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Summer of the Morgan

Beginning Memorial Day Weekend 2025

Onboard the Charles W. Morgan and Across Museum Grounds

This summer, experience the “Summer of the Morgan,” a season-long celebration honoring the Museum’s flagship Charles W. Morgan—the last wooden whaleship in existence—kicking off Memorial Day Weekend. Museum admission includes a special handout with a checklist of must-sees. Visit the brand new major exhibition Monstrous: Whaling and Its Colossal Impact and enjoy a “whale” of a good time! Go on a gallery tour, sing along to sea shanties, and watch special demonstrations on the Mystic River, or get out on the water yourself!  With activities for guests of all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Be sure to return for the Charles W. Morgan birthday weekend on July 19 and 20!

Preparations began in March with the downrigging of the Morgan before being hauled ashore at the Museum’s Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard for a classic “shave and haircut.” The vessel has returned to Chubb’s Wharf and will be open for boarding in mid-May offering an array of fresh experiences and interactive activities for all to enjoy throughout the summer season.

Members: Free

Non-members: General Admission

Become a Member today to visit every day for FREE. 

Memorial Day Weekend Highlights

CHARLES W. MORGAN Birthday Weekend

Celebrate the Charles W. Morgan’s birthday with us all weekend long on July 19 and 20! Enjoy expert talks about whaling history, the ships’ restoration, and the 38th Voyage. Sing along to live sea music, visit the latest exhibition Monstrous: Whaling and Its Colossal Impact, and cool off in the Treworgy Planetarium with special screenings about the Museum’s flagship. And yes, there will be cake! Experience the Summer of the Morgan!  

Activities all Summer

  • New premium Charles W. Morgan guided walking tour that includes the sail and rigging lofts and provides the unique opportunity to explore the ship’s hold, normally closed to the public. (Limited engagement, weekends only through June 15, $10 per person with admission or membership.)  

  • Special on-board activities and new storytelling delivered by our talented interpreters and volunteers 

  • Scavenger hunt and activity handout for kids and families   

  • “Selfie station” photo opportunity with the Morgan as the backdrop for easy sharing across socials 

  • The Morgan’s 184th birthday celebration July 19–20, featuring live music from RUNA, expert talks, special shows in the Museum’s Treworgy Planetarium, and of course there will be cake!  

  • Annual Moby-Dick Marathon, a 24-hour reading of Moby-Dick onboard the Morgan July 31–August 1, and this year including a one-man play about Herman Melville titled, “Sailing Towards My Father” performed by Stephen Collins

  • and more throughout the summer!  

For daily events, visit our calendar.

The Charles W. Morgan on its way to the Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard for a classic “shave and a haircut” in preparation for the Summer of the Morgan.

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