Schooner 'Bowdoin,' Mystic Seaport, 1959
Item 55123 info
Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum and Arctic Studies Center
Donald and Miriam MacMillan wave to the crowd gathered to celebrate the arrival of the Bowdoin at Mystic, Connecticut, on June 25, 1959. Manned by a large crew of those who had been north with the ship on more than one trip, this 27th expedition was short, but memorable.
Accompanied by a large flotilla of boats forming a marine parade a mile long, the schooner went up the Mystic River to the sounds of cheering crowds, a marine band, bagpipes, and locomotive whistles. Then Bowdoin joined the fleet of historic vessels at the Marine Historical Association, now Mystic Seaport.
It was part of the MacMillans' careful plan for their beloved vessel's retirement after sailing more than 200,000 miles in northern work.
But the Bowdoin did not stay enshrined for long. After a decade at Mystic Seaport, where she hosted many thousands of visitors, the schooner was reconditioned and relaunched.
As of 2012, she continues her northern work and seamanship mission under the auspices of Maine Maritime Academy.
Item 28 of 31
