How New Bedford’s Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Almost Broke the Law

It's not often that a seaworthy vessel like the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey finds itself on the wrong side of the law, but it was heading that way.

It all started with a plan to have the Massachusetts Maritime Academy take the vessel on a trip up to the Great Lakes Region towards the end of June/beginning of July. The trip was in direct conflict with Cape Verdean Recognition Week in New Bedford.

To make matters worse, Cape Verdean Recognition Week is celebrating a major milestone. July 5 marks the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde's independence from Portugal.

Not having the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey at New Bedford's waterfront would be a cultural loss.

Ernestina's Ties to Cape Verde and New Bedford

According to Ernestina.org, "the ship was the last sailing ship, in regular service, to carry immigrants across the Atlantic to the United States, and the last of a series of Cape Verde packets to carry on this trade in the middle years of the 20th Century."

Basically, it was a direct connection from Cape Verde to New Bedford.

In 1978, the Republic of Cape Verde decided to give the historic ship to the people of the United States.

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Absence of the Ernestina Would Be Law Breaking

Ensuring the vessel’s presence in the city during Cape Verdean Recognition Week has been a top priority for Senator Mark Montigny and Representative Tony Cabral.

A 2020 law drafted by Montigny and Cabral requires the vessel’s custodian, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, to collaborate with the New Bedford Cape Verdean Community to “ensure the vessel is made available to local public-school children and residents of the city of New Bedford” at no cost during cultural events and educational programs.

Fighting for the Ernestina

“Despite longstanding discussions and a law centered around the importance of the vessel’s connection to the New Bedford Cape Verdean diaspora, we were very disappointed to learn that the Ernestina had been scheduled to travel across the Great Lakes region during the Cape Verdean 50th anniversary celebration,” Sen. Montigny said.

“This was an absolute violation of the spirit of our agreement and law to ensure the vessel’s longtime prosperity while honoring its cultural connection and importance to New Bedford and the Cape Verdean community," he said. "I thank Admiral McDonald for his intervention and willingness to always listen and respond to our concerns as well as advisory board chair Jose Centeio for his tireless commitment to the Ernestina.”

Ernestina Will Be Docked in New Bedford

Montigny and Cabral are pleased to announce that the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey will return to her home port at New Bedford State Pier to celebrate 50 years of Cape Verdean independence.