPWBEuQMm2FQNDVbzWaGMFB3Q_aem_AVE2POkaGT1Lddm2_Ev6U7PPgnJL5RTdB8Kf3LNYGMeQXYq3QV9kAEFb7Jxq61ndyTk https://www.boothbayregister.com/article/parade-sail-and-photography-cruise/175847Sea History
- [virginia status 2022](https://mfship.org/virginia/virginia-status-2022/) - Status of Virginia 2022 January 2023 Virginia is in Wiscasset under the cover of some tarps for the winter. The mizzen mast was taken down and a frame erected which allows workers onto the deck and below the deck. The tarps are translucent so it stays light on the deck.The main work for the winter
- [Donate for Business Partners](https://mfship.org/donate-business/) - Donate to Maine's First Ship - Business Partner
- [popham colony](https://mfship.org/history/popham-colony/) - The Popham Colony The Virginia Company In 1603 with the death of Queen Elizabeth I, James I became King of both England and Scotland. In 1604 he settled a 20-year undeclared war with Spain. A major component of this war was the English use of privateers who were essentially pirates sanctioned by the crown. Many
- [Freight Shed History](https://mfship.org/freight-shed-history/) - The history of the Bath Freight Shed The area which is now the City of Bath Maine was within the ancestral homelands of several Wabanaki tribes. Although there is archaeological and historical evidence for villages in all directions from Bath, there is little evidence of any villages in what is now Bath. However, Weymouth, Champlain,
- [Shipbuilding](https://mfship.org/history/shipbuilding/) - The 400 year legacy of shipbuilding in Bath Maine The city of Bath Maine lies 10 miles north of the mouth of the Kennebec River (12 if you are on the water). The population is now only 8,400 but during WWI it was over 20,000. At one time there were over 22 shipyards in Bath,
- [Donate for Visit](https://mfship.org/donate_visit/) - Support Virginia - Maine's First Ship
- [Workshops](https://mfship.org/workshops/) - 2023 Summer Workshops for Adults and Families Throughout the summer of 2023 Maine’s First Ship will be offering a variety of programs including workshops, lectures and demonstrations of and about various nautical arts and crafts. These activities will be of interest to curious minds of any age .Four of the offerings are tuition-based workshops. Others
- [Popham Virginia](https://mfship.org/history/popham-virginia/) - An In-Context Design of Maine’s First Ship John W. Bradford Background The pinnace Virginia was built in 1607-1608 by the Popham colonists at the mouth of Maine’s Kennebec River, an area and river then known as Sagadahoc. Her original purpose was to meet the various demands of coastal exploration, trade, and even fishing. When the
- [Stories of Maine's First Ship](https://mfship.org/mfs-stories/) - Stories of Maine's First Ship This is a project to record the history of Maine’s First Ship using first person interviews of current and former volunteers. The result is a 10 minute video using parts of these interviews along with video from the Launch of Virginia, and images from MFS archives. Also included here are
- [Business Suppliers](https://mfship.org/business-suppliers/) - Suppliers for components of Virginia
- [archaeology](https://mfship.org/history/archaeology/) - Archaeology of Fort St George There are several historical mentions of people visiting the abandoned Popham Colony in the 17th century starting with the Jesuit Pierre Biard in 1611. In the late 17th century the remains were still visible. By the early 19th century historians discussed several possible locations including some on the east side
- [virginia status 2021](https://mfship.org/virginia/virginia-status-2021/) - Status of Virginia 2021 Newer status December 2021 Winter comes again to the shipyard. This will be the final winter for the freight shed which must be taken down to move Virginia to be launched. All around the site, the MFS elves are busy with projects large and small.In the boatshed, Virginia has a second
- [Donate Giving Tuesday](https://mfship.org/giving-tuesday/) - Donate for Giving Tuesday
- [Business Support](https://mfship.org/business-support/) - Business support for Maine's First Ship Suppliers for components of Virginia Mostly local businesses we rely on
- [Support Maine's First Ship](https://mfship.org/donate/) - Support Maine's First Ship
- [Father Biard](https://mfship.org/father-biard/) - Letter from Father Pierre Biard to the Reverend Father Privincial, at Paris Port Royal, January 31, 1612 Father Pierre Biard, a French Jesuit, describes his first year in the new world. He is based in Port Royal in what is now Nova Scotia but undertakes several journeys including to the Kennebec River where he visits
