The society’s vision: “We envision a future where the legacy of Nova Scotia schooners and their pivotal role in the social, economic, and cultural development of Nova Scotia is widely recognized, preserved, and celebrated.”
Our mission is to “identify at risk Nova Scotian schooners and engage communities in their restoration and future use. We aim to enhance the legacy of Nova Scotia’s traditional schooners through preservation, documentation, and education.”
There is increasing concern that Nova Scotia built schooners are beginning to lose their relevance. There are few new schooners being built and those that exist are getting older and more difficult to maintain. A number have been identified that sit “on the hard”, and many others are abandoned and deteriorating, have broken up, or have been exported elsewhere; soon many will be lost forever. NSHSRS is a new not for profit society formed with the express purpose of reversing this trend protecting our schooner fleet.
As a society, with community and volunteer help, we hope to rediscover and share the art and skill of traditional wooden-boat building and ultimately return these magnificent vessels to active sailing. The society is inviting members to join in this effort to save an important part of our maritime heritage.
We plan to engage the youger generation, who have less time and disposable income to put into wooden boats, in the Schooner Rescue projects so they can carry on ensuring our maritime heritage is preserved for years to come. And, in the process, build confidence in youth through hands-on skills and sail training, connecting them to a unique part of our history, the ocean and the natural environment.
Nova Scotia Heritage Schooner Rescue Society 