PRISCILLA - THE RESTORATION

     The restoration of the sixty-foot, 1888 oyster dredge, Priscilla,.is the largest restoration project of the coming years at the Long Island Maritime Museum. Priscilla will be returned to her original design, a gaff-rig sloop. This vessel is the oldest and only sailing workboat to survive from the Great South Bay oyster fleet. Her hull is traditionally built in wood, which has been fiberglassed. Her dimensions are 60 feet in length overall, 40 feet on deck, with a 14 foot beam, and 4 foot 3 inch draft. Priscilla was nominated to the National Registry of Historic Places as an historic vessel. On February 17, 2006, she was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior, in recognition of her national significance in the history of the United States.

     With input from the New York State Office of Historic Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a comprehensive plan for her restoration has been developed. Priscilla will be getting a new wooden structure and a new engine. She will be outfitted with a new set of sails, lines, and hardware.

     When fully restored, Priscilla will continue her teaching role at the Museum as she permits visitors to gain a better understanding and appreciation of her historic past.