Legends of mermaids and sea-people have been a part of human myth and culture for thousands of years. From the ancient Syrian sea-spirit Atargatis to the musical sirens of popular culture, these fascinating beings bridge the gap between humanity and the vast world beneath the waves!
Even more mermaids from legend and lore all across the world! This follow-up to our original mermaid program explores mysterious water-dwelling beings of folklore from Japan, Australia, Russia, Africa, Ireland, and beyond! Friendly or fiendish, these sea-people are one of humanity’s oldest legends.
From seal hunting along the South American coast to the first recorded sighting of the Antarctic Peninsula, Stonington’s Captain Nathaniel Palmer was one of the most noteworthy explorers and shipbuilders of the early 19th century. Uncover the fascinating history of this Connecticut pioneer’s career and legacy.
“There be monsters here!” From the first-time ancient explorers braved the ocean waves, we have wondered and feared the unknown monsters which lurk beneath the waves. Some, like the ship-swallowing Kraken, were based on real sea creatures, while others were born from our deepest imagination. Discover the strange and wonderous history of sea-monsters!
Return to the depths as we unleash even more of the biggest, weirdest, and most mysterious creatures ever believed to swim in the uncharted depths of the world’s oceans, lakes, and rivers. Could such watery beasts truly exist in the shadowy reaches of the uncharted deep?
As the age of sail came to an end, the age of steam began, opening up a whole new world of travel by sea and by river! Coal-fired steam engines made great distances seem like nothing. Steam-powered ships allowed for faster travel, more reliable timetables, improved commerce, and transformed the world forever.
Colorful, beautiful, and once essential to the lives of Azorean islanders, these monuments to the past still stand proud across this archipelago in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. What were the windmills used for? How did they work? Why are they still preserved even when their time seems long past? We’ll explore the fascinating heritage of this tranquil island community.
Humanity has been exploring the world’s oceans for thousands of years, but not every voyage goes as planned! Why do ships wreck and what becomes of them when they do? Can we learn anything from sunken ships, and perhaps even use them to benefit our environment?
The men and women who sail the seas have always held onto their own set of curious habits and superstitious beliefs, from omens and portents to which is the best day of the week to begin a voyage. Whether they’re whistling-up a wind or offering their first coin of silver to the spirits of the waves, what are some of the strangest customs of sailors?
Did you know rope was one of the most important technologies of the golden age of sailing? Whether it was securing valuable cargo or controlling the sails of a fully-rigged merchant ship, good strong rope could mean the difference between profit and the poor-house, or even between life and death! Learn the what, how, and why of rope-making, and even make rope with your own hands!
Many 19th century sailors were at sea for months or even years before returning home – how did these seafarers prepare for their long journey and what would they bring? Often they had nothing but a canvas bag or a small sea chest in which to fit everything they would need. What would you do if you had to fit your most important possessions into a single wooden box? Examine some of the common items a sailor might bring to sea, and ask yourself what you would choose!
How would a sailor from centuries past deal with a headache? A toothache? Or something more serious? Most sailing ships of bygone eras had no doctor, but injuries, illness, and other health problems were commonplace aboard all vessels at sea. Have no fear, every ship afloat carried a medicine chest and an instruction book on how to use it! The variety of cures and remedies within might just heal you…if they didn’t kill you first!
They roamed the seas like hungry sharks, taking all they could, giving nothing back. To some they were the most feared of criminals, to others an icon of freedom and adventure—but who were the real pirates that once sailed the oceans of the world? Were they truly swashbuckling heroes, or nothing more than savage marauders? From parrots to “Pieces of Eight,” learn about the extraordinary true history of pirates!
Most people think Blackbeard was the fiercest pirate to ever sail the seas, but fiery red-headed Anne Bonny could have given him or any other male buccaneer a run for his money! Mary Read was tough as nails too, and any man who crossed her lived to regret it! China’s Cheng I Sao and Irish-born Grace O’Malley were no less formidable, each among the daring and dangerous lady pirates who carved their own histories on the open sea.
