For Immediate Release
September 9, 2021

Media Contact:
Nancy Marshall, Marshall Communications
207-446-3094 or nmarshall@marshallpr.com
Maine Maritime Museum Kicks off 26th Year of Discovery Boatbuilding Program for Local Students
Midcoast area students visiting museum once a week for the entire school year to learn traditional boatbuilding
BATH, Maine - Today, the Maine Maritime Museum — the Bath-based museum that promotes an understanding and appreciation of Maine’s maritime heritage and culture — is announcing the start of its Discovery Boatbuilding Program on September 14. The program will allow students from four schools in the Midcoast area — Georgetown School, South Bristol School, West Bath School and Woolwich Central School — to learn traditional boatbuilding. Local students from the 5th to 8th grade will visit the museum’s Boatshop one day a week for the entire school year, with each school building two boats that will be launched in the spring.
The Discovery Boatbuilding Program, which began in 1995, teaches a hands-on, innovative and traditional boatbuilding curriculum, leveraging the boatbuilding process as a vehicle to teach STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

“The Discovery Boatbuilding program gives students the unique opportunity to apply math and science concepts in a real-world setting, while at the same time discovering our region’s incredible maritime heritage," said former South Bristol School Principal Scott White. "Seeing their confidence build as they gain new hands-on skills is truly inspiring.”

Discovery Boatbuilding, the museum’s longest running education program, places students in a working environment that emphasizes and develops each student’s personal growth, teamwork, leadership, responsibility and problem solving.

“Boatbuilding was an unforgettable experience,” said Nina Ryan, a former Discovery Boatbuilding student. “Probably the best thing I have ever done, school-wise,” said former Discovery Boatbuilding student, John Arsenault.

Safe work practices and shop skills are developed early on to ensure student safety for the entire duration of the program.
Students learning traditional boatbuilding skills at the Maine Maritime Museum's Discovery Boatbuilding Program. Photo courtesy of Maine Maritime Museum.
“As Maine students continue to cope with COVID-19, Maine Maritime Museum is proud to support their personal growth and provide experiences unique to the Bath community,” said Kurt Spiridakis, director of traditional skills. “Through our Discovery Boatbuilding Program, we will not only teach the ins and outs of traditional boatbuilding, but also prepare students to solve problems, work together and develop leadership skills while working together for a common goal. And, in the spring, we will be able to celebrate their success by launching eight boats on the wonderful waterways of Maine.”
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About Maine Maritime Museum:
Maine Maritime Museum is a nonprofit institution dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of Maine’s maritime heritage. Founded in 1962, the museum’s campus covers 20 acres on the Kennebec River in historic Bath, “The City of Ships.” Call (207) 443-1316 or visit mainemaritimemuseum.org for more information.
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