Over 200 people gathered to help Schooner Ernestina "drop anchor" at the corner of Elm and Bethel Streets in New Bedford’s historic district. Was the venerable old vessel aground on the other side of Route 18? They had assembled not to witness a great maritime disaster, but to celebrate the success of the Ernestina’s educational programs and to mark the opening of a new Schooner Ernestina Commission Office and Museum. Music, refreshments, and history were all part of the scene on September 29 during an open house in the newly renovated building .

Originally built in 1884 for F.A. Sowle Steam Woodworking Company, the building was, until recently, operated as Skip’s Marine until acquired by Doug and Claudia Mills. It is located at the gateway to the city’s National Whaling Historical Park. A variety of artifacts related to the historic ship were displayed in the new quarters. The collection on display included portraits of Effie M. Morrissey and Ernestina Mendes R a n d a l l , daughters of the original captain and the first Cape Verdean captain, a leather rifle case from the Bartlett Arctic era, an original Robert Duff painting of Ernestina and a model of the schooner as she appeared in the 1930’s. A contemporary portrait of Captain Henrique Mendes was on display as well. Drawings of the Ernestina by children from St. Joseph’s and East Fairhaven Elementary Schools were also on display in the front lobby.

At 4:30pm, a festive parade stepped off from the office and museum and made its way to Tonnessen Park on State Pier where the Ernestina is docked. The parade featured Vinnie Lovegrove and the Miracle Fish Puppet Theater, the Ernestina Chanteymen and Bexa. Late afternoon traffic on Route 18 slowed noticeably as the procession passed over highway on the pedestrian overpass. Once onboard Schooner Ernestina, the revelers were addressed by King Neptune himself. His highness was attended by an assortment of costumed nymphs and denizens of the deep, who, behind their disguises, looked suspiciously like Schooner Ernestina’s professional crew members. Revelry on deck was brief and the parade made its way back to the office for the Official Grand Opening Ceremony.

Gregg Swanzey, Ernestina’s Executive Director, presided over the ribboncutting. The Reverend Mr. Richard Mendes, grandson of Ernestina owner-captain Henrique Mendes, offered a blessing. Mr. Swanzey then acknowledged the work of individuals whose investment of time, talent and treasure have nurtured the Ernestina project over the decades. The crowd of 200 included many who have been directly involved in the preservation and support of the schooner going back to the mid-1970’s.

Speakers included Massachusetts Department of Environmental Affairs Commissioner Peter Webber, Representative Antonio Cabral, James Marshall, aide to Senator Mark Montigny, Elsie Souza speaking on behalf of Congressman Barney Frank and Steve Sharek, New Bedford City Councilor-at-Large, bringing the regards and sentiments of Mayor Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. and the New Bedford City Council. Carl Cruz, a former Ernestina Commissioner, made special mention of the efforts of Joseph Cardozo and Joli Gonsalves.

Music for the festivities was provided throughout the evening by guitarist Johnny Pena and "Bexa," a Cape Verdean folkloric ensemble. A buffet featuring Cape Verdean dishes followed the ribbon-cutting ceremony A large cake, decorated with the Schooner Ernestina logo, was donated for the event by Homlyke Bakery.

Capt. Sophie Morse (left) and Mate Erica Sachs (right)
guide the topmast down from aloft the mainmast at 85' up in Nov 1999.

Administrative Staff
  Tom Goux, Public Program Director
 Amanda Madeira, Captain/Operations Director
 Annie McDowell, Accountant
 Andrea Parrish, Education Director
 Gregg Swanzey, Executive Director

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