American Alliance of Museums
The American Alliance of Museums (formerly the American Association of Museums) is the one organization that supports all museums. Through advocacy and excellence, the Alliance strengthens the museum community. The Alliance supports 21,000 museums, individuals and companies by developing standards and best practices, providing resources and career development, and advocating for museums to thrive.
Brewer Yacht Yards
From Maryland to Massachusetts, Brewer Yacht Yards & Marinas have set the highest standards in the industry for amenities and service. Boaters can choose from 30 marinas to find the most ideal slip, storage, and service facility. Brewer Yacht Yards and Mystic Seaport have joined to offer boaters exclusive discounts.
Cangarda
Cangarda, a frequent visiting vessel to Mystic Seaport, was built at the beginning of the 20th century in the Edwardian tradition of the late 1800s. The elegant yacht was a toy of the super rich – what might be referred to today as a mega-yacht. Built in Wilmington, DE, before the days of the income tax, Cangarda is the last surviving American-built steam yacht in the country — and one of only three of its type left in the world.
Cangarda was named after its original owners, Charles Canfield and his wife Belle Gardner. They later sold the yacht to George Fulford, a prominent Canadian, whose business sold “Pink Pills for Pale People.” Home-ported for much of its life in the Thousand Islands stretch of the St. Lawrence River, the yacht hosted a dinner in 1927 attended by the Prince of Wales, Duke of Kent and the English and Canadian Prime Ministers.
Cangarda served the Royal Canadian Navy as a training vessel during World War II, but in her post-war years, she slowly fell into disrepair. A restoration effort got underway in the 1980s, under Richard Readly, who fully dismantled the vessel, sent its seven steam engines to England for restoration and painstakingly preserved and stored its elaborate wooden components. Readly, however, became ill and was forced to abandon the project. The hull actually sank at a Boston pier in 1999.
Cangarda was restored to her current form from 2004-2008.
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a collaborative of business and community leaders dedicated to securing and enhancing the economic vitality of eastern Connecticut. The Chamber is located on the Hartford Turnpike in Waterford, Connecticut.
Connecticut Humanities
Connecticut Humanities (CTH) is a non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities that funds, creates, and collaborates on hundreds of cultural programs across Connecticut each year. CTH brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to express, share and explore ideas in thoughtful and productive ways. From local discussion groups to major exhibitions on important historical events, CTH programs engage, enlighten, and educate.
Council of American Maritime Museums
The Council of American Maritime Museums (CAMM) is an organization dedicated to preserving North America’s maritime history. CAMM’s 80+ members include museums, museum professionals, and scholars from United States, Mexico, Bermuda, Australia, and Canada.
CAMM works to promote high professional standards in the preservation and interpretation of maritime history. Its members seek to convey and preserve this history through collections, sites, vessels, projects, exhibitions, and research.
Cruising Club of Americas
The Cruising Club of America (CCA) is an international organization with a membership of more than 1,200 men and women who have voyaged the oceans for adventure and recreation. The members have vast sailing experience, exemplified by superior seamanship and demonstrated through significant command. Equally important to the mission of the club are the members’ geniality of spirit and willingness to share knowledge and friendship with fellow members through cruises, publications, social events, and posts on CCA’s website.
The CCA and its members contribute to the sport of sailing and history of yachting in many ways. The club makes awards for exceptional passage making, seamanship, and literary works. The club organizes and runs the biennial Newport Bermuda Race, and conducts seminars on safety at sea for hundreds of sailors. The Bonnell Cove Foundation makes grants to not-for-profit organizations for projects in safety at sea and environmental protection.
Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, member-based organization that fosters and promotes business for its members. The chamber’s focus is, and always will be, to better the community through its programs, events, and commitment to its members in the services it provides. Its focus is keenly concentrated on how it can help improve the community of the greater Mystic area.
Herreshoff Marine Museum
The Herreshoff Marine Museum / America’s Cup Hall of Fame is dedicated to the education and inspiration of the public through presentations of the history and innovative work of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and the America’s Cup competition.
The Museum, bordering beautiful Narragansett Bay, in Bristol, Rhode Island, is one of the nation’s most important historic maritime treasures. The Museum regularly hosts classic yacht regattas, sponsors symposia on classic yacht design and restoration, and operates an outstanding sailing school for youth and adults. The Museum celebrates excellence in design, innovation, education, and technology.
