~  Involving the community in traditional boat building projects to preserve Oyster Bay’s maritime heritage~

This   Construction   of   a   replica   of   the   Ida   May    oyster   harvesting   boat is   the   second   project   of   the   Christeen   Corp   whose   mission   is   to preserve   Oyster   Bay’s   maritime   heritage   by   involving   the   community in traditional boatbuilding. The keel was laid on December 9, 2011. THE   PAST:   The   original   Ida   May,   built   in   1925,    worked   on   the waters   of   Oyster   Bay   for   75   years   and   was   historically   significant because   she   was   one   of   the   first   oyster   dredges   to   be   powered   by an engine as opposed to a sail. THE   PRESENT :    The   Project   is   also   unique   because   construction   is mostly   by   volunteers.   Under   the   direction   of   a   local   shipwright,   a   core group    of    engineers,    carpenters,    and    businessmen    are    making    the Project    a    priority    in    their    lives.        Most    are    retired    and    enjoy    the challenges    and    complexity    of    building    a    boat    by    hand.       They    also appreciate    the    camaraderie    of    working    in    a    group    to    contribute    to something worthwhile and enduring.  THE   FUTURE:    When   she   is   complete,   the   Ida   May   will take   the   public   out   on   Oyster   Bay   to   enjoy   and   learn about    its    ecology    and    maritime    history.    She    will    be managed   by   the   WaterFront   Center,   a   closely   affiliated non-profit   organization   that   connects   people   to   the   water by   providing   education   and   recreational   programs   and rentals.