Jim Pocock to conclude NHBM’s 2024 Hulls and Hops Series

MOULTONBOROUGH — Jim Pocock will speak on his family’s contributions to rowing at New Hampshire Boat Museum on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m., capping off the season’s Hulls and Hops Speaker Series.

Featured in the book and film adaptation, “Boys in the Boat,” Pocock’s great uncle George designed and crafted racing shells used by college crew teams across the country. Pocock’s grandfather Dick built boats exclusively for Yale University, including two Olympic gold-medal-winning crews. Together, the brothers built wooden racing shells for 21 teams who won Olympic gold medals.

“I am very excited to speak at New Hampshire Boat Museum,” Pocock said. “I’ve been researching my grandfather and great uncle since the book was written, and I have a lot of family stories and tangents about the book and movie to share.”

Pocock has given more than 50 talks about his family’s boat building past and has corresponded with rowing historians throughout the country.

“Learning about my family history has allowed me to get to know my relatives better and has made me feel more connected to the past,” he said. “Growing up, I knew that my family was in rowing, but I never knew what a big deal it was.”

NHBM Executive Director Martha Cummings said she is thrilled to have Pocock bookend their summer series.

“We’ve explored such unique and interesting areas of the boat world with our speakers this season,” she said. “After Jim’s talk, I hope guests will be inspired to visit our ‘Who’s in the Boat?’ rowing exhibit.”

For more information, visit nhbm.org.