Maine Maritime Academy Receives $5,000 Grant Towards Renovation of Schooner Bowdoin from Hagerty Education Program at America’s Car Museum

Posted on: June 28, 2016

CASTINE, Maine—The Hagerty Education Program at America’s Car Museum has awarded a second grant of $5,000 in funding to Maine Maritime Academy towards renovation of the historic schooner Bowdoin.

Hagerty Education Program at America’s Car Museum (HEP) is an educational grant-making program of LeMay-America’s Car Museum (ACM). HEP is funded by collector vehicle and classic boat enthusiasts to serve youth and young adults on their pathways to careers in automotive /marine restoration and preservation along with the long-term interests of the collector vehicle and classic boat communities. Visit www.hagertyeducationprogram.org for more information.

The renovation project is part of a long-term maintenance and care plan to replace Bowdoin’s deck and foremast and complete systems upgrades. The renovation is funded through the Bowdoin Centennial Campaign, a $1.6 million fundraising campaign to cover the renovation cost and strengthen her endowment. The aim of the campaign is to keep the Bowdoin exploring, sailing, and training for the next 100 years.

Bowdoin serves as the key training ship for Maine Maritime Academy‘s Vessel Operations and Technology (VOT) undergraduate program and Small Vessel Operations (SVO) program, as well as the platform for MMA’s Sail Training Minor. When not in use for training purposes, Bowdoin’s popularity and historical charm keep her calendar brimming with public and private tours, appearances, and excursions. A National Historic Landmark, Bowdoin is also the Official Vessel of the State of Maine.

Maine Maritime Academy is a co-educational, public college on the coast of Maine offering 18 degree programs in engineering, management, science, and transportation. The job placement rate for MMA graduates exceeds 90 percent within 90 days of graduation. In 2014 and 2015, MONEY magazine ranked Maine Maritime Academy the #1 Public College in America on their Best Colleges list. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of Maine Maritime Academy in 1941. For more information, visit mainemaritime.edu.

Lemay America's Car MuseumHagerty Education Program