27th Annual Moby-Dick Marathon

Visitors are invited to join Mystic Seaport volunteers and staff for the 27th annual celebration of Herman Melville's masterpiece, Moby-Dick. This story comes alive during the annual 24-hour reading that takes place throughout the Museum's 19th-century seafaring village and aboard the CHARLES W. MORGAN, the last wooden whaleship in the world.

The celebration will kick off Monday, July 30, with a free public showing of the classic 1956 film, Moby Dick, starring Gregory Peck. The movie will begin at dusk on the Museum's Village Green.

At noon on Tuesday, July 31, "Mr. Melville" himself makes his annual appearance and kicks off the reading by reciting the first chapter of the classic novel. Then visitors, volunteers, staff, and special guest readers will make the village come alive as they read chapters in turn. Visitors have the unique opportunity to stay overnight and sleep aboard the MORGAN, imagining what Ishmael himself might have felt like living aboard a whaler. Reservations are required to stay aboard the MORGAN.

Copies of Moby-Dick will be available for those who wish to read along. Once the reading is complete, attendees will celebrate Mr. Melville's August 1 birthday in old-fashioned style with song and cake.

The Moby-Dick Marathon is included with museum admission and is free for members. Guests wishing to stay overnight must pre-register by calling 860–572–5322.

Additional information:

- We suggest visitors bring a copy of the book, sun protection, a sleeping bag, insect repellent, and a flashlight.
- Please note restrooms are a short walking distance away from the vessel.
- Please be aware that no food is allowed on board the vessel at any time and visitors will have to leave the reading for meals.
- Participants may bring a picnic to enjoy on shore or purchase meals at one of the Museum restaurants.
- During Museum hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) participants are asked to store personal overnight gear in their vehicles. Gear may be brought on board after 6 p.m.
- Please note that the CHARLES W. MORGAN is not handicapped accessible.