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
Ernestinas 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 Ernestinas 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 programs 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
Dereks 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
Ernestinas educational programs. Ernestina
Volunteer Chair for the event is Joyce Cruz.
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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.
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