After making its Washington Crossing debut during our Independence Day Celebration, the full-scale Durham boat replica has remained in the Boat Barn, where the Independence Seaport Museum (ISM) team continues its work.

Since July 4, Dave Dormand, Director of the Seaport Boat Shop, has installed wooden plugs to conceal the fasteners, begun smoothing the hull, steam-bent structural supports for the deck, and prepared the breasthooks and aft deck beams for installation.

Next, the team will complete the fore and aft decks, build the bulkheads beneath them, install the flooring, and begin finish work, including painting and oiling the hull and decks.

Visitors will have a new opportunity to learn about the project during the first on-site Table Saw Talks at WCHP on Sunday, August 16 and Sunday, September 13 from 10:00-11:00 am. Led by ISM shipwrights, these informal conversations will explore traditional wooden boatbuilding methods, materials, and the history of the Durham boats used during Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware.

This is a pay-what-you-wish program. Advance registration is required, and donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.

Learn more about our Durham Boat Project by visiting www.washingtoncrossingpark.org/the-durham-boat-project/.

Thank you to our Durham Boat Project supporters!

Heritage Builder ($100,000+)

Preserving Partners ($25,000+)

General Level Supporters ($10,000+)

Colonel Level Supporter ($5,000+)