Stepping on board Matthew Turner is a bit like stepping back in time. She is a modern day wooden tall ship inspired by the brigantine Galilee built in 1891 by one of the most prolific West coast ship builders—Matthew Turner of course! Ships like these were ubiquitous in the late 1800s, filling the docks along the Embarcadero and bringing cargo in and out of San Francisco Bay. Just imagine what the waterfront was like in those early years of the Gold Rush. Now is your chance to reimagine the Matthew Turner as a part of that era.
The Gold Rush transformed San Francisco into the city it is today. People came from every continent bringing different languages, customs, talents and dreams, weaving a tapestry of cultures never before seen! Meet the characters……Hear the music, sing and dance in the taverns, become part of the tapestry, feel the sea breeze, and imagine yourself arriving with hopes and dreams. Step back in time to the turning point, when San Francisco became San Francisco. Everyone had the opportunity to strike it rich. Great sailing vessels arrived by the hundreds and electricity was in the air!
Matthew Turner will be there, docked at Pier 35 on August 22-23, and open for self-guided tours from 10am – 6pm. Explore the wild and fascinating early history of San Francisco brought to life at the SF Historium Spotlight and support Call of the Sea.
If that’s not enough and you really want a taste of life aboard a tall ship, then why not sign onto our near coastal voyage the following week, August 26-29. Spend time learning the ropes, trimming sails, standing watch at the helm , connecting with the ocean environment, and viewing marine wildlife. There are only a few berths left.
Looking forward to seeing you on the water!
Carla Thorson, PhD, Executive Director