ERNESTINA (schooner)
Also known as: Schooner Ernestina; Schooner Effie M. Morrissey
Why it's listed
Ernestina is a 106-foot wooden schooner berthed at Steamship Wharf in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Launched as the Effie M. Morrissey at the James and Tarr Shipyard in Essex, she fished the Grand Banks for about thirty years, earning a reputation for speed and luck. In 1926 Captain Bob Bartlett bought her and carried scientists and students on Arctic expeditions, and during World War II she served the U.S. Navy as an Arctic supply and survey ship. Renamed Ernestina in 1948, she carried Cape Verdean immigrants and goods between the islands and the United States for sixteen years, becoming the last sailing vessel to bring immigrants to America. Returned from Cape Verde as a gift in 1982, she is being restored as a museum and sailing school vessel. Her hull, deck furniture and interior remain largely original, and she is the sole surviving Fredonia-type fishing schooner.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues she is the oldest surviving Grand Banks fishing schooner, one of only two surviving Arctic exploration sailing vessels afloat, and the last sailing ship to bring immigrants to America. She is also the sole surviving example of the Fredonia-type Gloucester fishing schooner. These roles give her national significance in maritime, exploration, social and naval history.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 85000022, listed January 3, 1985. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Steamship Wharf, New Bedford |
|---|---|
| County | Bristol County |
| Listed | January 3, 1985 |
| Reference number | 85000022 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architect / builder | Captain William E. Morrisey (builder); designed by George Melville McClain; built at James and Tarr Shipyard, Essex, Massachusetts |
| Architectural style | Fredonia-type (Fredonia-model) Gloucester fishing schooner |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Exploration/Settlement, Transportation, Maritime History, Commerce, Industry, Architecture, Science |
| Level of significance | National, State, Local |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated December 14, 1990 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as in excellent condition and altered; occupied and used as a museum and educational vessel. Restoration to original appearance and sailing school use is under way, and she currently has no engine. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.63410, -70.92024 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 85000022.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5347467
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.