Did you know that being a Viking was a profession, not a nationality? The Viking Age is one of most misunderstood and complicated chapters in Medieval history, and we’re still uncovering their secrets to this day! Nordic Vikings were some of the world’s most fearless, and feared, explorers, travelling from the icy north to the warm Mediterranean, and even as far as the Americas!
What is the meaning behind the famous skull and crossbones flown by pirate ships? Did all pirates fly the same flag? How did they come up with the name “Jolly Roger” for their notorious emblem? We’ll uncover the origins of the world-famous pirate emblem, see the unique flags flown by some of history’s legendary buccaneers, and even create our own personal pirate flags and names!
Do you own anything that was manufactured in a distant land? Your tablet, your video games, even your shoes may have traveled halfway across the world to reach you! The safe delivery of goods across the unpredictable sea was one of the greatest challenges of the age of sail. Try your hand at packing a box for passage—can your valuable cargo survive the perils of storms, pirates, and the whims of fate?
Did you know there’s an entire language created just for ships at sea? International Signal Flags allowed vessels to communicate visually using a form of sign language consisting of unique shapes and colors, each representing both a letter and a phrase. Create a bookmark spelling out your name in this unique maritime language, then test your memory with a game of signal-flag bingo!
Mystic Seaport Museum includes a recreation of a seaside village from centuries past. Coastal settlements were important trade centers, supporting a robust shipbuilding industry, fishing, importing and exporting of goods, and the crucial whale-hunters who sailed in search of all important oil to light the world. Imagine and design your own coastal village and the businesses and people within.
Have you ever been snorkeling, using a mask and breathing tube to investigate what’s under the sea? For centuries people searched for new ways to breathe beneath the ocean’s surface, from diving bells to incredibly long air-hoses, but the invention of the SCUBA system a century ago was a game changer for deep divers. Discover the fascinating legacy of the Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus for research, repair, and recreation.
Cats and dogs, parrots and monkeys…pigs and anteaters? Commonplace or curious, there are countless stories about sailors and the animals who often accompanied them. Some were companions, just as our pets are in our own homes. Some held a valuable position aboard the ship, such as hunting for pests, or barking to raise an alarm in case of trouble. Humanity has always made a special place for animals in our lives, and on long, lonely voyages these noble beasts were no less important.
Tattoos have been a part of human culture since the earliest of times, likely originating in religious rituals and cultural initiations. During the age of exploration many sailors turned their own skin into a canvas, often getting ink in ports around the world to commemorate their travels or remember the people and events which shaped their experiences. Discover the fascinating history and varied meanings of the most personal of artforms.
Before the invention of photography, at a time when painted portraits were too expensive for ordinary people, France’s M. de Silhouette created something extraordinary. With just paper and scissors he began creating portraits in profile, making it possible for anyone to have a likeness of themselves or a loved one. Today these “silhouettes” can be seen in all aspects of daily life. Design and customize your own unique silhouette!
Sailors’ families of long ago weren’t so different from those of today, and souvenirs were as popular then as now. Common gifts often included “sailor’s valentines,” beautiful mosaics made of shells, beads, and seeds collected from across the world. Some were made by the indigenous people of islands along the way, while others were made by the sailors themselves. Try your hand at making one of these unique shell mosaics!
While classic scrimshaw was common among many sailors, the people of the Cape Verde islands perfected a unique and expressive form of whalebone etching known as “stipple” scrimshaw. Stipple uses numerous tiny dots in place of traditional lines, allowing for rich shading and images with surprising depth and detail. Learn about this intriguing style of etching and make your own piece of stippled faux ivory.
