The Schooner Adventure, the 1926 National Historic Landmark dory-fishing schooner, has been awarded a $250,000 1:1 matching grant from The Dusky Foundation. This grant provides a major step forward in helping the Adventure organization gain the momentum needed to finish the restoration of the vessel and realize the goal of becoming a maritime, environmental and educational resource for future generations.
The three recent, very visible restoration projects; the USCG approved access, allowing visitors to walk Adventure’s decks; the steering gear, two projects funded by the Lynch Foundation grant and; the construction of the barrel windlass, used to raise and lower the anchors, funded by the City of Gloucester’s Community Preservation Act; along with the extremely well designed education programs have helped to renew public interest in the project and inject new life into the organization. The Dusky grant and the matching funds will enable the installation of water tight bulkheads and other below deck structures, and the outfitting of the vessel to allow Schooner Adventure to once again sail as Gloucester’s official flagship. This is a significant move forward to finish the vessel.
While the Schooner Adventure has national significance in terms of America’s maritime and commercial fishing history showing America at work, the vessel has particular importance to community of Cape Ann. Ties to the New England fisheries will lead to fund raising credentials in other areas along the coast but the sight of Adventure under sail cannot help but connect the people of Gloucester to their own history.
It is imperative that the restoration of Schooner Adventure be completed and the vessel returned to active sailing, so that future generations can experience what the life of a Gloucester fisherman felt like and meant. If Gloucester’s history is to be understood, it should be viewed in large measure through the eyes of a fisherman. What better way to tell Gloucester’s story than on board the last of the “Gloucestermen.”
About Adventure
The Gloucester Adventure, Inc a 501(C)(3) non-profit historic preservation and educational organization, was established to restore the schooner Adventure as a historic community resource and living classroom. Volunteers help year-round with vessel restoration, innovative educational programs, events, and fundraising.
For more information and support for Adventure, visit
www.schooner-adventure.org or call 978-281-8079
The Gloucester Adventure, Inc. is a non-profit organization, Federal ID number: 04-302-0719
Good Morning Gloucester 
That’s great news! Kudos to all who have worked so hard to achieve the grant.
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Hurrah for those who provide funding, and for those who dedicate their time and talent to the restoration of the Adventure!
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Fabulous! This is really cool.
Jenn
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I enjoyed a leisurely tour of Adventure when I was visiting this past summer. It’s TERRIFIC that this grant was awarded. Can’t wait to see her again next summer and note the restoration progress.
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I’m so thrilled to hear the news of the grant. My congrats to all who have worked so tirelessly especially my wonderful cousin Peter Souza and his multi-talented wife!!!
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