Shipwright Joshua Herman - Priscilla Restoration at Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville

Sarah Elsesser -

Josh Herman, a shipwright, had the incredible opportunity of working on Priscilla's restoration project. In 1888, Priscilla was an oyster sloop, however, now it's a treasure for the community to enjoy.

The restoration process was a vigorous experience which tested all the volunteers’ strength, knowledge and dedication. There are several parts to the refurbishment process and becomes an even bigger challenge when one wants to make it into a national historic landmark. Not only did the crew want to make the ship capable of sailing, but also had to work many components of the original ship into the new one. The use of parts from the authentic Priscilla was part of the requirement necessary to be awarded the certification of a landmark.

The history of the Priscilla is actually very interesting. It was originally built in 1888 by Elisha Saxton who first launched the ship into the Patchogue River on April 7th. The ship was built for owner George Rhinehart, who named the boat after his wife Priscilla. After Rhinehart, Priscilla had numerous owners from 1888 to 1863 when it served as an oystermen ship. In the early 70s, Pricilla became a sailing ship, owned by John Woodside. After some restorations, he sailed her to exotic locations, like the Bahamas and Bermuda. Then, in 1976 John donated Priscilla to the Long Island Maritime Museum, where it would eventually be restored.

The restoration took place during nineteen months from 2002- 2003. The volunteers and workers did the best to their ability to make the ship resemble the one from the 1800s.

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