Mayflower II Restoration

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration of historic American treasure Mayflower II from IYRS alumnus Matthew Barnes '10. The ship underwent a 75% restoration at Mystic Seaport Museum in preparation for the 400th anniversary in 2020 of the Pilgrims' arrival in the New World. The ship, owned by Plimoth Plantation, is a floating classroom and a national symbol of freedom and self-determination.

IYRS is incredibly proud of alumnus and former Lead Shipwright on the project, Matthew Barnes '10, who led the 35-person restoration team, 11 members of which were IYRS students and alumni. 

Mayflower II was re-commissioned and launched in September 2019 after a three year restoration. Our hats are off to Plimoth Plantation for the undertaking of the restoration of this national treasure. Learn more about the ship here.

Experience Matthew's first-hand account of the work that went into this world-class restoration in the video below.