Editorial Staff
Salt Marsh Dory Building is Back at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum.
Once again comes the opportunity to experience the timeless art of boatbuilding.
The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum has opened registration for its ever-popular Salt Marsh Dory Building class. Led by expert boat builder Jeff Lane, the class teaches participants how to craft their own dory as designed by local boat building legend Charles A. Burnham. Burnham’s Essex Salt Marsh dory is uniquely suited for the Essex marsh with its compact lightweight design perfect for single-handed rowing; and is just plain beautiful.
Through the use of modern epoxy techniques, the dories can now be transported on top of a car with roof racks, stored compactly, and handled by just one person. The 10-day course requires no previous boat building experience — even children are welcome to participate if accompanied by a parent. Participants will leave with a beautiful handcrafted dory, a lasting connection to Essex’s shipbuilding heritage, and an unparalleled experience.
Details can be found at: www.essexshipbuilding.org
The Shipyard will be busy this year as the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum is also helping local 5th graders get a little more salty. (Is that a good thing? — in this case, yes!)
The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum announced that this spring it will launch a brand-new program to bring together 5th graders from Manchester and Essex. The two-day program will blend hands-on learning and environmental stewardship through thoughtfully designed activities to encourage camaraderie and teamwork — all within the historic Essex shipyard!
Students will be immersed in activities such as crafting oars, constructing crab traps, rowing, and exploring the local ecosystem. They will learn about the Essex River’s ecosystem including the challenges posed by invasive species such as the green crab, and gain a deeper understanding of the maritime traditions that have shaped the towns they live in.
Dory building and kids getting to know the marsh, and each other — two marvelous nods to Cape Ann’s unique cultural and environmental heritage as well as the fine work of the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum.
