Eco-Friendly Fun: Exploring Sustainability Practices at Mystic Seaport Museum

Looking for more ways to travel sustainably? You’ve come to the right place. Mystic, Connecticut, is a great starting point, with many eco-warriors leading the charge! In fact, this Earth Month, Whaler’s is putting a spotlight on some of the top things to do in Mystic for a sustainable stay.

So, climb aboard as we cover Mystic Seaport Museum today. Their team is integral to bringing history to life, but that’s not all. They’re also taking steps toward a greener future! Let’s dive in and explore some of their sustainability initiatives behind the scenes.

History Meets Sustainability: The Sabino

Did you know the historic steamboat Sabino (Sah-BYE-no) has undergone a remarkable transformation? A diesel-electric drive was added, allowing this working exhibit to be operated by electric propulsion for daily, seasonal river cruises. This change has resulted in a whopping 95% reduction in the vessel’s carbon output. However, the transformation still maintains the ability to occasionally use the historic steam power for special occasions, preserving the vessel’s status as a National Historic Landmark.

Shipyard with Smarts

The Museum’s Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard isn’t your ordinary shipyard. It strategically implements sustainability practices to keep vessels in shipshape. A key feature of the Shipyard’s shiplift is a catchment basin that collects runoff and debris from work on the vessels hauled in the lift. This concrete basin channels the materials and liquids to holding tanks that can be subsequently pumped out to enable proper disposal. Additionally, the Shipyard provides sanitary pump-out facilities as part of Connecticut’s Clean Marina Program. 

Invisible Infrastructure, Visible Impact

The Thompson Exhibition Building and the surrounding McGraw Gallery Quadrangle were designed with a comprehensive stormwater collection and treatment system in mind. Runoff is collected in a drainage network that directs it to an underground detention basin. This basin allows a portion of the water to be recharged back into the ground. Permeable paving technology was also used, enabling water to percolate into the underlying soil for natural treatment.

From Sails to Solar

Did you know? Two major solar arrays have also been installed to help supply electricity for the museum’s needs. One array sits on the 41,000-square-foot Collections Research Center roof, and the other is located on the 8,400-square-foot Marine Science Center.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

In 2018, Mystic Seaport Museum launched a Single-Use Plastic Free initiative to reduce consumption of single-use plastics. Additionally, water bottle refill stations were installed throughout the grounds to encourage visitors to bring and utilize reusable water bottles, significantly reducing waste on museum grounds.

Sustainable Things to Do in Mystic: Art with a Message

While visiting during your sustainable stay in Mystic, be sure to check out their wonderful rotating exhibits. There’s always something new to see! In fact, you’ll definitely have to come back more than once to experience it all. Take a look at some of their current exhibits below.

Alexis Rockman: Oceanus

Alexis Rockman: Oceanus Alexis Rockman: Oceanus is a major exhibition featuring ten large-scale watercolors and an 8-by-24-foot panoramic painting, all commissioned by the Museum to raise awareness and inspire conversations around the critical global issues that face our oceans due to the impacts of maritime activities as part of our collective cultural, social, and economic heritage. Don’t wait to check out this exhibit—it closes on Sunday, April 28th!

Spineless: A Glass Menagerie of Blaschka Marine Invertebrates

Spineless explores the inspiring ways people have tried to record the ocean’s mesmerizing marine invertebrates. Even more surprisingly, many of these creatures have become introduced species worldwide, including right here in Mystic. The exhibit goes further by contextualizing these intricate invertebrate models through the work of Dr. James T. Carlton. Dr. Carlton is the Director Emeritus of the Williams College-Mystic Seaport Coastal and Ocean Studies Program and one of the world’s leading experts in marine bioinvasions.

Building Respect for the Ocean on the Schooner Brilliant

For 70 years, the museum’s sail training schooner, Brilliant, has provided unforgettable experiences at sea for teenagers. While setting out on 5 to 10-day voyages, these young participants gain valuable skills and a newfound appreciation for the ocean. They explore the intricacies of coastal navigation, weather forecasting, and basic sail handling through hands-on learning. These trips leave a lasting impression on these young adventurers, fostering a deep respect for the ocean and its wonders.

Reducing Single-Use Plastic

Mystic Seaport Museum’s Sailing Center welcomes thousands of students each year. Here, they foster a love for sailing and prioritize environmental responsibility. Their commitment shines through their consistent achievement of the prestigious Silver Level Clean Regattas Certification from Sailors for the Sea, which is awarded for following 24 best practices. For instance, the Center has completely eliminated single-use plastic water bottles. Instead, water coolers are readily available for refilling reusable bottles. Straws and a significant portion of single-use dinnerware have also been eliminated.

Deep Dives into Ocean Science: The Marine Science Center at Mystic Seaport Museum

Did you know about the museum’s state-of-the-art Marine Science Center? It offers exceptional teaching and research facilities right on its grounds. This center is the cornerstone for the accredited Williams College-Mystic Seaport Coastal and Ocean Studies Program, or Williams-Mystic for short. An intensive, semester-long program, Williams-Mystic provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum focused on the ocean. The program culminates in a truly unique experience: a ten-day exploration aboard a tall ship, traversing the open waters of the Pacific or Gulf Coasts. Through this immersive program, Williams-Mystic equips future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to become responsible stewards of our oceans.

Joining Forces for a Healthy Ocean

The Museum recognizes that ocean protection requires global collaboration. To that end, they’ve signed the Clean Ocean Manifesto, an initiative aimed at preserving maritime cultural heritage. This paves the way for annual meetings where organizations can share best practices and work together to shape a sustainable future for our oceans. Stay tuned for more on our Earth Series highlighting sustainable things to do in Mystic!