Travel back to a simpler time when gentlemen and ladies would stroll along boardwalks, play carnival games, and ride an exotic menagerie of wild beasts on the carousel. This wonderful Victorian tradition is as much an artform as an amusement, boasting intricately hand-carved animals ranging from horses and lions to undersea creatures like orcas and seahorses. Students will decorate and assemble their own carousel creature.
Part hobby, part amateur science, the 19th century pastime of seaweed collecting produced beauty and knowledge in equal measure. Enterprising beach-goers would collect seaweed samples and press them like flowers in a scrapbook. Surviving examples of this vintage artform helped identify many new varieties of seaweed and furthered efforts to protect and preserve them for future study.
The classic, wooden, toy boat has been popular with children for hundreds of years, but beyond being a simple plaything, these miniature models can help children learn about more complex ideas like buoyancy, displacement, and even the basics of engineering. Explore these ideas and more by designing, building, and decorating your own toy boat model to take home.
Knots are one of the most essential and multi-faceted skills a sailor can develop. From a simple lanyard pattern to intricate knots used to maintain sails and secure precious cargo, a well-tied knot can be the difference between success and dire consequences. Learn the secrets of multiple classic sailor’s knots and their uses, and weave a classic lanyard of your own to keep and use.
In Chinese culture dragons represent power, nobility, wisdom, and many other virtues. Unlike the fire-breathing monsters of European lore, these ancient spirits are revered and considered sacred. In Ancient times the dragon emblem was a symbol of the emperor, and only he and his heirs were allowed to wear the elaborately embroidered Dragon Robes. Learn about this fascinating tradition, then color and decorate your own beautiful dragon robe print.
The Kimono is a decorative Japanese robe worn by men and women for many different special occasions and social gatherings. The painted designs on the robe are often symbolic of family heritage, social station, good fortune, or other meaningful images. Symbolic images often include animals, flowers, trees, and seasons. Create your own version of a kimono with symbols representing you!
Traditional “molas” are painted or appliquéd textiles incorporated into women’s clothing among certain tribes in Panama. These unique patterns often include images of animals, plants, or other culturally important symbols. Mola pattens strive to fill every space on the fabric with a design element to ward off misfortune and evil. Using templates, students will create their own unique mola design.
Rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes make up an important part of Connecticut’s ecosystem. What types of animals swim and crawl in these waters? What plants grow here? What is an estuary and how does it differ from other waterways you might encounter? Why are some animals and plants considered “invasive,” and how can we help prevent them from damaging the ecosystem?
What makes a boat stay afloat? Is it the weight, the construction material, the shape, or a combination of many factors? Using just a sheet of tinfoil, students will attempt to make a miniature lifeboat which can stay afloat with an increasing number of “passengers” – How long will your vessel last? A fast-paced and fun activity for any skill level, and a great introduction to simple physics and structural theory.
Young flounder look much like any other fish, but as they mature they undergo a strange transformation, soon descending to the sea floor to begin their curious existence. One of the most unusual fish in the sea, the flounder lives most of its life lying on its side, waiting for lunch to swim by. Discover the many odd quirks of this popular game fish and create an old-fashioned “thaumatrope” optical toy featuring a vanishing flounder!
Cute, funny, and clever, sea mammals like dolphins and seals are beloved by countless people. These amazing animals aren’t just entertaining, they’re also highly intelligent and can be trained to perform important jobs in places humans can’t easily go. From locating lost items deep beneath the waves, to detecting mines and other underwater dangers, marine mammals are the unsung heroes of ocean exploration.
They’re the largest sea-dwellers on Earth, and one of the most mysterious. They live their lives entirely in the ocean, but they’re not fish, and they can’t breathe underwater. The largest of these amazing creatures live off the tiniest animals, and they’ve been around for millions of years. Once upon a time we hunted these leviathans to the brink of extinction, but thankfully that age has passed. Meet the massive, majestic, and truly magnificent whale!
