Effie M. Morrissey

The Effie M. Morrissey is a wooden schooner built in the 1890s with a white oak frame, yellow pine hull planking, and black exterior, now docked at State Pier. The vessel displays the sturdy construction and classic lines typical of fishing boats from that era.

Built in 1894 as a fishing vessel in a Gloucester shipyard, the schooner later became known for Arctic expeditions under Captain Bob Bartlett. This shift from routine fishing work to exploration gave the vessel a remarkable second chapter.

The vessel transported people from Cape Verde across the Atlantic, linking maritime communities on both sides of the ocean. Today, seeing it moored at the pier connects visitors to these forgotten migrations and the sailors who worked these waters.

The vessel is docked at New Bedford's waterfront and runs educational programs and sailing activities for visitors interested in maritime history. Access and visiting conditions depend on the season and any ongoing maintenance or training sessions.

The schooner holds the distinction of being both a National Historic Landmark and Massachusetts State Ship, a dual honor shared by few vessels. This recognition marks it as one of the most significant surviving fishing boats from 19th-century New England.

Location: New Bedford

Length: 34.7 m

GPS coordinates: 41.63401,-70.92062

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00