Mystic Seaport and the Herreshoff Marine Museum have a broad collaborative relationship as each museum’s mission, assets, programs and aspirations are complementary with the other. Both museums operate independently with their existing assets, but serve as resources to the other as needed. Mystic Seaport and Herreshoff Marine Museum work closely together in a number of areas including collections management, curatorial and custodial support, and exhibitions.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
The mission of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. IMLS provides leadership through research, policy development, and grant making.
TUGS!, a recent exhibition at Mystic Seaport celebrating the story of American tugboats, was made possible thanks to a large grant from IMLS, as well as generous individual donations and in-kind support.
International Congress of Maritime Museums
The International Congress of Maritime Museums (ICMM) brings maritime museum professionals together from all over the world for regular conferences, creating a strong network of maritime museums and people. The organization is a service provider for maritime museum professionals and provides a focal point of contact and professional help for museums large and small. ICMM also offers technical assistance on ship and boat preservation; opportunities to exchange collections or staff; loan exhibitions; planning, research, educational programming, and public relations; and procurement of supplies for maritime preservation projects. ICMM is an ICOM-affiliated organization and has the status to represent and support member museums in matters of common professional interest.
Lynx
The Lynx Educational Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan, educational organization, dedicated to hands-on educational programs that teach the history of America’s struggle to preserve its independence. The maritime challenges during the War of 1812 are taught aboard the American Privateer Schooner Lynx utilizing a comprehensive, interactive program designed to enrich personal achievement through teamwork and the discipline of sail training. The Lynx Educational Foundation is dedicated to all those who cherish the blessings of America. The Lynx educational program meets the State of California Curriculum Standards and has been officially endorsed by the Orange County Board of Education, and is an LAUSD Officially Approved Venue for field trips.
Mystic Rotary Club
Mystic Rotary Club is a member of the worldwide association of Rotary International. Its mission is to provide service to others, promote high ethical standards, goodwill and peace through its fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.
National Endowment for the Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is an independent federal agency created in 1965 and is one of the largest funders of humanities programs in the United States. Because democracy demands wisdom, NEH serves and strengthens by promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans. The Endowment accomplishes this mission by awarding grants for top-rated proposals examined by panels of independent, external reviewers. NEH grants typically go to cultural institutions, such as museums, archives, libraries, colleges, universities, public television, and radio stations, and to individual scholars.
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, was created to assist the federally managed National Marine Sanctuary Program with education and outreach programs designed to preserve, protect and promote meaningful opportunities for public interaction with the nation’s marine sanctuaries.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an agency that enriches life through science. From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product. NOAA’s dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need when they need it. NOAA’s roots date back to 1807, when the Nation’s first scientific agency, the Survey of the Coast, was established. Since then, NOAA has evolved to meet the needs of a changing country. NOAA maintains a presence in every state and has emerged as an international leader on scientific and environmental matters.
National Rowing Foundation
The National Rowing Foundation‘s underlying principle is to support athletes who pursue excellence in the sport of rowing. For the past 42 years, the efforts of the Trustees and Directors have been directed toward this pursuit with the primary goal of promoting the United States’ participation in international rowing competition.
New England Museum Association
The mission of the New England Museum Association (NEMA) is to strengthen member museums and museums in the region. To achieve this mission, NEMA fosters communication and ethical conduct; provides professional development; promotes excellence in museum operations; and encourages support for the museum community.
North American Society for Oceanic History
The North American Society for Oceanic History was founded in 1973 to provide a forum for maritime history and remains actively devoted to the study and promotion of naval and maritime history. The society’s objectives are to promote the exchange of information among its members and others interested in the history of the seas, lakes, and inland waterways; to call attention to books, articles, and documents pertinent to naval and maritime history; and to work with local, regional, national, international, and government organizations toward the goal of fostering a more general awareness and appreciation for North America’s naval and maritime heritage. NASOH also houses the U.S. Commission on Maritime History which is a constituent member of the International Commission on Maritime History. Along with the Canadian Nautical Research Society, NASOH co-sponsors publication of The Northern Mariner/ Le Marin du Nord, a quarterly journal of maritime history scholarship.
Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center
The Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center (PNC), founded in 1985, is a multi-purpose facility which offers a variety of social, educational, health and human services programs with an emphasis on community spirit. Its mission is to improve and enhance the quality of life of residents of all ages living within the communities it serves by providing basic human needs, social interaction, and senior transportation to obtain medical care.
