The Mystic Seaport invites the community to chow down during its annual Chowderfest Saturday, Oct. 11, through Monday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Columbus Day weekend event is scheduled to include family-friendly activities and plenty of tasty dishes.
Seaport publicist Erin Richard said in a recent release that the event’s menu contains traditional New England, Rhode Island, and Manhattan chowders as well as other seafood specialties, including lobster salad rolls and a raw bar. She said non-seafood items, such as hamburgers and seasonal desserts, as well as beer, wine, and apple cider, will also be available to purchase.
“Chowder isn’t the only thing served up at Mystic Seaport Columbus Day weekend. Stroll through the village, climb aboard tall ships, and enjoy live music from Finest Kind,” she stated.
Activities for kids include a “clammy” art project and story time in the Children’s Museum, 19th-century games on the Village Green, programs under the Planetarium dome, and foliage cruises aboard the steamboat Sabino.
Chowderfest proceeds benefit Mystic Seaport and Special Olympics Connecticut, and support for the event is provided in part by Cabot Creamery and Coca-Cola of Southeastern New England.
The Rest of the Month
For the month of October, the Mystic Seaport has launched its 2008-09 Adventure Series of programs that continue to April. Richard explained that a presenter will visit and speak in the River Room at Seamen’s Inne on the third Thursday of each month. On Thursday, Oct. 16, the series welcomes Matt Newcomb, a scientist who studies astronomy at the South Pole, who will discuss what it’s like to study microwaves emitted by the early universe and how to build a telescope out of ice.
Seaport spokesperson Michael O’Farrell recently announced the Seaport’s restoration of the wooden whale ship, the Charles W. Morgan. The Seaport began its restoration Sept. 27 and plans to move the ship from Chubb’s Wharf, down alongside the museum’s ship-lift, to the Henry B. DuPont Preservation Shipyard on Sunday, Oct. 19.
“A National Historic Landmark and the museum’s signature vessel, the Morgan was built in 1841 in New Bedford, Mass.,” Richard said. “During her 80-year career, she made 37 voyages across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. In 1941, the Morgan came to Mystic Seaport, where millions of visitors have since walked her decks.”
Later this month, the Seaport will honor Thomas B. Crowley Jr., chairman, president, and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation at the America and Sea at a gala dinner held at the Rainbow Room in New York City, Wednesday, Oct. 29. “The annual award recognizes an individual or organization whose contributions to the history, arts, or sciences of the sea best exemplify the American spirit and character,” Richard said in a recent press release.
On behalf of museum President and Director Douglas Teeson, Richard stated, “Tom Crowley has demonstrated unparalleled professional achievement while guiding Crowley Maritime Corporation into the 21st century. He has expanded upon his father’s and grandfather’s vision, providing both domestic and international patrons with marine transportation services of the highest caliber.”
For more information about Chowderfest and other upcoming events at the Mystic Seaport, visit www.mysticseaport.org or call 888-973-2767.