This Memorial Day weekend, we are offering guests the chance to climb aboard Pride of Baltimore II for day sails around the Harbor. Feel the wind on your face, help pull lines, learn from experienced Captains and crew, and see Baltimore in a way you never have before. Sailing aboard Pride of Baltimore II is an unforgettable experience, and we are so thrilled to offer these sails to guests.
Some spots have all filled up, so we have added new dates! Additional Dates: May 28 5pm-7pm, May 29 5pm-7pm, May 30 2pm-4pm.Email us at pride2@pride2.org to book your spots!
This past Sunday, Pride of Baltimore II celebrated the 8th Annual National Maritime Day Observance and Maritime Expo. The event was free and open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Canton Pier 13, 4601 Newgate Street. Organizers planned a brief National Maritime Day Commemoration and Wreath Laying aboard the NS Savannah. This marked the 52nd anniversary of the first visit of the NS Savannah to the Port of Baltimore.
With a public open house and activities for ship lovers of all ages, there was something for everyone. Port exhibitors showcased how they relate to the port. There was a collection of LEGO® Teach Fleet vessels, radio-controlled model boats and ships, at least 20 vessels on the pier, and more. NS Savannah and many of the visiting vessels, including Pride of Baltimore II, were open for free deck tours. A special guest this year was TS Golden Bear, the California State University Maritime Academy’s 499′ training vessel.
If ships and boats were not your thing, there were intermodal exhibits, too – Rukert Terminals displayed a new Tier IV tractor with an attached container chassis that was open for display that guests could walk into. The students at Sollers Point High School constructed stairs for the container (and the display lifeboat on the pier). Consol Energy (CNX) provided van tours of their coal export terminal every half hour.
National Maritime Day is a U.S. holiday created to acknowledge the maritime industry, honoring the contributions of the American Merchant Marine, which has defended the freedom of the United States since 1775. The holiday was created by Congress in 1933 to be observed on May 22, the date that the American steamship SS Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia, on the first ever transoceanic voyage under steam power.
[An article from Naval Air Station Patuxent River Tester]
A group of U.S Naval Academy Midshipmen will experience a unique learning opportunity when their “live classroom” sets sail April 30 and May 1 offshore from Naval Air Station Patuxent River and Navy Recreation Center (NRC) Solomons.
Part of an elective history course titled “War of 1812 in the Chesapeake: A Schoolhouse at Sea,” the pilot project places students on board the Lynx, a replica Baltimore Clipper tall ship, where they’ll undergo five one-hour modules each day covering various related topics.
“They’ll study the War of 1812 from a strategic standpoint,” explained Claude Berube, an instructor in the academy’s Department of History and the director of the U. S. Naval Academy Museum, which organized the program. “They’ll study operations and tactics, intelligence, celestial navigation, the economies on both sides during the war, and one of our English professors will even teach them about poetry and prose from the time period.”
Between modules, the midshipmen will be on deck learning how to handle the lines and getting a true sense of what their ancestors experienced more than 200 years ago while sailing the Chesapeake Bay.
“We’ll be accompanied by the Pride of Baltimore, and we’ll be attempting to show the midshipmen what it was like to look upon another tall ship sailing just 50 to 100 yards away, how sound carries over water when people are shouting commands on the ships, and what are safe distances in terms of navigation,” Berube said.
Studying the War of 1812 is important because the conflict is where the U.S. Navy began to grow into a formidable maritime force.
“So much took place on the Chesapeake Bay, it really was all around us,” Berube said. “We took on a major world power, the British, and in single ship actions we usually defeated them, demonstrating our superior naval architecture with the [Joshua] Humphrey frigates, such as the USS Constitution. And the heroes of the War of 1812 – Isaac Hull, William Bainbridge, David Porter –still have ships named after them today.”
As a result of that success,many Americans finally realized the importance of having a Navy, Berube noted.
“After the war, you started to see squadrons being sent overseas,” he said. “Navy funds were increased and ships were deployed worldwide to protect American interests.”
Throughout the course of the first day, the class of 10 students and their instructors will sail under the Thomas Johnson Bridge and continue past Point Patience, turning back somewhere near St. Leonard’s Creek.
They’ll then disembark at NRC Solomons where they will learn about the Marines during the War of 1812 from the U.S. Marine Corps Historical Company, spend the night and conclude the class the following day before heading back to Annapolis.
“The Solomons team is excited to host the naval academy’s live floating classroom,” said Carrie Rose, NRC installation program director. “We’ll provide both lodging and camping accommodations to the midshipmen and their professors, and it will certainly be a beautiful sight to see the tall ships on our local waters.”
Berube hopes the inaugural course, sponsored by the Class of 1950, is a success and that it can be repeated next year and in years to come.
