That's right about the research area not being "open". I visited the
Museum last summer trying to do some research on some bark canoes that
I'm pretty sure they have and the main guy who everyone directed me to,
who shall remain nameless, was less than helpful. He directed me to
a catalogue directory that was printed a number of years ago that listed
some boats but would not show me anything else. I was polite and
professional but could not gain access to their hidden collection.
Perhaps I should have introduced myself with a few extra letters after
my name. He did print me out a list from his computer of similar boats
in other museums and was bold enough to request that if I new of any
others, would I please send him info about them.
This was a big disappointment since I assumed these types of
institutions were there to spread knowledge, not corral it. I left with
the new realization that museum research is as competitive as
semiconductor development. Well, at least I learned SOMETHING!
The museum was kind of a disappointment too. I expected more small boats
and really saw fewer than expected. The exhibits were under staffed too.
The souvenir shop seemed to be very well stocked with over priced tee
shirts and fake antiques though.
SteveJ


Ron Magen wrote:
Roger,
The 'Research Area' never is 'open' as such. And asking one of the
docents probably won't get you anywhere, either. If you go to the
'office' {actually off the Seaport 'grounds'} and state you purpose . .
. most likely they will be able to help you. Similarly, if you contact
the 'Research Department' {?} via the 'general' web-site link, they do
respond.{just found a direct address - }

A list of the plans they sell, complete with building 'codes' is also
available for free. On our last trip there {Sept of '03} I purchased a
book, '87 Boat Designs - A catalog of Small Boat Plans from Mystic
Seaport' . This book, as well as others with more 'Designs' are
available from Mystic and The WoodenBoat Store, as well as other
locations.

Their address is not 'iffy' and they have been doing this for years.

About, " . . .1959 better than 1996 . . .", things change but memory
inhances. Also, research sometimes corrects previous assumptions. And
the 'focus' of the Museum gets refined. When I first visited the
facility I was about 10 years old . . . I remember there was a Japaneese
Midiget Submarine on outdoor display . . . with a lower hatch open so
you could look inside. It wasn't there about 15 years later when I took
my new bride on our honeymoon. It simply didn't fit the purpose . . .
shipbuilding & techniques of a period in American history. In the same
way, although S-N-G is a viable building technique, if you want YOUR
boat to be depicted on Departments wall, it MUST be made in the
'traditional' manner {although 'glued-lapstrake' is acceptable}.

I'm happy you found what you were looking for, however about your last
comment . . . that's why research is called 'Research' and the reason
for the Department's existance.

Regards & Good Luck,
Ron Magen
Backyard Boatshop


----- Original Message -----
From: "Roger Derby"
To: "Ron Magen"
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2004 09:45
Subject: Pete Cullers plans



Ron,

I'm not surprised that they don't send the plans over the internet,

but I

sure would like a list of what's available, kind of like the ones I

bought

from the Smithsonian. Money isn't the issue, the logistics of using

snail

mail is what bothers me. (address iffy, write check but payable to

whom,

envelope, stamp, ... ) At least an e-mail address for questions would

be

nice.

I've been thru the public displays a couple of times, but the

"research"

section was never open when I was there. As I told one of the

docents, it

was better in 1959 than in 1996, mainly because so many of the little

boats

were lying around in the open on the grass where you could see them.

He's

right that it was terrible for their longevity, but the dark caves

they

reside in now don't allow easy viewing. Are they there to be used and

seen,

or are they just being saved for some future generation that won't be

able

to see them either? (The 1959 visit was a thrill. The 1996 visit

left me

frustrated.)

My immediate concern at the time was the rigging of the jib club on a

scow

schooner model I was working on. I've since gotten the answer

elsewhere,

but it sure would have been easier if I could have visited their

library or

asked someone what documents might be relevant.

Thanks.

Roger

http://derbyrm.mystarband.net