FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2009
Contact: Molly Dannenmaier
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
molly.dannenmaier@galvestonhistory.org
409-765-7834

ELISSA Youth Seamanship Class Begins Saturday, September 12

The Texas Seaport Museum and the ELISSA Youth Seamanship Program will hold its first class on Saturday, September 12 at the Texas Seaport Museum on Pier 21 in Galveston. ELISSA Youth Crew is free of charge and open to all teenagers ages 11 to 17 and their parents. The class runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

ELISSA Youth Crew offers the rare experience of learning to be a crew member on ELISSA, a restored 19th-century sailing ship, in the same manner as was done over 130 years ago. There are 12 Saturday classes in which crew members learn to set and maneuver ELISSA’s 19 sails as well as what it takes to operate the 400-ton ship.

During the Saturday classes, youth participants are not permitted to leave the site. Youth are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. The sessions are held every other Saturday running through mid-March.

There are several optional activities designed to enhance the seamanship experience. The classes are youth-led under the supervision of an experienced team of adult volunteers. After seven months of dockside training, the ELISSA Youth Crew members are invited to sail on one of ELISSA’s annual day-sails in March, 2010, serving as part of her crew.

Most museums preserve artifacts, but it is the firm belief of the Texas Seaport Museum staff and volunteers that it isn’t enough to simply preserve a ship without also preserving associated skills, says John Schaumburg, Texas Seaport Museum Manager. This is the core belief behind the ELISSA Youth Crew as well, he says. Members of the youth crew learn how to work as a team in an environment where no one person can possibly do everything. The well rounded program is equally challenging to body and mind, says Schaumburg. Many participants learn self-confidence and purpose through the program and many forge lifelong friendships with others who share the same passions, he says.

An orientation to the program was held in August. Parents or legal guardians who did not attend this orientation but still would like their children to participated, should the Texas Seaport Museum before the first class session in order to complete the necessary paperwork.

Those seeking more information may contact Christine Hayes at the Seaport Museum office at 409-763-1877.