All of the canned goods donated to Mystic Seaport during the Museum’s annual Community Carol Sing are donated to and distributed by PNC.
Sail Trim Again
Enjoy a day out on the water aboard Trim Again with Mystic Seaport volunteer Captain Jack Spratt as your guide. Private charters are available April through November for you and your guests aboard Captain Jack’s wooden catboat Trim Again and his classic 30′ wooden motor yacht Encore. Tours depart seasonally from Mystic Seaport or Watch Hill, Rhode Island, and all proceeds benefit the Museum. More information at www.sail-trim-again.com.
Smithsonian Affiliations
Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term, collaborative partnerships with museums, educational, and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources. There are more than 180 Smithsonian Affiliates in more than 40 states, Puerto Rico and Panama. Mystic Seaport is proud to be a Smithsonian Affiliate.
Special Olympics of Connecticut
The mission of Special Olympics of Connecticut is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Tourism Cares
Tourism Cares is an innovative nonprofit organization formed in 2005 through a consolidation of the National Tourism Foundation and the Travelers Conservation Foundation. The organization works to preserve the travel experience for future generations through a three pronged approach. Tourism Cares awards grants to natural, cultural, and historic sites throughout the world. In addition, the organization hosts unique volunteer restoration projects designed specifically for travel professionals. Recognized as the most innovative “give-back” program in the industry, Tourism Cares volunteer project and Volunteer Day draw thousands of corporate leaders and individuals together to share in the conservation and preservation of treasured cultural and historic sites. The organization also helps assure a knowledgeable tourism workforce by granting academic and service-focused scholarships to hospitality and tourism students.
Mystic Seaport was the proud recipient of a $10,000 Special Grant from Tourism Cares in May 2011.
Trinity College
Trinity College is a co-educational liberal arts school located in Hartford, Connecticut. The college’s commitment to urban-global education is groundbreaking, as is its interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program and First-Year Program, one of the earliest in the nation. Trinity College has also just added more than 20 young teacher/scholars to its faculty, and its faculty across the board is committed to collaboration with students on real-world research projects.
Mystic Seaport is proud to host an annual summer internship program in museum education through Trinity College.
United States Coast Guard Academy
The United States Coast Guard Academy is proud to educate leaders of a multi-mission, maritime military force. Commissioned officers in the Coast Guard lead a team of men and women who are continually called on to serve their community, country, and fellow citizens. While the United States Coast Guard is notable as the oldest life-saving service in the world, its roles include more than just maritime safety and security. The Coast Guard is also called upon for critical service in protection of natural resources, maritime mobility (management of maritime traffic, commerce, and navigation) and national defense.
Annually, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy holds the ceremony for the presentation of the class flag at Mystic Seaport. The newest cadets are presented with their flag that will represent them during their four years at the academy.
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy campus is located on the Thames River in New London, Connecticut.
University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut (UCONN) is one of the nation’s leading public research universities. UConn’s main campus in Storrs is admitting the highest-achieving freshmen in University history. Student diversity continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice.
Visit Connecticut
Just as it has for centuries, Connecticut remains a haven for original ideas and fresh thinking. A magnet for dreamers and doers, the state blends the old and historic with the young and energetic to create an inspiring dynamic – one that motivates people to experience new things, defy convention and blaze their own trails.
Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology
Nationally accredited and internationally recognized, Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology has been producing skilled boat and yacht designers, many of whom have become leaders in the industry, for 80 years. Since 1930 the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology has been providing the education necessary for anyone with the drive and desire to become a practicing small-craft designer. Although the design curriculum requires graduates to master computer aided design, it is also committed to ensuring that students gain solid traditional drafting and design skills.
Williams-Mystic Maritime Studies Program of Williams College and Mystic Seaport
The Williams-Mystic Maritime Studies Program of Williams College and Mystic Seaport educates undergraduate students in a semester-long academic investigation of the sea that is accompanied by travel throughout the United States and original research opportunities. Courses are hands-on, discussion-based, and place an emphasis upon original research: it’s not unusual to be on a boat, at the beach, or studying within Mystic Seaport’s vast historical collections for class. Students take classes in marine science, maritime history, maritime literature, and marine policy, which all connect with each other in addition to student life and field seminars in observance of our unique interdisciplinary academic approach.
