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Date: Sunday, August 11, 2002
Ernestina's Mantenhas
Onset Creative Arts Association

 
The Schooner Ernestina Commission hosted a special event today celebrating the 20th anniversary of the gifting of the ship and her return voyage from Cape Verde. In the beautiful gallery of the Onset Center for the Creative Arts, Onset, MA, a special exhibit featured paintings, photographs and artifacts highlighting Schooner Ernestina’s Cape Verdean heritage. Many residents of the Onset and Wareham area were central to the grass-roots effort that began more than twenty years ago to bring Ernestina back to these shores.

The day began with a gallery tour that included many historic images created by Cape Verdean artists and others. The work of Matt Barros, noted artist and facilitator of the gallery exhibit, was embodied in several portraits of Cape Verdean captains and ship owners. Another delightful contribution to the exhibit was Eva Coombs “Cape Verdean Folk Tales” for children.

Ernestina historian and crew member Traudi Coli then led a wonderful discussion of the history of the packet trade and Schooner Ernestina’s role in that saga. But this soon evolved into a general conversation about life in Cape Verde, with interesting comments from those who were born there or who had visited. However, many in the gathering were learning about Cape Verdean culture and history for the first time.

With a capacity crowd enjoying the festivities, it was a full day that included Cape Verdean food, music and a sharing of vivid memories about the fateful days leading up to and during the return voyage. Former Schooner Ernestina Commissioners Julius Britto and Joseph Rose led the Remembrance Roundtable, recounting the remarkable local, regional and international effort that surrounded the 44 day passage from Cape Verde to New Bedford.

Julius Britto spoke of the many dedicated local residents who devoted so much time, talent and treasure to the monumental task. His mother, Lena Britto, was central to the story and was among the visitors to the exhibit. He also spoke of the remarkable progress the Ernestina project has made over the years and commended the Commission and staff for the diligence and the program’s successes.

Joseph Rose had memories not only of his time as a Commisioner, but also from the perspective of a ham radio operator. In that capacity, he, along with several other operators, monitored the return voyage of Ernestina in 1982, communicating with the vessel throughout the trip. He explained that a number of stations were involved and that Ernestina encountered heavy fog in the busy shipping lanes as she approached the New England coast. As it turned out, these ham radio “friends of Ernestina” helped provide U.S. Coast Guard assistance for the ship when it was needed most.

When the noon hour approached Cape Verdean fare was the subject, with a session led by Louise Andrade. She had brought all the ingredients and demonstrated the making of “gufong” – a sweet treat in the Cape Verdean style. Louise also led a great Q and A session about cooking in the islands, describing techniques and resources used by her grandmother and others.

Music was also in the air! Derek and Gina Antunes, visiting from their home in Australia, shared some of their beautiful songs with the appreciative crowd. They had been especially invited to the event by Derek’s great uncle, Joseph Rose.

The 20th anniversary observance continues next Saturday, Aug. 17, 5-11pm, when “Festa da Ernestina” comes to Ernestina headquarters, corner of Elm St. and Water St., New Bedford. This outdoor event is free to the public and will feature Cape Verdean food and the music of the popular Bisca Club Band. Refreshments will be sold and there will be a raffle to benefit Ernestina’s educational programs. Ernestina Volunteer Chair for the event is Joyce Cruz.

Former Commissioner Julius Britto and Ernestina staffer Traudi Coli talk about the remarkable effort to bring Ernestina back to America twenty years ago.

Former Commissioner Joseph Rose talks aobut the Ernestina and his role as Radio Operator during her return. The model shown in the image was built by the students of Ernestina's after-school program.

Louise Andrade often comes to Ernestina events to offer some great food and to help people learn more about Cape Verdean culture. She and her family are long time supporters of the ship.

Derek and Gina Antunes, visiting from their home in Australia, shared some of their beautiful songs with the appreciative crowd.

We would like to thank Lotus and IBM for donation of software, hardware and funding to enable regular electronic updates from the ship.

NOAA Chart is provided courtesy of Maptech using Cruising Navigator 4.3 and grabbing the image using Grabit Pro 6.02.

 
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Copyright 1997-2002
Schooner Ernestina
89 North Water Street, P.O. Box 2010, New Bedford, MA 02741-2010
phone 508.992.4900 -- fax 508.984.7719
www.ernestina.org

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