Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey

The Buzzards Bay Coalition, in partnership with Massachusetts Maritime Academy, invites New Bedford Public Schools 6th grade students aboard the historic Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey for an unforgettable hands-on learning experience. 

Through immersive exploration stations, students learn directly aboard the newly restored schooner while sailing New Bedford Harbor and Buzzards Bay. The Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey program connects students to their local waters, New Bedford’s maritime heritage, Cape Verdean history and culture, environmental stewardship, teamwork and leadership, and outdoor exploration. Students leave the program with a deeper understanding of the connections between people, culture, history, and the marine environment.

Students Experience

Students explore the extraordinary history connecting Cape Verde and southeastern New England through the story of the Ernestina-Morrissey and the Cape Verdean community. Topics include migration, Atlantic crossings, whaling, trade routes, and cultural resilience.

Students conduct real environmental testing aboard the vessel, collecting and recording data including water temperature, pH, salinity, turbidity, nitrates, and visible plankton species.

Using nautical charts, binoculars, and navigational markers, students learn how mariners safely navigate coastal waters and identify hazards, channels, and landmarks.

Students discover the schooner’s incredible journey from Gloucester fishing vessel to Arctic exploration ship, Cape Verdean packet ship, and now an educational vessel serving communities across Massachusetts.

Students practice teamwork, communication, lookout skills, and traditional seamanship while learning hand signals and basic nautical knots used aboard working vessels.

Information for Parents

Programs aboard the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey are supervised by trained educators, professional crew, and maritime staff from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Safety measures include mandatory safety orientations before boarding, continuous adult supervision, Coast Guard approved safety equipment, structured student group rotations, emergency communication systems onboard, and weather monitoring.

Recommended Kit List
  • Closed toe shoes or sneakers
  • Comfortable weather appropriate clothing
  • Windbreaker or light jacket
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Lunch and snacks if requested by the school
  • Any school approved medications

Programs operate rain or shine except in unsafe weather conditions.

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