George Tobin (1768-1838) was third lieutenant on HMS Providence on Captain William Bligh's second voyage to obtain breadfruit plants from Tahiti and take them to Jamaica. Tobin became an artist on the voyage when the official artist was too ill to join the ship. Throughout the voyage he sketched views and natural history specimens, notably birds and fish, in most of the places visited. Tobin continued to pursue both his artistic and maritime career become a renown artist.In 1939 Mystic Seaport became the proud holders of one of Tobin's sketchbook, preserved in the Manuscripts Collection and now available online.
. Along with Talbot, this book also looks into the characteristics of Dudley Saltonstall, Joshua Barney, and John Paul Jones and into how their reckless bravado and frequent antagonism toward their fellow officers shaped the new institution.
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the first marine engine was developed “sometime in 1887 or 1888” by Henry Peterson who owned a fleet of Whitehalls operating on the San Francisco waterfront.
details how:
is an enjoyable read on the history of Oysters. Related from the standpoint of New York City's relationship with the ever popular bivalve it does, however, tend to neglect Connecticut's rich oyster growing history.
"describes how folk singer Pete Seeger applied his musical talents to improve conditions for less fortunate people everywhere. This book uses Seeger's long life and wonderful songs to reflect on the important role folk music played in various protest movements and to answer such fundamental questions as: What was the source of Seeger's appeal? How did he capture the attention and affection of people around the world? And why is song such a powerful medium?"
, is getting lots of rave reviews. This 736 page book details the life and impact of a man who began his career as a boatman and ended up as America's first big tycoon. Hopefully this book will also cover the huge impact Vanderbilt had on yachting. From racing to yacht design to commuters, Vanderbilt was a major force in the development of the sport. (Actually, if it doesn't, this book is missing a great deal).
, extensively cites Mystic Seaport's 
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"is the first in-depth exploration of the life of Venture Smith (1728–1805), a New England slave who was sold into bondage as a boy in Africa and labored for nearly a quarter-century before purchasing his own freedom and transforming himself into a highly respected American citizen." Many of the events in this remarkable life all took place within 50 miles of Mystic Seaport and in addition to revealing the trials of 18th century slavery also tell a story of how integral the maritime experience was to the local inhabitants.
delves deeply into the promoters and politicians who brought the canal into existence, and most importantly includes references to MSM's diary of 
, tells the story of the wreckers, men who "faced the savage seas to save foundering ships and frightened passengers."
