Not just boat lore now

June Casagrande

A quiet, dignified institution on the water is about to make a big

splash. The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is rolling out a series of

activities to make the museum not just a repository for the city’s

nautical past, but a fun, exciting place for family activities, as

well.

“Our mission is at least one major event a month,” said Glenn

Zagoren, the new president and chief executive of the museum.

By stepping up services to the community, the museum is also

stepping up opportunities to gain assistance with its expansion

efforts.

“We’re reconnecting with the community,” Zagoren said. “This is

Newport Harbor’s museum.”

The new focus will kick off with dockside tours of the ship

American Pride and a barbecue on March 22 and 23.

“It will be a fun and affordable family outing,” Zagoren said.

“For, like, $20 or $30, the whole family can have a fun and

educational day out and eat, too.”

April will bring the Clean Harbor celebration, which will include

an exhibit of artworks by local fifth-graders.

In May, the museum will hold a book signing by maritime artist

John Stobart to accompany an exhibit of his works.

An exhibit of paintings by Joe Duncan Gleason in June will precede

a “family boat building weekend” in July.

“Families will get to come out and build their own 9-foot wooden

boats. Then there will be contests for best boat, fastest, most

seaworthy, many categories,” Zagoren said.

But, perhaps the tastiest event will come in September: the “Clam

Chowder Challenge,” a cook-off for adults, families, kids and even

firefighters.

“That one will be fun,” Zagoren said.