Did you know a whale could never watch a 3D movie? Or that the largest of these marine mammals eat tons of food every day but have no teeth? Did you know they sing to communicate, or that they sleep “standing up?” Learn about the extraordinary lives of these impressive sea-dwellers, and try your luck at hunting for food cetacean-style with our weird and wonderful “whale goggles!”
Estuaries are waterways in which salt water from the ocean mixes with fresh water from streams and rivers. These unique and specialized ecosystems host a wide variety of plant and animal species which rely on each other for survival. Learn about the intricate web of life which keeps these diverse organisms in balance and the dangers these ecosystems face from invasive species, including people!
Not all oysters contain pearls, but this tasty shellfish is still very valuable, often known as the first-ever “fast food.” In the mid-1800s, Americans went oyster-crazy for these nutritious, fast-growing mollusks which became popular in restaurants and on food carts all across America. Learn about the man known as New York’s “Oyster King,” and how this one, easy-to-overlook sea creature serves a crucial role in its ecosystem.
Some people think of eels as the “snakes of the sea,” but the long and wiggly eel is actually a unique variety of fish with an unusual body. There are over 800 eel species across the world, small or large, gentle or aggressive, and contrary to popular myth, most of them are not electric! Learn about the many extraordinary traits of this intriguing and often misunderstood marine animal, then make your own springy eel spinner!
These small immobile creatures are tiny and easy to miss, until you step on one! Building their bony houses on rocks, piers, boats, or even gigantic whales, barnacles are like the janitors of the ocean, scooping up floating particles and debris and helping clean the water in which they live. Learn about these curious little creatures, then build a barnacle model of your own!
The gentlest of giants, the majestic sea turtle is one of the most enduring symbols of the world’s oceans. Turtles are powerful figures in many cultures around the globe including the indigenous people of pre-colonial America who called this land “Turtle Island.” A part of Earth’s ecosystem for over 150 million years, they appear in primitive art and in fossil records, making these amazing animals something of a modern dinosaur.
They’re weird looking, they’re mysterious, and some can grow to terrifyingly enormous size! Squid are part of the cephalopod family, and are among the most complex and misunderstood of ocean creatures. Often appearing in nautical legends and folklore, the squid’s long tentacles and intimidating appearance have made them the monsters of many a sailor’s tall tales. Explore intriguing cephalopod facts, then make and color your own paper squid!
Of all the creatures that live beneath the waves, none evoke our fears more than sharks, the apex predator of the world’s oceans. While these animals can be dangerous, they’re also one of the most ancient and successful life-forms on the planet, and there are over five hundred species across the globe. Separate fact from fiction about these truly amazing predators, then test your knowledge with shark trivia!
They’re creepy, they’re crawly, and they’re loved by millions! Once called “cockroaches of the sea,” these armored dwellers on the ocean floor were once valued as little more than bait, but today they’re one of the most popular seafood delicacies in coastal communities around the world. Dive into the truth about these fascinating and misunderstood sea creatures!
Sea stars, also known as starfish, can be found in oceans all across the globe, from the warm waters of the equator to the frigid polar regions. These resilient and diverse bottom-feeders act like little vacuums, scrubbing the sea floor with thousands of tiny tube-like feet. With their regenerative powers, bony protective skin, and distinctive shape, they’re one of earth’s most curious creatures!
Eight squiggly arms, no bones, and one very impressive brain! Octopuses are widely regarded as the most intelligent invertebrate in the world, capable of solving puzzles, escaping nearly any enclosure, and even mimicking the appearance of other animals. Masters of disguise, cunning predators, and insatiably curious, there is far more to these mysterious animals than meets the eye.
For starters, they’re not fish, and they’re not made of jelly! Jellyfish, also called “sea jellies” are a truly unique class of marine animals with a translucent, ghost-like body and venomous tentacles used to capture prey. The smallest species are tinier than a fly, while others can grow to the size of a Volkswagen! Some sea jellies can be beautiful and some can be deadly, but all are fascinating!
