Martha Lewis Open For Tours in Fells Point as Part of Baltimore's War of 1812 Events

     Havre de Grace, Md. -- While the spotlight shines on Baltimore’s waterfront at the upcoming Star-Spangled Sailabration June 13-19, representatives from the local tourism community hope to cast a little light on the North East portion of the state. The Skipjack Martha Lewis will be among 46 ships gathering at Baltimore’s Waterfront from regional, national and international ports of call to kick-off Maryland’s bi-centennial commemoration of the War of 1812.

     “We are so excited to show Martha off to the masses!” said Cindi Beane, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy. “The skipjack is in integral part of our state and local heritage -- we are honored to be a part of this historic event!” 

     The V-bottom, two sail bateau (skipjack), the Martha Lewis, berthed in Havre de Grace, is one of the few remaining working dredge boats, that make up the Chesapeake Bay oyster fleet -- the last to fish commercially, under sail, in the United States of America. 

     The Martha Lewis will be docked at Fell’s Point at Broadway Pier June 12-14 and will move to the Baltimore Marine Center on June 14 until the 17. The vessel will be open for tours from 1100 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

     Not only will the vessel be open for tours, she will be on a mission to help promote the numerous heritage attractions and tourism in the Upper Bay Region. The Martha Lewis will be our maritime goodwill ambassador this weekend!” said Wini Roche, Tourism Manager for Harford County. “The boat is an example of how today’s visitors can experience unique Chesapeake towns like Havre de Grace where the past is ever-present. The War of 1812 was the pivotal moment in Havre de Grace’s history. What an opportunity to tell this important story and others of our region,” Roche stated.

     In honor of the state’s bi-centennial, the Upper Bay’s 1812 Steering Committee through the support of the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway has recently completed an Upper Bay Heritage & War of 1812 Sites - Discovery Guide & Passport. Visitors are encouraged to visit heritage sites in Harford & Cecil Counties and receive a stamp. Those who obtain 5 or more stamps may take their passport to the Havre de Grace Visitor Center or the Cecil County Visitor Center at the Perryville Outlet Center to receive a commemorative coin. 

     The passport will also be distributed at the Chesapeake Campaign tent at Sailabration by members of The Upper Bay 1812 Steering Committee. 

     The Upper Bay 1812 Steering Committee is coordinated by the Cecil and Harford county Offices of Tourism and includes 1812 site representatives and stakeholders including representatives from Perryville, Port Deposit, Havre de Grace, Charlestown, and Elkton and the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway

     For more information on the Discovery Guide & Passport visit www.upperbay1812.com.

Tubman Tour May 31 on Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester

     Cambridge, Md. -- The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Conference in Cambridge, June 1-2, is offering a two-hour guided excursion on the Skipjack Nathan on May 31, from 9 to 11 a.m. Cost is $30 per person.

     Harriet Tubman scholars John Creighton and Pat Lewis will provide insights into the Underground Railroad heroine's life and activities, with a unique on-the-water perspective.

Register for this sail only at the
conference website.
Space is limited.

     The Nathan's public sailing season runs from May through October. Regularly scheduled public sails depart from Long Wharf, at the end of High Street, in Cambridge, Maryland.

     Saturday Public Sails are two hours long and generally include an oyster dredging demonstration, conditions permitting. One Sunday each month, we offer two one-hour sails at a reduced price. While the Sunday sails do not include dredging, they still offer an unforgettable opportunity to experience sailing on a traditional Chesapeake Bay skipjack.

     All ages are welcome. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Life jackets are provided and must be worn by children 12 and under. No pets are allowed except service dogs. Passengers in wheelchairs can be accommodated, but it is advisable to let the ship know ahead of time. The onboard “head” (marine toilet) is not handicapped-accessible.

     Complete information is available at http://www.skipjack-nathan.org.