Schooner Ernestina Group Close to Financial Goal for Complete Restoration

NEW BEDFORD - The Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association has been awarded a hefty grant to help pay for repairs of the storied New Bedford vessel.

SEMA announced Thursday a $375,000 grant from the Manton Foundation of New York, which will go towards the final stage of the three-year restoration of the schooner, which comes with a $6.3 million price tag. The grant is a challenge grant, and SEMA will have two years to raise an additional $375,000 to receive the grant in full.

Since 2015, SEMA has raised $5.5 million through state grants and private donations.

The latest matching grant, if the challenge is met, will put SEMA at the top of their goal.

The Ernestina-Morrissey is undergoing restoration in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.