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

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 Jan. 12–13, 2019, with offerings held from 10am–4pm each month throughout the entirety of the project.

Shipwrights and apprentices began restoring Delaware in November 2018, following the launch of 1889 bugeye Edna Lockwood. Work will begin on Delaware’s keel, stem, and horn timber in early 2019, then progress to framing and planking in the latter half of the year. Work on deck structures will follow, with the project anticipated to take two years.

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 $50, a full weekend for $90, or two full weekends for $170, with a 20% discount for CBMM members. Those registering for a full weekend should use code DEL1NM or DEL1MEMBER to receive an additional discount. Those registering for two full weekends should use code DEL2NM or DEL2MEMBER to receive the additional discount.

To register online, visit cbmm.org/shipyardprograms.

1912 river tug Delaware