Boat Building Capital of the World
This Press Release (with a slightly controversial title above) landed in the SWS inbox over the Christmas break. I’m no expert on the wooden boat world of North Eastern America but the initiative certainly sounds interesting for those travelling to Maine or looking to research a project from this area.
Apologies for the Press Release format and atrophied language.
Friend Memorial Public Library’s Maritime Research Center to Educate & Inspire
WHAT: The Friend Memorial Public Library in Brooklin, Maine, plans to launch the Anne and Maynard Bray Maritime Research Center. The Center will house one of the nation’s most important private collections of materials and photographs related to wooden boat and ship design, construction, and history. In a generous gesture of maritime legacy preservation, award-winning photographer Benjamin Mendlowitz has contributed his entire slide collection, comprising a staggering 155,000 images spanning 1979 to 2005, to the Friend Memorial Public Library's Maritime Research Center. Mendlowitz’s donation joins WoodenBoat founder Jon Wilson’s 7000+ maritime resource collection, one of the largest private collections of materials related to wooden boat and yacht history, building, and design. In addition to historical books (some rare and irreplaceable), the collection includes periodicals and reference works dating back to the 1880s, technical information, correspondence, and biographies. Anne Bray, the late wife of eminent marine historian Maynard Bray, served long and most ably as the librarian for that collection. Together, these collections form a uniquely comprehensive resource that serves the needs of traditional and modern boatbuilders, designers, owners, students, writers, researchers, and all who are inspired by maritime heritage. Additional materials of maritime significance will be welcomed in the future. The Friend Memorial Public Library is in the final stretch of its fundraising campaign, which aims to raise at least $2.5 million.
WHY: Brooklin, Maine is known for its rich maritime heritage, and has witnessed a significant transformation in boatbuilding over the years. With the advent of steel and fiberglass, traditional wooden boat construction faded from prominence, leaving behind a nostalgic legacy. However, in the 1970s, a remarkable resurgence took place - a revival of building wooden boats that not only honored tradition but also catered to the growing tourism industry. Amidst changing times and technologies, a handful of smaller companies persevered in keeping alive a cherished art form. These dedicated craftsmen passed on their skills to future generations, ensuring that Maine's boatbuilding traditions would endure. The revival gained momentum with several educational institutions playing an instrumental role. Notably, the Woodenboat School in Brooklin emerged as a beacon of excellence for teaching this intricate craft. Through their programs and workshops, aspiring boat builders have been able to master the techniques and skills required to construct beautiful wooden boats. Brooklin’s self-proclaimed title of “the boatbuilding capital of the world” may seem ambitious. However, the community is known throughout the Western world for designing and building both pleasure and commercial vessels. Boats are built, used, repaired, and stored throughout the town. From its inception, Brooklin has been a boating community. Located in Brooklin, the WoodenBoat School, founded in 1981, attracts over 750 students a year to its four-month schedule of classes for prospective and established boat builders, as well as those interested in learning traditional seamanship skills and related crafts. The Brooklin School, which teaches preschool through grade eight, offers boatbuilding classes for seventh and eighth grade students both at its own facility and at WoodenBoat School. Thanks to many individuals including Joel White, Maynard Bray, Jon Wilson, Ben Mendlowitz, Brion Rieff, Eric Dow, Frank Day, Steve White, Doug Hylan and institutions such as WoodenBoat magazine and Brooklin Boat Yard, Brooklin, Maine has been the epicenter of the wooden boat revival. Making the location of the research center right here in Brooklin, Maine appealing and exciting. Unlike maritime collections in museum settings, these collections will be accessible to the public during normal library hours.
WHO: Friend Memorial Public Library, Brooklin, Maine, award-winning marine photographer Benjamin Mendlowitz, Jon Wilson, founder of WoodenBoat School and WoodenBoat Publications, boatbuilding students, wooden boat aficionados, and community members. This project has attracted interest and donations from the maritime community across the United States.
