In Eastport and throughout the Maine coast, everyone remembers “The Boat School,” the vibrant, community-oriented resource that brought students, professors, researchers, and guests to the Maine Marine Technology Center – as the campus is officially known – from 1978 to 2012. When the legendary Washington County enterprise reopens, our small, Downeast city once again will be alive with the education, jobs, and economic and community resources of The Boat School, the Deep Cove Marine Science Station, and the Harborhood Community Center.
Students will craft Whitehalls, while researchers explore the marine life of Cobscook Bay from their labs next door. Perhaps a golden wedding anniversary party is scheduled for the weekend in the Community Center, and the honorees’ family and friends are busy decorating the hall.
Friends of The Boat School have been working hard to return the campus to its intended use: educational programs geared towards Maine’s marine trades industry, infrastructure for the blue economy, and a venue for social and civic events.
So far, we have relied on in-kind services and grants to fund all activities, and are in the midst of a Capital Campaign. Maine Community Foundation has twice awarded us seed money, and we are thrilled to have received a $675,000 Brownfields Clean-up Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Boat School is a big project, and we need all hands on deck: expert skills, organizing, community resources, and funds. Here’s how you can help:
Yes, I want to help “Bring Back The Boat School!”
Click HERE to donate to the Capital Campaign
Click HERE to share your expertise
Thank you for helping us Bring Back The Boat School!
Click HERE to read the details of our redevelopment plans (pdf).