Effie M. Morrissey

Step aboard the Effie M. Morrissey, a historic schooner that has weathered the tumultuous seas of the North Atlantic and the icy waters of the Arctic, and now graces the docks of New Bedford, Massachusetts. This majestic vessel, now known as the Ernestina-Morrissey, is not just a ship but a floating museum that tells tales of daring explorations, heroic rescues, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her story is woven into the very fabric of maritime history, making her a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for adventure and history.

The Origins: A Fishing Schooner

The Effie M. Morrissey was born in the bustling shipyards of Gloucester, Massachusetts, in 1894. Designed by George McClain and built to withstand the fierce gales of the North Atlantic, she was the last fishing schooner constructed for the Wonson Fish Company. Her robust white oak and yellow pine frame, painted a striking black, was a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. Named after the daughter of her first skipper, William Edward Morrissey, the Effie M. Morrissey quickly proved her worth. On her maiden voyage, she hauled in over 200,000 pounds of fish, enough to cover her construction costs and earn her a reputation as a high liner among the fishing fleet.

From Fishing to Exploration

After eleven years of successful fishing expeditions, the Effie M. Morrissey changed hands and began a new chapter in her storied life. Under the command of Captain Ansel Snow, she fished out of Digby, Nova Scotia, and later, under Harold Bartlett, she plied the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador. But it was in 1925, when Harold Bartlett's cousin, the renowned Arctic explorer Captain Bob Bartlett, acquired her, that the Effie M. Morrissey truly came into her own.

Arctic Expeditions

Captain Bob Bartlett, with financial backing from publisher George Palmer Putnam, transformed the Effie M. Morrissey into a vessel capable of braving the Arctic ice. Over the next two decades, she embarked on numerous scientific expeditions, sponsored by prestigious institutions like the American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Geographic Society. These voyages took her to the farthest reaches of Greenland, the Siberian Arctic, and beyond, where she contributed to groundbreaking research in oceanography, meteorology, and botany.

World War II Service

The Effie M. Morrissey's service to her country didn't end with exploration. During World War II, she was enlisted by the United States Government to survey the Arctic, aiding in the establishment of air bases and weather stations crucial to the war effort. Her resilience and adaptability in these harsh conditions were a testament to her design and the skill of her crew.

A New Life as Ernestina

After Captain Bob Bartlett's death in 1946, the Effie M. Morrissey was sold and rechristened the Ernestina. She entered the packet trade, carrying mail and passengers across the Atlantic to Cape Verde. Under the command of Captain Henrique Mendes, she made numerous transatlantic voyages, becoming a lifeline for the Cape Verdean community. However, by the late 1960s, the Ernestina had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being lost to history.

A Gift to the United States

In 1977, the people of Cape Verde, recognizing the historical significance of the Ernestina, offered her as a gift to the United States. This gesture symbolized the deep ties between the two nations and marked the beginning of a new chapter for the venerable schooner. After extensive restoration work, she sailed back to the United States in 1982, her hull rebuilt and her spirit renewed.

National Historic Landmark

In 1990, the Ernestina was designated a National Historic Landmark, and in 1996, she became part of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Today, she stands as a proud reminder of America's maritime heritage, offering educational cruises along the New England coast and serving as a living classroom for those eager to learn about the sea and its history.

Modern Restoration

In 2014, the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation initiated a $6 million restoration project to preserve the Ernestina-Morrissey for future generations. This extensive work, carried out at the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard in Maine, ensures that she remains seaworthy and continues to inspire awe and admiration in all who visit her.

The Effie M. Morrissey, or Ernestina-Morrissey, is more than just a ship; she is a symbol of human ingenuity, resilience, and the unquenchable thirst for discovery. Her decks have been trodden by fishermen, explorers, scientists, and sailors, each leaving their mark on her storied timbers. A visit to this remarkable vessel in New Bedford is not just a journey through maritime history but an invitation to dream of the adventures that lie beyond the horizon.