Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center

Opens New Building, New Exhibit

     The Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center announces the opening of its Gorton's Seafoods Gallery. The new gallery highlights a $500,000 building project which adds a 2nd and 3rd story addition to the center's Sarah Fraser Robbins Education Center, connects three existing buildings, and creates an indoor observation deck where visitors can observe activity taking place in the adjoining Boat Shop. Both the exterior and interior architectural features reflect the feel of a 19th century wharf warehouse.

     "Fitting Out," the first exhibit installed in the new gallery, focuses on the shoreside industries that supported the local fishing fleet at the dawn of the 20th century when over 80 businesses operated in the Harbor Loop neighborhood: sail lofts, spar sheds, icehouses, chandleries, cooperages, blacksmith shops, a foghorn manufacturer and more.  Fishing took place at sea, but the edge of the harbor pulsed with energy and productivity, as craftsmen, manufacturers and merchants provided the services, products and provisions that a vessel required before heading out to sea.

     "Fitting Out" is a tribute to the Gloucester fleet and the allied industries that support it. The exhibit title refers to the process of outfitting or preparing a vessel for a fishing trip. Displays feature elegant ship models, a standing rig, and artifacts ranging from oilskins to foghorns to sailmaker's tools. Chart your course to the Grand Banks. Try your hand at rope making. Experiment with the interactive marine railway model. Watch vintage film  footage of fishing schooners at sea.

     The new gallery and the exhibit were financed by private donations, and grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities,   Preserve America, the Institute of Museum and Library Services.