The History and Restoration of SUSAN CONSTANT

Three small wooden ships, SUSAN CONSTANT, GODSPEED, and DISCOVERY, sailed from London in December 1606 to establish a colony that would become the first permanent English settlement in the New World—Jamestown, Virginia.

Historically accurate and fully operable re-creations of the ships serve as exhibits at Jamestown Settlement Museum in Williamsburg, Virginia. They periodically sail to participate in commemorative and community events and host outreach educational programs.

In June 2024, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation announced a multiyear restoration of SUSAN CONSTANT at Mystic Seaport. That spring, the Virginia General Assembly approved the two-year, $4.7 million repair and restoration of the 120-ton wooden cargo vessel and flagship of the official fleet of the Commonwealth of Virginia, according to a press release. The release states restoration plans include "re-topping" SUSAN CONSTANT to extend her useful service life for at least another 20 to 30 years.

Starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, Eric Speth, director of maritime operations with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, will give an illustrated lecture on the research, design, and construction of SUSAN CONSTANT and her current restoration. Visit the WoodenBoat Show event page for more information and how to get tickets.

There will also be a restoration open house in the large tent in the Shipyard from 1-3 p.m. each day of the show, where visitors can view SUSAN CONSTANT.

Check out the jyfmuseums.org to learn more about the SUSAN CONSTANT restoration project.