Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum invites guests to help restore 1912 river tug Delaware

Boating Museum Talbot

Photo: The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is offering a chance to work with its shipwrights from loft to launch on the upcoming restoration of 1912 rive tug Delaware through its Apprentice for a Day Program.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is offering a chance to work with its shipwrights from loft to launch on the upcoming restoration of 1912 rive tug Delaware through its Apprentice for a Day Program. – Contributed Photo

ST MICHAELS, MD – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is inviting the public to get hands on with its restoration of 1912 river tug Delaware this winter and spring through its Apprentice for a Day Program.

Participants will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with CBMM shipwrights and learn the fundamentals of boatbuilding by taking part in this full stem-to-stern restoration. Work days are scheduled for select dates beginning January 18 & 19, 2020, with offerings held from 10am–4pm each day.

In these sessions, participants will learn the fundamentals of ship construction by removing, milling, and replacing floors and frames that will then become part of the vessel’s backbone. Delaware is constructed with both sawn and steam-bent frames, giving participants the opportunity to learn both techniques. Materials are included with registration.

Built in Bethel, Del., by William H. Smith, Delaware once hauled scows on Broad Creek—often laden with lumber—and towed ram schooners to and from Laurel, Del. Occasionally, she carried parties of young people to Sandy Hill for day trips on the Nanticoke River. Donated to CBMM by Bailey Marine Construction in 1991, Delaware is now a member of the floating fleet on display along CBMM’s waterfront campus. To follow along with this restoration, and for updates on other Shipyard projects, visit cbmmshipyard.org, where regular progress reports, photos, and videos will be posted.

Guests can sign up for a single day for $55 or a full weekend for $95, with a 20% discount offered to CBMM members. To register and for a full list of program dates, visit cbmm.org/shipyardprograms.

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~ Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum