Historic Return of The Little Morrissey Captivates Brigus

The historic schooner, The Little Morrissey, made a significant return to Brigus, Newfoundland and Labrador, in September, drawing crowds despite inclement weather. This 132-year-old vessel, once captained by the renowned explorer Capt. Bob Bartlett, represents a rich maritime heritage and continues to inspire both locals and visitors alike.

Amidst the rain, residents gathered along the shore, eager to witness the arrival of the ship that had been a vital part of Brigus from 1913 to 1946. As she glided into the harbor, spectators captured the moment on their devices, marveling at the sight of the sails billowing in the breeze, a testament to Bartlett’s legacy as a fearless explorer who navigated the Canadian Arctic and Greenland for over two decades.

The Legacy of Capt. Bob Bartlett

Capt. Bartlett not only ventured into uncharted waters but also brought along scientists from prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian Institute and the American Museum of Natural History. His expeditions were instrumental in expanding knowledge of the Arctic, and young men from Brigus often served as crew members, sharing in the adventures.

Margaret Angel recounted her father, Jack Angel, who was one of those fortunate enough to sail with his uncle, Capt. Bartlett. “Dad didn’t talk a whole lot about his trips with his uncle Robert. But when he did, he just glowed. You could see it,” she said, reflecting on the profound impact those voyages had on her father’s life. Jack Angel was also responsible for documenting these excursions with a camera, contributing photographs that even made their way into the New York Times.

Margaret’s kitchen was filled with stunning black-and-white photographs taken by her father, each image telling a story of adventure and scientific discovery. “Here is a scientist collecting plankton. And he’s got, it looks like a puffin there,” she described, highlighting the tasks that crew members undertook during these groundbreaking journeys.

A New Generation Inspired by History

The excitement surrounding The Little Morrissey was palpable, especially for those like Margaret who had personal connections to the vessel. “It will be nice to have my feet on the deck and think about, you know, dad having been on there,” she expressed, anticipating the emotional experience of revisiting the ship.

Among those sailing on the vessel during its journey from Quebec to Brigus was Tyler Simms, a student at the Marine Institute. He described Capt. Bartlett as a figure to admire, saying, “Bob Bartlett, to me, was like a rock star. He was someone to look up to, you know, as a young sailor, like myself.” Simms shared photos of his experience, expressing awe at the thought of holding the original wheel of the ship, a direct connection to Bartlett’s storied past.

Now known as the Ernestina Morrissey, the vessel serves as the state ship of Massachusetts, yet for the people of Brigus, it remains a cherished symbol of their maritime history. “There’s nothing can compare to the feeling of history coming alive,” Margaret Angel remarked. “This is an example of that for sure.”

The return of The Little Morrissey not only rekindles memories of a celebrated past but also inspires a new generation to engage with their maritime heritage. The event underscores the importance of preserving history, as it continues to shape identities and spark curiosity among those who come into contact with it.