NOTE: Links do not translate well with this software. Translate each page then reload to use the original links.
Skipjack News
Skipjack Rosie Parks Restoration
The Skipjack is a symbol of the Chesapeake Bay region its heritage, its people, and the way of life here. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland; has the most extensive collection of original Chesapeake Bay watercraft including the skipjack.
Preserving historic Chesapeake vessels is an important part of the Museum's mission which recently announced a three-year restoration project of the skipjack Rosie Parks. Pete Lesher has been on staff there for 19 years and is their Chief Curator.
This skipjack was built in 1955 by legendary boat builder Bronza Parks for his brother, Captain Orville Parks. The Museum purchased Rosie Parks in 1975 from the retiring Captain Orville. The vessel had a reputation as both the best maintained skipjack in the oyster dredging fleet and as a champion sailor at the annual skipjack races at Deal Island and Chesapeake Appreciation Days at Sandy Point.
The museum still has the skipjack's original mast, sails, winches, and dredging gear, which will allow her to be fully outfitted when refloated. The anticipated three-year restoration process will afford the chance for daily public interpretation, ranging from interactions between Museum artisans on the project and Museum visitors to more intense half-day or day-long experiences modeled on the existing Apprentice For a Day program.
The Rosie Parks will not only be restored to be seaworthy but its original characteristics will be preserved, making it museum worthy. The work will be done in public view in their own boat yard because they see this project as an opportunity to let the wider community learn and participate.
Most people who live in this region have a sentimental attachment to skipjacks. The kickoff event of this project felt like a family reunion, in part because it was, bringing together members of the Parks clan who had not seen each other in a long time. In fact some had never met before.
A project like this could not be done without dedicated volunteers and donors. The restoration project has already received a generous bequest which is enough to get started on the $500,000 restoration, additional philanthropic support is needed to fund the project and to cover long-term maintenance. You can donate to this project or find out how to get involved at the museum's website.
Please watch the video and visit the links associated with this story and all the other sections of this site.
Contact Information
Tracey Munson Director of Marketing & Media Relations
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
213 N. Talbot Street
P.O. Box 636
St. Michaels, MD 21663
410-745-4960 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
