From the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc.:
Dear Friends of the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc.,
Over the past three years the Skipjack Martha Lewis has undergone major restoration with financial support from private donors, Harford County Government, the City of Havre de Grace, corporate partners, and fund raisers. The work on the skipjack has been extensive: shaping a new mast, replacing nearly all the bottom planks, transom planking, and selected structural members of the hull. To date, the cost for work completed including labor and materials is $114,926.81.
Worthy of being restored and preserved, the Skipjack Martha Lewis is one of the few historic skipjacks remaining in the State of Maryland and is the primary asset of the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc. The CHC mission is to educate the public about the culture and traditions of the Chesapeake Bay. The Martha Lewis serves as a vessel to a window of history, offering a glimpse of our unique bay heritage. She is a discovery classroom for students of all ages to experience and explore the bay and environment.
The Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy board has remained committed to the goal of restoring the Skipjack Martha Lewis and continues to seek funding to complete restoration still needed.
The skipjack’s restoration is a work in progress; in order to raise Martha’s sails once again the CHC is holding a Capital Campaign to raise $75,000.00. The money will be used to step the mast, replace the mainsail, jib, the running rigging, purchase a new life float, repair the aft-cabin and pushboat, replace life jackets (PFD’s), complete electrical renovations and deck refinishing, including materials and labor.
The CHC board will continue our efforts to restore the Skipjack Martha Lewis. With your pivotal support we will be able to complete the remaining restoration to the Skipjack Martha Lewis and continue with our important educational programming.
Sincerely,
The Board of Trustees
Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc.
saltyseaman says
It’s past time to pull the plug and sink this money pit for the final time. The amount of money they have wasted was enough to build two new boats. Time to put the money to good use.
A D Plorable says
Yes indeed but it kept a few employed to feed their families. That’s what it’s all about.
Harford Resident says
I wish I had the $ to donate. College tuitions coming up have postponed my charitable giving for the foreseeable future, unfortunately.