Boat Building

South Bristol Discovery Boatbuilding Program

Generously funded by the Jennings Foundation

Since 1994 Maine Maritime Museum and South Bristol Elementary School have been involved in a collaborative venture which annually produces two boats constructed by the school’s eighth grade class. This innovative program has evolved over the years and now includes elements of history, science, English, and information technology.

I cannot stress strongly enough my belief that the MMM/SBS Boat Building Program is a model for education in the 21st century. It provides students an opportunity to apply the skills (both academic and social) they are learning in the classroom to a real life setting.

—Pamela J. Sperry, past principal at South Bristol School.

The strength of this program largely depends on support from the Jennings Foundation, the South Bristol Elementary School, the South Bristol parents, and the Museum’s dedicated volunteers and staff. Stop by the Museum’s Ned and Kathy Harding Boatshop on Fridays during the school year (call (207) 443-1316 ext. 0 to confirm times) or visit the South Bristol School Website to see what the students are up to this week.