Across history, humans have believed the moon was made of cheese, is inhabited by tiny green men, or could cause people to turn into wolves. Even today, this silvery beacon in the night sky is a favorite subject of romantic songs, and lends its name to lunacy, a type of madness. What is the moon, and why does it still have such a hold over the human imagination, even in this age of science and reason?
Lighthouses are one of the most romanticized and iconic landmarks of any coastal community. The first of these beacons was built in Egypt over two thousand years ago, and some lighthouses still standing today have been shining for over seven hundred years! Explore the origin, purpose, and enduring appeal of these beloved coastal beacons, then imagine and design your own lighthouse.
How do boats work? What are they made of? Why are there so many different shapes, and sizes, and do they all function the same way? Unlock the secrets of boat design, and the endless ways these vessels perform the job for which they’re built. From rowboats to racing boats, life-rafts to luxury liners, you’ll learn the whats, whys, and hows of boatbuilding, then have the chance to design a boat of your own!
Just like every country in the world has a distinctive flag to represent them, so each state in the USA has a unique design or “seal” which symbolizes their origins and history. From agriculture and historical figures to landmarks and architecture, these state seals become an important part of the region’s sense of pride and heritage. If you were a state, what would your seal be like? Get creative and design the seal that represents you!
In the earliest days of the Connecticut settlement, a very special document was created to grant the colony its land and ability to govern. Discover the intriguing story of what happened when a newly crowned English king decided to take back that royal charter and revoke Connecticut’s power to control its own destiny. The story of the Charter Oak is a tale of American resilience and the fierce and independent spirit which led to our nation’s founding.
Many years ago there lived a young woman who grew up on a very special beach. As she grew older the beach grew smaller, bits and pieces snatched up by hotels, shopping centers, and apartment buildings. The woman was sad to see her beloved beach disappearing, but what could one ordinary citizen do? Discover the amazing true story of one person’s journey to make her small voice count in a big world, and the extraordinary legacy of her life on American Beach.
Once upon a time the oceans of the world were like the wild west, with no rules governing activity on, or under, the water. Eventually people began creating maritime laws to protect and oversee their own territories and the wide-open sea between nations. From rules governing domestic and international navigation, to fishing regulations, to protecting the countless animals who live beneath the waves, these ever-evolving laws help keep our planet’s great oceans safe for ourselves and future generations.
What time is it? Long before the first mechanical clock was invented, our ancestors observed the seasons, sky, moon, and sun to understand the passing of time. The first sundials date back nearly 3,500 years to the desert valleys of Egypt and are the oldest known examples of an hourly clock. Assemble a sundial of your own and see how long-ago cultures learned to measure time!
The science of map-making, cartography, is one of humanity’s oldest and most important developments. Thousands of years before GPS and satellites allowed us to see the world in perfect detail, explorers traveled the globe measuring, sketching, and recording every mountain, valley, coastline, and sea they could observe. Discover the evolution of the map-makers art; then create your own map of a land from your imagination!
Far out in the Pacific Ocean are the islands of Polynesia, a collection of small settlements separated by wide stretches of open sea. How did the early residents of these communities safely navigate from island to distant island without traditional maps and tools? Learn about the extraordinary art of “stick maps” and how the people of these remote islands developed a system to chart the sea in a whole new way.
Explorers have created maps to navigate the world since the first people gazed outside their villages and wondered, “What’s out there?” But what about the men and women who ventured out to sea? Nautical charts are maps which include important unseen features like water depth, latitude, longitude, shipwrecks, and other details crucial to those who sail the world’s oceans. Learn to decode the secret language of sea charts!
To register call 860-572-5331 or email reservations@mysticseaport.org.
75 Greenmanville Ave
Mystic, CT 06355
860-572-0711
info@mysticseaport.org
Copyright © 2021 Mystic Seaport Museum
75 Greenmanville Ave
Mystic, CT 06355
860-572-0711