“The midshipmen in the class represent about eight different majors,” he said. “This isn’t just a class for history majors, it’s a class for all midshipmen, as history should be; they have to understand their heritage. But, more importantly, we hope to show them that the same lessons from 200 years ago are lessons they should be applying as junior, midgrade and senior officers in command of ships or aviation squadrons, or in command of Marines.”
PRIDE II Celebrates Maryland Day:
Historic Events in Baltimore and St. Mary’s City
Pride of Baltimore II, courtesy Norbert Stager
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Rodini laura@pride2.org 202-669-3065 (cell)
BALTIMORE, March 10, 2016 – This month, Pride of Baltimore II, America’s Star-Spangled Ambassador, celebrates the founding of Maryland with unique events in Baltimore and Historic St. Mary’s City. Members of the media are invited to attend these events; please RSVP by emailing Laura Rodini at laura@pride2.org.
On Friday, March 18, 2016, at 9:30 am, Pride II launches her sailing season and takes part in a special Maryland Day-related ceremony at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. This event is free and open to the public. On hand will be the Archbishop of Baltimore, William Lori, as well as representatives from the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Maryland, which is responsible for the creation of a wooden cross fashioned from the roots of a 600-year-old tulip poplar. The Liberty Tree cross, as it is known, will receive a special blessing from Archbishop Lori and then be placed aboard Pride II, where it will be transported from Baltimore to Historic St. Mary’s City in Southern Maryland. The journey is expected to take 17 hours.
“We’re excited for Pride II to be launching her sailing season by commemorating Maryland’s past,” says Executive Director Rick Scott. “This will be a great start to a year that also looks toward Maryland’s future, both in the state and beyond.”
The Liberty Tree cross, courtesy of Scott Watkins & Carroll Tabernacle, courtesy of HSMC
“The Liberty Tree cross is part of a trio of wooden crosses fashioned from a 600-year-old tulip poplar, that stood on the campus of St. John’s College in Annapolis. The ball and cross were made from its roots. The base for the cross was made from the Wye Oak. It was donated by the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Maryland. The tree served as a meeting spot during the American Revolution. “The cross was made from the roots of a tree from which under its branches witnessed Lord Baltimore’s peace treaty with the Susquehannock Indians in 1652,” said Scott Watkins of the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Maryland. “In 1775 it was the rallying point for The Sons of Liberty before they demanded the burning of the Peggy Stewart and her cargo of tea in the Annapolis harbor. Washington and Lafayette met under it before marching to Yorktowne. It is a symbol of Maryland the colony and Maryland the state.”
As reported in The Baltimore Sun, the first Liberty Tree cross was presented to Pope Francis in 2015. The second cross was given to Prince Charles – and the third and final cross will be presented to St. Mary’s Chapel at Historic St. Mary’s City, where it will reside at the top of the dome for the reconstructed Carroll Family tabernacle that scholars believe was used at the chapel in the 17th century.
“The rich symbolism of a cross made from the roots of Maryland’s Liberty Tree completing the altar at the place the first roots of Liberty of Conscience were planted in the New World is truly wonderful!” says Historic St. Mary’s City Director of Research Dr. Henry Miller.
PRIDE II At Historic St. Mary’s City
St. Mary’s Chapel, courtesy of Donald Winter, Historic St. Mary’s City
Pride II will also take part in Maryland Day commemorative events at Historic St. Mary’s City beginning at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 19, 2016. The event will kick-off with a procession of the Liberty Tree cross at 12:45pm aboard Pride II, and end at St. Mary’s Chapel. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to the opening of a special exhibit within the chapel. This exhibit contains the three lead coffins that held the remains of Maryland’s founding family: Philip Calvert, his wife, Ann Wolsey Calvert, and an infant. The coffins will be visible through a glass floor so that visitors can see this extremely rare example of early Maryland history. Representatives from the Society of The Ark and The Dove will be on-hand as well as descendants of the Calvert family.
“Only five lead coffins are known to exist in North America, and all five are in St. Mary’s City,” says Maryland Historical Society President and CEO Mark B. Letzer. “We are proud to take part in this special observance, as well as mark the final resting place of these important people.”
Two key founding documents of Maryland will also be on display: Father Andrew White’s account of the voyage of the Ark and Dove in 1634 and a letter written by the first governor, Leonard Calvert. This marks the first time these documents have returned to St. Mary’s City since they were dispatched to England on the Ark in 1634. Maryland Historical Society Chief Curator, Alexandra Deutsch, will provide remarks on these documents.
There will also be a Presentation of the Flags from fourth grade students from each county in Maryland, beginning with the newest and proceeding to the oldest county. Several of the state’s leading politicians are expected to attend. All events March 19 will be free and open to the public. This includes the procession and dock tours aboard Pride II and her maritime ancestor, the Maryland Dove. It also includes the unveiling of the exhibit within the chapel.
