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We wanted to take the time to reflect on the effort and commitment that has gone into the MARTHA program, first to SAVE her and now to keep the MARTHA Program SUSTAINABLE!
In the beginning, the task of saving her looked so enormous, it seemed unreasonable to believe success was possible.
We planned a 10 year program of 10 steps, those 10 steps took 15 years to complete.
Keeping our eyes on the ball, one step at a time, running sail training programs every Summer / restoration programs every Winter, now MARTHA is in the best shape since her launch in 1907!
In fact, this year, the Schooner Martha Foundation has been the Steward, of MARTHA for 20 years.
Man does time fly by!
MARTHA and her programs are a great metaphor for life. In general, design well, build well and take care of the things that really matter. Team work, leadership, integrity, and in time, just like navigating a sailing vessel, it works out all right!
There are many things that are important to our culture and the Maritime Arts are strong among them! Introducing the next generation to the values incorporated in the Maritime Traditions is a central part of MARTHA’s Programs.
It is due to MARTHA’s stunning beauty and quality of program that MARTHA is remembered and cared for by a large community.
From the descendants of Martha Fitzmaurice Hanify and John Ryder Hanify to the Four Wind Westward Ho campers, to MARTHA’s volunteers and the Marine Trades people of Port Townsend, MARTHA’s community is growing.
She has been called, “The Darling of the west Coast”by those who have known her from long ago as a recent Facebook post from Heidi M. ” I did not know that MARTHA was back in a place where children/students were aboard…..this makes me so happy. I learned so much and loved so much during my times aboard her in my youth.”
MARTHA’s volunteer family, who have for 20 years now put their shoulder to the wheel to give a little push have made an enormous difference in MARTHA’s future and in the community.
If our 1700 Facebook “likes” could each give $50 we would reach our goals.
So what we need to do in the greater community is to put our collective shoulders to the wheel and give a push to help MARTHA become sustainable!
So if you can please give big to MARTHA.
It’s in this way we can build the community we want to live with.
