Mystic Seaport was awarded a grant of $17,500 from The Champlin Foundations in Rhode Island to re-roof the New Shoreham Life-Saving Station. The former red shingle roof had deteriorated from the normal weathering process and its location on the east shore of the Mystic River. The work was performed by Pawcatuck Roofing Co. and retains the building’s historic integrity.
Constructed in 1874, the Station is one of the last survivors of the many Atlantic seaboard stations built to government specifications from Maine to Florida. It was in use for about 16 years in Old Harbor on Block Island, RI. It was acquired by the Museum and relocated here in 1968. Today, the Station houses the Museum’s collection of Life-Saving Service artifacts and interprets the often heroic stories of coastal shipwreck rescues.
The Champlin Foundations typically support organizations in the State of Rhode Island; however, based on Mystic Seaport’s impact on the lives of Rhode Island residents, the Foundations have awarded Mystic Seaport several generous past grants, including support for the Charles W. Morgan Restoration, the Library’s relocation in the Collections Research Center, and the publication of Coastal Schooners of New England.
