Membership and Support
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.
Maine’s First Ship is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Almost all of our work is done by volunteers and we do not charge for visiting us. Therefore we are dependent on donations to fund our work. These donations are tax deductible.
We consider ourselves stewards of this nearly forgotten history of the Popham Colony, of our reconstruction of the pinnace Virginia, and of the historic Bath Freight Shed. We erect no financial barriers to exploring our Visitor Center and the small collection of exhibits in our land-based facility and engaging with our volunteers at work in the yard or on the vessel. Almost all of our work is done by volunteers.
We offer educational programs and community events from spring to fall, and we host the Bath Farmers Market in the winter. Our facility is available to rent for private events in season.
2023 Spring Membership Appeal
The past year has been exceptional by every measure, and we hope you have been following our progress – the launch of Virginia in June, the City of Bath Community Project Award in October, and our first voyage down the Kennebec River and past the site of the 17th century Popham Colony at year’s end. The magic surrounding Virginia was made even better by the highest ever number of first time Members who joined the crewe in 2022.
Have you considered joining the crewe? By becoming a Member of Maine’s First Ship, you support our efforts to honor history, celebrate ingenuity, and foster community. If you have been a member in years past, then THANK YOU! and Welcome Back!
Below you can see a couple of ways that membership helps us move forward and honor our mission to construct and operate the pinnace Virginia here in Bath, ME – the City of Ships.
You can donate and become a member online using the Donate button below, or by calling the office. You can Join the Crewe using cash, card, or check in-person at the Jane Stevens Visitor Center, or you can use the mailing address below.