NEW BEDFOD – The Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey will return to her homeport at New Bedford State Pier to help celebrate the vibrant Cape Verdean diaspora in the city and throughout the region this week.
Cape Verdean Recognition week began on June 30th and celebrates the independence of the island nation.
The Schooner Ernestina will be present along the city’s waterfront to celebrate the occasion, according to a press release.
Free guided tours Friday, from 3 to 6 p.m.
The Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey will be docked at New Bedford State Pier with free guided tours available on Friday, July 5, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Ensuring the vessel’s presence in the city during Cape Verdean Recognition Week has been a top priority for state Sen. Mark Montigny, D-New Bedford.
Montigny’s legislation, signed into law in 2020 with support from longtime Ernestina advocate, state Rep. Antonio Cabral, D-New Bedford, ensured that the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey remained the state’s official vessel with her homeport in New Bedford.
Montigny legislation requires Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey availability
His legislation also required "New Bedford" to remain emblazoned on the vessel and ensured she would be made available in the city for at least 90 days per year, according to the release.
The law also directs Mass Maritime Academy to collaborate with the New Bedford Cape Verdean community to “ensure the vessel is made available to local public school children and residents of the city of New Bedford” at no cost during cultural events and educational programs.
Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey 'a treasured gift'
Because of these provisions, the Schooner Ernestina has already hosted New Bedford kids from the Buzzards Bay Coalition and New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center.
“The Ernestina is a treasured gift from the people of Cape Verde that reflects the strong, enduring bond between our nations,” said Montigny. “It has been an absolute priority that she set sail for home tocelebrate such an important time in our community, and we really look forward to the upcoming festivities.”
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Free Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey guided tours Friday at New Bedford State Pier
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