Let’s step back in time to the 15th Century as we climb aboard a caravel, a type of ship used during the Age of Discovery….
Three times over the past seven years, our family has had the opportunity to explore a floating living history museum comprised of replicas of two of Columbus’ ships, the Nina and the Pinta. You can step aboard this unique living history experience as the ships sail along the Gulf Coast, the East Coast, the Great Lakes, and the Midwestern River System. For 10 months every year, these ships dock for tours at 30 to 40 locations across the Western Hemisphere.
In Fall of 2017, the Niña and Pinta will be making port and will be open for tours in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Click here for the current port schedule.
Starting in 1492, Columbus made four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World over a twelve year period, sailing over 25,000 miles aboard his favorite ship, the Niña. Although the Niña itself was last heard of in 1501, the Columbus Foundation has made it possible to relive a part of Columbus’ experience today by constructing the most historically accurate replica of the Nina ever built. The mission of the Columbus Foundation is to educate the public about the caravel (a small Portuguese ship used by early explorers) and its use during the Age of Exploration.
During the tour, crew members provide an overview of the ship and its contents (along with related history). Children learn how to use navigational equipment and are even sometimes allowed to handle the windlass, the tiller, and other ship accessories.
Flashback six years ago…
This is such a wonderful living history experience! If you’re anywhere close to a docking this year, we highly recommend climbing aboard and experiencing a bit of the 15th century!