Harold Burham, Essex Boat Builder is our Speaker This Week!

Harold Burnham bears a family name that is virtually synonymous with Essex, the birthplace of approximately 4,000 schooners. He is the 28th Burnham to operate a shipyard in Essex since 1819.

Growing up in a family of shipbuilders and a town where shipbuilding is a tradition handed down over the generations, Harold has learned the standards of the past and traditional techniques. Harold Burnham has carved out a place in history as a master boat designer, shipwright and sailmaker. Like his ancestors before him, Harold has a holistic approach to vessel design, construction and operation which makes him uniquely efficient. In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree in maritime transportation and fisheries from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, he draws upon extensive experience at sea, and of course, techniques learned in the famous shipyards of Essex.

In 2012 Harold was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts "National Heritage Fellowship", which he sailed to Washington DC aboard his pinky schooner Ardelle to receive (see attached photo).   

Don't miss the opportunity to learn about this amazing craftsman and his work.