From the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc.:
The Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy has announced a year-long skipjack restoration for the Martha Lewis which will be done in public view at Hutchins Park in Havre de Grace, MD. The funding for the project will be through philanthropic support as well as community involvement.
The Martha Lewis, built in 1955 by legendary boat builder Bronza Parks for Captain James Lewis, was named for his mother. Following the restoration of the Martha Lewis in 1994 by Master Shipbuilder Allen Rawl the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc. was formed as caretaker for the vessel. Since that time the Martha Lewis has built a reputation of being one of the best maintained skipjacks on The Bay. As the years have passed the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy has endeavored to remain proactive with the preservation as well as keeping current with all Coast Guard requirements.
The anticipated year-long restoration will consist of replacing her 70 foot mast, various parts on both the forward and aft cabins as well as some rigging. Replacing the mast will be done by a qualified shipwright, once the correct tree has been located, shaping it to specific measurements and drawings to ensure the historical accuracy is maintained. The search for “just the right tree” has begun and there is an immediate need for financial support that only lovers of our Skipjack Martha Lewis can provide.
The restoration project has already received a generous commitment of $5,000 with a matching funds stipulation. While the commitment and match is enough to get started on the $50,000 restoration, additional philanthropic support is needed to fund the project and to cover long-term maintenance. Preserving this historic Chesapeake vessel is an important part of the Conservancy’s mission.
In order to continue in our mission, we turn to you, friends of The Martha Lewis, and ask for your support in reaching the goals of replacing Martha’s mast and other necessary restoration projects. In 2015, Martha will turn 60 and we wish to make sure she is fully prepared to face her sixth decade lookin’ like a doll!
Your donation now is important as we move forward on keeping The Martha Lewis a national treasure for years to come. Click here to donate now
Im glad to see charity funding this and not a government grant.