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#2
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I have recently gotten, from the Ship plans dept. at Mystic, drawings which
are not in the '87' book or any other published catalog of MSM. Call and ask politely. If you can identify what you want, they're most helpful. 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 |
#3
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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 |
#4
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Steve,
Your experience seems to be the exact opposite of mine. I was not looking for any individual boat, or Group, just a specific detail or style of sternsheet. I wanted to take some measurements so I could possibly generate a 'formula' to adapt it to various small boat hull widths. I was given a nice 'rummaging tour' by the 'main guy' {I was directed to him by the people working in the restoration boatyard}. I used the word 'attic' because that was the environment - dusty, dirty, musty, and moldy. It was NOT a clean, well lighted, climate-controlled building. In fact it was several very crowded 'warehouse-like' buildings. I certainly don't have a card with 'letters' after my name {although I do have legitimate claim to . . . A.ScMe, A.ScELE, and a B.Sc, so I'm not exactly illiterate} and I was wearing somewhat 'scruffy' clothes. However, I remember, specifically, his comment that, " . . . most people don't realize that's what we're actually here for . . . research". As a Member, I'm sorry your experience was not to your liking. The Seaport, like a great many other such institutions, has limited funds and personnel resources. Many of the people you see 'working' there are actually un-paid volunteers. They have 'donations' of artifacts from many sources, but not the best places to store them, or people & time to 'catalog' them. Plus the fact that a lot of items have been there a long time. Why should they spend the money to simply 're-do' or 're-print' a catalog when the items haven't changed. Yes, a lot of the 'stuff' in the Gift Shop is over-priced . . . did you also notice that it was OUTSIDE the Entrance. The prices are actually on par with that charged by "Preston's", "Wind in the Rigging", and other sellers. I not 'thrilled' either, but would rather see the extra profits go to support some place like the Seaport, then just add to some corporate 'bottom line'. Regards & Good Luck, Ron Magen Backyard Boatshop "steveJ" wrote in message ... 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. SNIP |
#5
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Steve J, Roger and Ron,
I wish I could be enough help to get you contact names, but I have been out of the village too long. If you call the office, explain what you want and are very patient, you will probably be directed to someone that can point you to the information or access that you need. The amount of information that is stored there is awesome (in the true sense). Expect to buy a membership, but it will be worth every penny. The changes that have been made to the Seaport Museum over some fifty years are significant, and unfortunately very many were driven by liability issues. There were very many things that I remember having access to as a child that are no longer available to the public. They do have a whole lot more in their collection than could possibly be displayed. For information. That was not a midget sub, but a man-guided torpedo and I believe it is over at the submarine museum in Groton now along with some other pieces of history. Matt Colie steveJ wrote: 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 |
#6
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Matt,
I DON'T have ANY problem with the Seaport; we have been Members {on and off} for about 20 years. Thanks for the 'tidbit' on the sub. I knew it had been moved to the Sub Museum, but was un-aware {forgotten ?} it was a 'suicide torpedo'. Regards, Ron Magen Backyard Boatshop "Matt Colie" wrote in message ... Steve J, Roger and Ron, I wish I could be enough help to get you contact names, but I have been out of the village too long. SNIP For information. That was not a midget sub, but a man-guided torpedo and I believe it is over at the submarine museum in Groton now along with some other pieces of history. Matt Colie |
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