Mystic Seaport

Last weekend, the girls and I spent the afternoon at the historic Mystic Seaport, which is the nation's leading maritime museum.  Mystic Seaport is a "town" of old homes (we toured one built in the 1600's), shops, churches and, of course, tall ships.  We were completely enthralled watching the restoration of old ships, walking through some tall ships, speaking with craftsmen who ply their trade as they would have more than one hundred years ago, and walking through the maritime museum.  It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

The figurehead of the Amistad, which was in port at Mystic. 

On the deck of the Charles W. Morgan, the world's last wooden whaleship, which is being restored at Mystic Seaport. 

At the old lobster house, where the lobstermen sold their daily catch. 

Lobster traps. 

The Joseph Conrad, a full rigged tall ship from 1882. 

At the wheel of the Joseph Conrad. 

Inside the Shipsmith Shop, the only manufactory of ironwork for the whaling industry known to have survived from the 19th century. 

The Smith works with hand tools to create beautiful ironworks.  He was incredibly knowledgeable and we listened to him talk for almost twenty minutes.

This clock, built in 1790, was in the Nautical Instrument Shop and still works. 

At the drug store. 

Playing Jacob's Ladder at Stone's General Store. 

A flour mill on display at Stone's General Store. 

A weaving loom on display in the Buckingham-Hall House, part of which was built in the 1600's.