Mystic Seaport Village and Museum

We had an early start at the Nature Center on Day-2 with a lot of daylight left, so decided to head for the historic Mystic Seaport Museum. What we thought was going to be a typical indoor museum of artifacts and things on display, turned out to be an entire 19-acre "seaport village" of shops and buildings located on the Mystic River, with all things related to the ship-building and whaling era in the region. Everything from the ships keel to the top of the mast was made from scratch here.

We discovered that Mystic Seaport is the largest maritime museum in the United States. It is notable for its collection of sailing ships and boats and for the re-creation of the crafts and fabric of an entire 19th-century seafaring village. 

This first picture is of the entire complex ... We walked most of it, in and out of the buildings, and could only imagine the amazing sounds and smells here during its heyday. This was one of the most interesting and educational things we've done thus far ... a few pictures will hardly do it justice.

In order of presentation here: new ship launching slide, nautical outfitters shop, sail-making shop, rigging shop, cooperage (barrel maker), the boat building shop, and a display of various ships bow figures. Lots of history here!

 

The 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan was hauled out of the water for maintenance, and visitors were allowed onboard from a multi-story staircase on the starboard side. A few pictures follow, but hardly do justice to this incredible experience.

The wheelhouse, Captain's quarters, crew's quarters, and below deck pix follow:

I'll close this segment with a picture of a complete diorama in one of the buildings. This was to scale and was narrated as a spotlight moved around the important parts of the seaport as it was back in the early 1900's. Just an awesome visit!