Boat restoration volunteers 'Restoring' NH's boating heritage

WOLFEBORO — Armed with coffee and (occasionally) donuts on Monday mornings, volunteers in New Hampshire Boat Museum’s boat restoration shop recently transported a heavy antique steam engine on loan for this year’s upcoming main steam-themed exhibit.

“We traveled to the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in Waltham, Massachusetts to pick it up,” explained volunteer and Board Trustee Bob Sterndale. “It’s an interesting story.”

Noting this story will be shared when the museum opens in May, New Hampshire Boat Museum Executive Director Martha Cummings said their boat restoration volunteers are their “unsung heroes.”

“They restore or prepare for exhibition many of the boats people see on display as well as others we hope to share with the public someday,” she said. “They are preserving important pieces of our state’s boating heritage.”

This winter, the crew has finished the restoration of a Chris Craft kit boat for future display. Currently, Sterndale said they are working on “a cute toy boat” built by a grandfather for his granddaughter.

“After years in the granddaughter’s attic, it will get a cleanup and refinish before appearing in the children’s area [this summer],” he noted.

Other current projects include a 1957 Mercury Mark 75 outboard, which Sterndale said was revolutionary for its time.

“After many years as a home to rodents, it required extensive disassembly for cleaning and repainting in preparation for display,” he said. “Our ‘gearhead’ future visitors will find this one fascinating.”

To learn more about NHBM, or join its volunteer crew, call 603-569-4554 or visit nhbm.org.

“Help of any skill level is always welcome, and free coffee awaits,” laughed Sterndale.