Boston- Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today, along with
Congressman Barney Frank announced that the New Bedford-based schooner Ernestina will receive a $500,000 "Save America's Treasures" grant from the National Park Service. Ernestina is the oldest surviving Grand Banks fishing schooner and one of only two surviving 19th Century Gloucester-built fishing schooners. The funding will be used for critical repair and rehabilitation work and will return the Ernestina to sailing condition. The funds will also allow her to operate as a sailing school, educational resource center and passenger ship.

"Ernestina is a fragile part of Massachusetts' proud maritime history
and it's important she be preserved and made accessible for future
generations," Senator Kerry said. "The Ernestina's past - as a Grand
Banks fishing schooner, a Smithsonian-sponsored research vessel and U.S. Navy Artic supply ship during World War II - is one few other ships can match. I applaud the Park Service for recognizing the importance of safeguarding the Ernestina and for helping Massachusetts residents of all ages enjoy this living-learning laboratory."

"The Ernestina is part of our history. With this federal funding, she'll
continue her service as an educational vessel and historic landmark,"
said Senator Kennedy.

Congressman Frank said "I am very pleased that the Ernestina will be
receiving this valuable financial assistance. The grant will help the
vessel to continue playing its key role in the cultural and educational
life of Southeastern Massachusetts, and it also demonstrates the
importance of keeping federal historic preservation programs adequately funded."

"We are exceptionally pleased with this very generous and important
grant. This jump starts our effort to raise in excess of $2.5 million to
begin a projected 10-month overhaul the Commonwealth's official vessel this spring," said Paul J. Brawley, Executive Director of the Ernestina, "Next to USS Constitution, Ernestina is perhaps the most significant surviving sailing vessel in our nation's maritime history. She rightly serves as the Bay State's symbol of the hard work, creative genius, industriousness, and generosity of spirit of its citizens."

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