For nearly four decades, Pride of Baltimore and Pride of Baltimore II have represented the people of Maryland in ports throughout the world, spreading a positive message and extending the hand of friendship globally. Since her commissioning in 1988, Pride II has traveled more than 250,000 nautical miles and visited 40 countries in 200 ports. Pride II has become one of the most well-known U.S. sailing vessels in the world, capturing the imagination of millions of people.
For more information, contact Laura Rodini at laura@pride2.org or call 202-669-3065.
Governor Hogan Announces New Partnership
with Pride of Baltimore II New State Support for Historic Goodwill Vessel to Promote Economic Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Rodini laura@pride2.org 202-669-3065 (cell)
BALTIMORE, January 18, 2016 – Governor Hogan today announced the state of Maryland will launch a new public-private partnership with the sailing vessel Pride of Baltimore II, using the high-profile schooner to promote economic development opportunities for the state. With the new funding, Pride of Baltimore II will expand its economic development activity in the state, around the country, and in other nations.
“Pride of Baltimore is a wonderful symbol of the rich maritime heritage of both our state and the city of Baltimore, and the ship generates extremely valuable exposure and goodwill wherever she goes,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “We are pleased to have a new partnership with the Pride and to have her help carry our message across the state, nation, and globe – that Maryland is open for business.”
Under a new agreement, the state will commit $1.5 million to Pride of Baltimore Inc., the nonprofit that owns and operates the Pride, over the next three years. The organization will use the funds to underwrite the Pride’s activities and expand its focus on selling Maryland as a strong economic market.
“Pride’s mission has been to promote historical maritime education, foster economic development and tourism, and represent the people of Maryland in ports throughout the world,” said Rick Scott, executive director of Pride of Baltimore Inc. “We are thrilled to have a new partnership with Maryland and we will be working closely with the Maryland Departments of Transportation and Commerce to promote economic development here.”
Launched in 1988, Pride of Baltimore II is a topsail schooner that is a replica of the Baltimore clippers that were built in the city more than 200 years ago – fast, sleek vessels that were integral parts of the city and state’s commerce for many years. As one of the most respected tall ships in the nation, Pride of Baltimore II generates excitement at every port and provides a vivid reminder of the state’s rich commercial history and vibrant economic opportunities.
“We know the value the Pride brings to our efforts to market Baltimore and Maryland to business leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Mike Gill, secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce. “The ship is a wonderful ambassador and a piece of our history that will be an incredibly exciting messenger for us around the country.”
Along with the state support, Pride of Baltimore Inc. will this year launch a corporate membership campaign to generate new revenue to support the Pride’s activities. The organization is also reaching out to the public to secure new individual supporters.
The Pride will sail in Maryland during parts of 2016 and has plans to take part in tall ships events on both the East Coast and in the Great Lakes next summer. At each of those events, the ship will share messages about the state. The Pride will also continue to offer educational sessions for school children.
“The Pride is a great iconic figure of Maryland and Baltimore,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn. “As the Pride travels around our country, it promotes our state and largest city in a positive light.”
Pride of Baltimore II has spread positive messages about Baltimore and Maryland throughout the world. Its predecessor, Pride of Baltimore, was commissioned in 1977 and sank in a squall in the Atlantic Ocean in 1986. Together, the ships have educated thousands of children and captured the imagination of millions worldwide.
Both Prides have fostered economic development and tourism for Maryland, and have promoted Baltimore and Maryland by attracting millions of dollars in advertising value from the media generated by sailing.
Over the past 27 years, Pride of Baltimore II has voyaged to more than 200 ports in 40 countries and is one of the best-known U.S. sailing vessels in the world. Pride of Baltimore II has been well-maintained and can easily sail for another 50 years.
“We have an incredible legacy and a tool that can be used for economic development and to spread positive messages of Baltimore, the state of Maryland, our communities, and businesses in national and international media,” Scott said. “We think the positive messages that Pride delivers are needed now more than ever.”
About Pride of Baltimore II
Pride of Baltimore II was commissioned in 1988 to carry on the mission of her predecessor, Pride of Baltimore. Both ships were designed as reproductions of 1812-era topsail schooners, and built in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, Maryland.
Pride’s mission is to promote historical maritime education, foster economic development and tourism, and represent the people of Maryland in every port she visits. Each season, the vessel visits dozens of ports of call, and welcomes aboard tens of thousands of people for deck tours, sailing charters, day sails, youth programs, private events, and overnight guest crew experiences.
For more information, contact Laura Rodini at laura@pride2.org or call 202-669-3065.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Rodini laura@pride2.org 202-669-3065 (cell)
Click on the Image Above To Watch the Knife-Making Process
BALTIMORE, December 16, 2015 — This holiday season, Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) and Pride of Baltimore II have partnered to create limited-edition Pride II oyster knives, with proceeds supporting ORP’s large-scale oyster restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay.
