Maritime Heritage Meets Modern Innovation: Essex Shipbuilding Museum Launches Global Speaker Serie

Oct 28, 2024Arts & Culture

The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum is bridging centuries of maritime craftsmanship with its innovative “Builders without Borders” talk series. This six-part program brings together master shipbuilders from across the globe, offering unique insights into the art and evolution of wooden shipbuilding.

Global Expertise Meets Local Heritage

Drawing from its successful partnerships with Mass Humanities and the Smithsonian’s Museums on Main Street program, the museum has assembled an impressive roster of speakers who represent traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation in shipbuilding.

Speaker Series Highlights

Harold Burnham: A Global Voyage Through Wooden Ships

November 5th, 7 PM Renowned local craftsman Harold Burnham of Burnham Boat Building kicks off the series with captivating tales from his merchant ship travels, showcasing remarkable wooden vessels worldwide.

Walt Ansel: Preserving Maritime Legacy

November 14th, 7 PM Mystic Seaport’s Walt Ansel takes us through the meticulous restoration of the L.A. Dunton, a National Historic Landmark that stands as a testament to Essex’s shipbuilding heritage.

Warren Barker: Bridging Past and Present

November 21st, 7 PM IRYS expert Warren Barker explores how historical artifacts guide modern boat building, ensuring traditional techniques continue to influence contemporary craftsmanship.

Carolyn Corbin: Breaking New Ground

December 12th, 7 PM CB Boatworks’ Carolyn Corbin challenges conventional thinking in maritime preservation, advocating for innovation while honoring traditional methods.

Søren Neilsen: Nordic Maritime Heritage

December 14th, 11 AM Direct from Denmark’s Viking Museum, Søren Neilsen shares insights into preserving Nordic wooden boat traditions and their modern-day relevance.

Graham McKay: American Maritime Traditions

December 17th, 7 PM Lowell’s Boat Shop’s Graham McKay concludes the series with personal accounts of working alongside Milford Buchanan, celebrating the enduring legacy of dory building in American maritime history.

Flexible Attendance Options

The museum offers both in-person seating in their historic schoolhouse and virtual attendance options via Zoom, making this exceptional series accessible to maritime enthusiasts worldwide.

How to Participate

Visit www.essexshipbuilding.org for:

  • Registration details
  • Zoom access links
  • Complete speaker biographies
  • Additional program information

About the Museum

The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum stands as a guardian of traditional Essex shipbuilding heritage, dedicated to preserving and sharing over three centuries of maritime craftsmanship. Through education and preservation, the museum connects past innovations with present-day appreciation for maritime craft.


Join us for this unprecedented gathering of maritime expertise, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern preservation techniques. Space is limited for in-person attendance; early registration is recommended.

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