Mystic Seaport

While we were in Mystic, we had to go see the Mystic Seaport Museum.   It was a beautiful day – sunny, breezy, not too hot.

Our first stop was the ongoing restoration of the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world.  We climbed up to the deck where the kids were able to explore the whole ship.

 

The bunks where the crew slept:

The hold which included posters describing the process of collecting and storing whale oil.

We visited the General Store and played with some of the old toys.  We explained to the kids that there was no plastic back then and all the toys were made of wood, metal or cloth.

Daddy had to visit the Druggist since that where he would have worked (he’s a pharmaceutical chemist).

The kids were able to make fish prints at one of the Art Spots.  Georgie wanted to make his yellow with red spots but they could use only one color.  We told him he could add spots when we got home (which we actually still haven’t gotten around to).

Georgie chose to do a yellow flounder, while Vicki made a black starfish.

First they covered the entire fish with paint…..

then took a piece of paper and pressed it firmly over the fish.

Our completed prints.

 

Later, when we went to the Print Shop, we were able to relate this to the method used to print signs and newspapers.

We were able to climb aboard and explore the Joseph Conrad a tall ship from 1882.

 

We saw how ships were built….

and explore the wreck of the Schooner Australia  that was used as a blockade runner during the Civil War.

The kids had a great time playing in the Children’s Museum. 

Georgie worked on making a special meal…..

 

while Vicki went fishing off the bow of a tug boat…

 

where Georgie eventually joined her.

 

When we were finally able to drag them out of the museum, we went to the Map Spot.  I could have easily stayed here all day especially since we will be working on maps and Geography very soon.

There was a giant wall map with large magnets to mark where you were from…..

a floor map of the United States….

and a foam puzzle map mounted to the wall.  The problem with foam puzzles is it is too easy to squeeze the pieces into the wrong places.  This puzzle was definitely a challenge for Georgie.

They had stations with ink pads and stamps that the kids could use to make their own maps.

  

At the Discovery Zone, the kids were able to play with more old-fashioned toys…..

Vicki learned about signaling with flags but I think she thought she was cheering (like big sis Steph).

There were stations for learning about knots, levers and pulleys, and different types of woods that were used to make the parts of a ship.

It was a very fun and educational day for all of us.