- [virginia next](https://mfship.org/virginia/virginia-next/) - Upcoming work items While the hull and rigging for the Virginia are nearing completion, and we have the sails, there are some major work items to be done. These items require a lot of work from Volunteers, and additional funds. Building a wharf for Virginia In order to complete Virginia after the launch, we need
- [status_2020-09](https://mfship.org/status_2020-09/) - Current status of Virginia - 2020 Newer status December 2020 Winter has arrived in the boatyard, but work continues outside just as the shipwrights in 1607 continued thru the winter. In the Kennebec, piles are being driven to support the wharf.Inside the boatshed, the process of making the deck waterproof continues. This calking consists of
- [Positions available](https://mfship.org/jobs/) - Positions available Executive Director Job SummaryMaine’s First Ship, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is seeking applications to hire our first Executive Director. This leader will be a champion of our mission and drive the transformation of the organization from a passionate group of volunteers to a full-fledged educational institution. Developing and strengthening our relationships with our partners
- [MFS Slides](https://mfship.org/home-mfs-slides/)
- [shallop](https://mfship.org/virginia/shallop/) - The Shallop Jane Stevens A shallop in the 17th century was a small coastal boat without a deck which can be rowed or sailed. It was used mainly as a tender for larger vessels or for coastal fishing. Shallops have a shallow draft and can be used on both coastal and inland waterways. The word
- [videos](https://mfship.org/videos/) - Videos Maine's First Ship Overview Reconstruction of the Virginia Volunteer with Maine's First Ship Making the windlass Planking from steambox to ship Bath Freight Shed - The Next Chapter Maine Public - Maine's First Ship Reef knot Slippery reef knot Bowline MFS Knot of the Week: 4 Sheet Bend MFS Knot of the Week: 5
- [Gallery](https://mfship.org/home/gallery/) - Jane Stevens 1920-2008 First bulwark plank engine bed beam upside down Engine bed assembly Bow Sprint Arrives Fred hews the bowsprit The new Volvo/Penta deck from the stern Class model 2006-02-01 Bending the tops Kids inspect the model in 2006 Early stages building the shallop 2005-07-20 sprit rig John Bradford, David Wyman 2010 Fort St
- [From Above 2020](https://mfship.org/from-above-2020/) - Bath Freight Shed From Above To change the view angle drag the cursor. The zoom in an out use the mouse scroll wheel, or pinch using two fingers on a touch screen. There are two views and you can switch between them using the arrow icons. To enter the freight shed, select the yellow star.
- [Virtual Tour 2020](https://mfship.org/virtual-tour-2020/) - Virtual Tour - October 2020 Click to begin. To move to a new position, click in the new location. To change the view direction drag the cursor (move cursor holding the button down, or move with one finger on the screen). The zoom in and out use the mouse scroll button, or place two fingers
- [login](https://mfship.org/volunteer/login/) - Logon to Maine's First Ship* Username or email * * Password * Remember meLOGINReset passwordNot registered? Register now
- [Register](https://mfship.org/volunteer/register/)
- [close account](https://mfship.org/close-account/)
- [virginia design](https://mfship.org/virginia/virginia-design/) - Virginia Line Drawings [ngg src="galleries" ids="1" display="basic_imagebrowser" gallery_width="1400"]
- [newsletter signup](https://mfship.org/newsletter-signup/)
- [matterport 3D](https://mfship.org/matterport-3d/)
- [change password](https://mfship.org/volunteer/change-password/)
- [volunteer documents](https://mfship.org/volunteer/volunteer-docs/) - Documents available for volunteers
- [volunteer signup](https://mfship.org/volunteer/volunteer-signup/) - Volunteer signup Currently signup and hour tracking for volunteers is done offline.
- [Forgot Password](https://mfship.org/volunteer/forgot_password/)
- [docent documents](https://mfship.org/volunteer/docent-docs/) - Documents available for docents
- [Edit Profile](https://mfship.org/volunteer/edit_profile/)
- [virginia gallery](https://mfship.org/virginia/virginia-gallery/)
- [virginia history](https://mfship.org/virginia/virginia-history/)

## Categories

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- [News](https://mfship.org/category/news/) - Important messages
- [Exhibit](https://mfship.org/category/exhibit/)
- [DesignItem](https://mfship.org/category/design-item/)
- [Lecture](https://mfship.org/category/lecture/)
- [EventDetail](https://mfship.org/category/event-detail/)
- [Workshop](https://mfship.org/category/workshop/)
- [JobPosting](https://mfship.org/category/jobposting/)

## Tags

- [news](https://mfship.org/tag/news/)
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