December 2014

photo by Roland Morin

December 22, 2014

Last Thursday the New Bedford Whaling Museum's Jacobs Gallery was filled with Ernestina-Morrissey supporters for the official announcement of the reconstruction project and the $2.5 million commitment of state funds toward the project. Also, just as important, for the formal acknowledgement of the three private donors that made this possible, Gerry Lenfest, Bob Hildreth and ALL OF YOU who have supported SEMA with your donations. Read more in the articles below.

Fair Winds,

Mary Anne McQuillan

Secretary, SEMA

Patrick Administration Announces Funding for Rehabilitation of the Schooner

Ernestina-Morrissey

Commissioner Jack Murray presents replicas of the new quarterboard fashioned from the ships old foremast to Bob Hildreth (l) and Julius Britto and Mary Anne McQuillan (SEMA) while Schooner Ernestina Commission Chair Laura Pires-Hester presents to Andy Tiska representing Gerry Lenfest.

NEW BEDFORD-December 18, 2014- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced funding to restore the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts official sailing vessel.

Half Way There

Schooner Ernestina sailing

More than half of the funds needed for Ernestina-Morrissey's reconstruction will be provided by private donations. Mr. Lenfest and Mr. Hildreth are the major donors and SEMA has pledged to provide up to an additional $1 million.

Thanks to your past generosity and two grants we have obtained, SEMA has less than $500,000 to raise.

Please help us before December 31 with your tax-deductible donation. Every dollar brings us closer to the day when a sailing Ernestina-Morrissey will return to her homeport, New Bedford.

PLEASE DONATE

Schooner Ernestina Commission Meeting

The next Commission meeting has not been scheduled Check the Upcoming Events on the website for details.

Issue 77

Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with the purpose of raising funds to provide for the maintenance, equipment, manning, programming and operation of the Schooner Ernestina ex Effie M. Morrissey as a sail training vessel, school ship, and educational enterprise.