In 1929, following the decline of the wooden shipbuilding industry, the Marine Historical Association--now Mystic Seaport--was founded to preserve the maritime culture of this coastal Connecticut town. During its long history, Mystic Seaport has grown exponentially. Today, it boasts the world's largest collections of maritime photography and boats and holds two million other maritime artifacts.
Mystic Seaport: A Virtual Photo Tour
By Kim Knox Beckius, About.com
The Golden Age of Shipbuilding
Mystic Seaport has one of the world's largest collections of historic vessels.
(c) 2004 Kim Knox Beckius
Mystic, Connecticut, is situated along the state's southeastern shore, and its access to the sea via the Mystic River made it an ideal location for shipbuilding. The first ships were built in Mystic starting in the 1600s, but the period from 1784 to 1919 is considered the "Golden Age" of America's maritime industry. During that period, more than 600 wooden vessels were built along the Mystic River.
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- The Museum of America and the Sea
- Climb Aboard the Charles W. Morgan
- A Whale of a Job
- The Golden Age of Shipbuilding
- Clip-Clopping Through the Village
- Visiting with the Shipsmith
- 5-Cent Beer Here
- A Figurehead
- A Passion for Preservation
- Get Rowing
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