Charles W. Morgan — Attraction in Stonington

Well worth the trip to Mystic, CT from anywhere in Massachusetts, Connecticut or Rhode Island, the Mystic Seaport Maritime Museum is a full day adventure at a multiple national historic site. (The many-acre museum is not only one, but contains three ships that are, individually, national historic sites themselves. The Charles W. Morgan is the last wooden whaling ship in the world that is not only magnificently restored, but well staffed by highly knowledgeable docents that bring its history and functions to life. On the opposite side of the grounds, be sure to take at least a 30 minute ride on the Mystic River on the S.S. Sabino steam ship, another national historic site. (Rides vary between 30 minutes and 2-1/2 hours, depending upon time of day; the Sabino is quickly reached through the Seaport's south entrance.) Docents can be found throughout the grounds, sharing oral histories in the recreated whaling village buildings and businesses. Visits can take between 2-1/2 to 6 hours, so reserving a room in one of the nearby hotels is...

Excellent!

So much history preserved in this wooden ship. Something other than a warship saved for future generations to tour and understand.

The staff are friendly and informed. A demonstration of launching a whale boat from the ship is performed, and visitors are encouraged to "man the ropes" in pulling it back onboard.

The ship ties into the other building on the seaport. A barrel maker (cooper) and blacksmith work in the local building and their efforts support the restoration of the ship and the historically...

History was made during the summer of 2014 when Mystic Seaport Museum took the last remaining wooden whaleship in the world back to sea. Following a five-year restoration, the Charles W. Morgan sailed on her 38th Voyage to New England ports-of-call, raising awareness of America’s maritime heritage and calling attention to issues of ocean sustainability and...