The project was conceptualized as a way to raise awareness for Oyster Recovery Partnership and Pride II, two nonprofits working to preserve the past and support the future of the Chesapeake Bay.
“Our intent was to design a classic, historical symbol of Chesapeake Bay culture that is practical for everyday use,” said Oyster Recovery Partnership Executive Director Stephan Abel. “The Pride II oyster knife project is a way for the Oyster Recovery Partnership and Pride of Baltimore II to salute Maryland’s oyster heritage while we continue our work to preserve the traditions of the Bay.”
The knives are crafted from the tropical hardwood that was used to build Pride II, one of the best-known U.S. sailing vessels in the world. Given the historic nature and limited supply of the wood, the Pride II oyster knives are being made in an extremely small quantity. The knives can be ordered through the Oyster Recovery Partnership’s website, and orders placed by Friday, December 18 will ship in time for the holiday season. Click here for complete details.
The Importance of Oysters to the Chesapeake Bay
A clump of three-year-old hatchery seed oysters found in Harris Creek on Maryland’s eastern shore.
While it may look innocuous, an oyster is vital to life in the Chesapeake Bay. Oysters create a habitat for a multitude of marine life including the Blue Crab and Striped Bass. But oyster populations became threatened by overharvesting and pollution in the 20th century and were nearly decimated. Now, after a century of decline, the oyster is making a comeback.
The oyster’s resurgence is due in large part to the efforts of nonprofits such as the Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP), Maryland’s leading nonprofit restoring oysters in the Bay. Commissioned in 1994, with the help of their partners ORP has planted nearly 5.9 billion oysters on 2,200 acres of oyster reefs. Seventy thousand bushels of shell have been recycled to provide homes for new oysters. A healthy, adult oyster can filter silt, sediment and excess nutrients from as much as 50 gallons of water a day.
How Restaurants Are Taking Part
“Oysters are experiencing a renaissance throughout the country — not only for their value to the marine habitats, but also from demand from the culinary world.” Abel says. “ORP works to provide watermen and oyster farms with harvest and economic stability, while supporting the demand for sustainable seafood without adding pressure on the existing wild population.”
ORP also operates the Shell Recycling Alliance, which is the country’s largest network of restaurants dedicated to recycling oyster shells. This Alliance enables the public, restaurants and caterers to save oysters from going into landfills.
Restaurants across the state, District of Columbia and Virginia participate in this innovative shell recycling program: For a complete list of participating members, click here.
Select restaurants, such as Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore and the Boatyard in Annapolis are featuring the Pride II oyster knives and even offering shucking demonstrations.
Proceeds from the Pride II oyster knife project will support the Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP)’s large-scale projects in the Chesapeake Bay. For every dollar raised, ORP will be able to plant approximately 100 baby oysters into the Bay, making a direct impact on oyster restoration efforts.
“Simply put, oyster knives are a symbol of the Chesapeake Bay culture we are striving to preserve, protect and grow,” Abel says.
A Closer Look at the Pride II Oyster Knives
The Pride II oyster knife design is a classic, American model known for being sturdy, versatile and dependable.
The teardrop-shaped knife handle is carved from timbers of bullet wood and mahogany used in creating the keel, or structural beam, of Pride of Baltimore II. The wood has been preserved in climate-controlled conditions since Pride II was completed in 1988.
Each knife has a 3-inch, stainless steel blade laser-engraved with the names Pride II and ORP.
A keepsake certificate of authenticity and matching number from 001 to 500 accompanies each knife.
About The Pride of Baltimore II
For nearly four decades, Pride of Baltimore and Pride of Baltimore II have represented the people of Baltimore in ports throughout the world, spreading a positive message of Baltimore and extending the hand of friendship globally.
The original Pride of Baltimore sank in a squall off the coast of Puerto Rico in 1986. The city rallied around the construction of a new ship, with then-Mayor Clarence ‘Du’ Burns designating Pride II as “The city’s ship… that belongs to the people of the city. It shows our roots, our accomplishments and our sense of things yet to be done.”
Since her commissioning in 1988, Pride II has traveled more than 250,000 nautical miles and visited 40 countries in 200 ports. Pride II has become one of the best-known U.S. sailing vessels in the world, capturing the imagination of millions of people.
For more information, contact Laura Rodini at laura@pride2.org or call 202-669-3065.
“They’ll study the War of 1812 from a strategic standpoint,” explained Claude Berube, an instructor in the academy’s Department of History and the director of the U. S. Naval Academy Museum, which organized the program. “They’ll study operations and tactics, intelligence, celestial navigation, the economies on both sides during the war, and one of our English professors will even teach them about poetry and prose from the time period.”
The Pride II oyster knife design is a classic, American model known for being sturdy, versatile and dependable.