Mystic Seaport will donate four books to 79 regional libraries as part of its new outreach initiative to bring maritime history to local communities.
Museum volunteers will deliver the books, which were chosen specifically for their local, national and international maritime connections, to many of the local libraries. An anonymous donor has provided funds to ship books to the remaining libraries in the tri-state region.
Called “Books to Libraries,” this program is a new addition to the Museum’s Library Membership Program. Each library receives a pass for every day of the week that allows one family – up to two adults and three children – to visit Mystic Seaport for free that day. The program, launched in 2002 through the Museum’s Endowed Library Fund, was established by an anonymous Museum member who is passionate about not only maritime history, but also about the ability of libraries to spark creativity in children.
The books, all published by Mystic Seaport, are:
"Voyages: Stories of America and the Sea," by Andrew W. German, is the companion book to Mystic Seaport’s signature exhibit "Voyages" which reveals how the sea touches all our lives. Through essays, timelines, and illustrations, the book is designed for family enjoyment and student reference, and includes a select reading list and a directory of American maritime museums.
"Around World in 500 Days," chronicles the circumnavigation made more than 100 years ago by the merchant bark Charles Stewart (1883-1884). The book, which includes 42 illustrations, is written in detail by the captain's daughter, Hattie Atwood Freeman, who made this voyage with her father at the age of 17.
"Pacific Passage: A South Pacific Adventure with Sailor, Explorer, Aviator and Former IBM Chief Executive Tom Watson," by Thomas J. Watson, shares the author’s real-life adventures dreamt about during his successful decades in business and embarked upon once he retired. This first-hand account details the exploration of all the major South Seas islands and includes 72 color illustrations.
"An Island's Trade," by Richard F. Welch, tells the story of the men employed and the vessels they launched at the North Shore Long Island shipyards through an account of the economic, political and social world that surrounded them, bringing to life a Long Island far different from the fast-paced suburbia we know today.
For more information, visit www.mysticseaport.org.
Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world. The Museum is located one mile south of exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, CT, and is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 888.973.2767 or visit www.mysticseaport.org.
