Robert Hildreth

City leaders and benefactors are hoping for smooth sailing for the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey in the years ahead. More than 50 supporters of the vessel gathered at the Whaling Museum Thursday to mark the start of a $6 million restoration project, funded by the state and private doners...

Mayor Jon Mitchell says the announcement that two philanthropists have agreed to donate $2.8 million for a complete restoration of the schooner Ernestina is good news for New Bedford and the Cape Verdean community. Gerry Lenfest and Robert Hildreth are the doners...