Trails and Sails 2007

Date: September 1, 2007
Contact: Salem Regional Visitor Center, 978-740-1650

SALEM MARITIME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE TO PARTICIPATE IN SIXTH ANNUAL ESSEX NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA TRAILS & SAILS WEEKEND

Woodcarving demonstration and walking tour of Derby Street to be two of more than 150 free events

(Salem, MA). Salem Maritime NHS is one of nearly 90 sites and organizations in Essex County that is contributing its time and expertise to the sixth annual ENHC Trails & Sails: A Weekend of Walks and Water on September 28-30, 2007. The weekend will offer more than 150 free events hosted by 89 unique non-profit and community organizations and recreation-based businesses. Each of the events in some way represents, celebrates or interprets the rich heritage of the region.

Thousands of people are expected to turn out for Trails & Sails. In addition to the wood carving demonstration “Honoring Samuel McIntire: Wood Carving for Ships,” and the walking tour “From Mud Flats to McIntire: The Development of Derby Street during the Great Age of Sail,” events will include foraging for wild edibles, jelly making, dory-rowing, behind the scenes tours, conservation walks, and redevelopment tours. Most events will accommodate between twelve and fifty participants. All of the events are first-come, first-served. Admission is free.

“Honoring Samuel McIntire,” event number 28, will take place 10am-4pm by the rigging shed at Salem Maritime NHS. In honor of Salem's renowned architect and carver Samuel McIntire on the 250th anniversary of his birth, Ship Carpenter John Pydynkowski of the National Park Service will demonstrate wood carving techniques and tools as he carves ornamentation for Friendship of Salem.

“From Mud Flats to McIntire: The Development of Derby Street during the Great Age of Sail,” event number 18, is a 90 minute walking tour. It will depart from the Orientation Center at Salem Maritime NHS at 9:30am and 1:30pm both Saturday and Sunday. Between the 17th and early 19th centuries, Salem's Derby Street grew from a small lane to a bustling waterfront. Merchants, captains, and businessmen lived and worked side by side in the area surrounding the waterfront. This tour is limited to 30 people. The event is first-come, first served. No reservations will be accepted.

The Essex National Heritage Commission organizes the annual Trails & Sails event to encourage exploration of the historic, natural, and cultural resources in the Essex National Heritage Area. In recognition of its contributions to American history and culture Essex County was designated a national heritage area by the U.S. Congress in 1996. The guide to Trails & Sails is available online at TrailsAndSails.org, at Salem Maritime NHS, or by contacting the ENHC at [phone].