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A note from KD I have stood on the periphery of EHSSM for a long time. Working for Harold Burnham onboard Ardelle, and in the boatyard, it was impossible for me to not be involved with the Museum in some capacity. I have enthusiastically attended lectures and events, and pitched in here and there as opportunity has allowed. Over the years the Museum has become something of another home to me. A place where like minded people come together to celebrate and discuss the history, culture, and process behind traditional Essex Shipbuilding and the community that supports it. A community I’ve seen myself as a part of for most of my adult life. Recently, I have been granted an Apprenticeship by the Massachusetts Cultural Council to study and learn the craft of traditional Essex Shipbuilding from my long time mentor Harold Burnham. I am in the process of designing my own ship to build, something I dream of doing here in Essex to carry on the tradition and culture that is the foundation of our small town. When Chris Stepler resigned to pursue an opportunity at the Peabody Essex Museum, I was at the same time happy for his success and sad to see him go. Chris will always be a friend to the Museum, and over the years he became a friend to me as well. Seeing as Chris had left the door open on his way out, I have gladly taken the opportunity to get more involved with EHSSM, and took the position as part-time Operations Manager and liaison to the community through education programs. I can not think of a better way to use the knowledge and skills that I continue to acquire about Essex Shipbuilding. I don’t view this as a career, I see it as a lifestyle.
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