Sustainable Marblehead is proud to announce an engaging series of events from June 5-8 in celebration of World Ocean Day. A diverse array of engaging educational programs, hands-on clean-up projects, captivating speakers and children’s activities await attendees. The community will also have the unique opportunity to engage with the iconic sailing yacht, American Promise, renowned for her history and now for her environmental conservation efforts.
American Promise, a 60’ cutter-rigged sailing yacht designed by Ted Hood and made famous by Dodge Morgan’s solo circumnavigation, serves as the mothership for work at the Rozalia Project. The Rozalia Project has been dedicated to tackling marine debris in New England’s coastal waters through innovative strategies that encompass education, cleanup and research since 2010. As stated on its website, “We work surface to seafloor, with a focus on urban and coastal waterways, and utilize multiple strategies: prevention through education, remediation (clean-up), innovation and solutions-based research.”
Sustainable Marblehead will kick off the World Ocean Day festivities at 8 p.m. June 5 with an outdoor movie night at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion. The film “Around Alone,” showcases Dodge Morgan’s solo journey around the world on the American Promise. Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets and gather with friends and family for a fun evening learning about a fascinating journey.
On June 6 at 7 p.m., the community is invited to hear an informative talk at the Old Town House by the State’s assistant secretary and director of coastal zone management and the executive director of Rozalia Project about the efforts to preserve and protect our oceans and shores.
On June 7 at 9 a.m., a community beach clean-up at Devereux and Riverhead Beaches is planned, and attendees are asked to pre-register here: tinyurl.com/SM-Cleans. Following the clean-up, everyone will gather outside of Soall Bistro (195 Pleasant Street) at 11 a.m. for an educational debris-sort to learn about pollution on our shores and ocean and how to help prevent it.
Tickets are now on sale for a waterfront cocktail party from 5-7 p.m. on June 7. Appetizers and drinks will be generously provided by Shubie’s, and all proceeds will benefit Sustainable Marblehead and Rozalia Project.
The culminating Harbor Fair at State Street Landing from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 8 will offer entertainment, informational tables, educational activities and engaging experiences for children and families – all focused on promoting a healthy ocean environment and encouraging participation. Also, the American Promise will be open for tours.
In a momentous occasion, and thanks to Sustainable Marblehead’s sponsorship, the Select Board unanimously passed a proclamation declaring June 8 as World Ocean’s Day in Marblehead. The entire community is invited to gather at State Street Landing to witness the proclamation reading during the Harbor Fair. Join Sustainable Marblehead in commemorating this important event and celebrating our ocean heritage.
Leading up to the event, ocean-themed artwork created by local youth artists from the Acorn Gallery and Willie Shaker Gallery will be on display at their respective locations. All artwork will be included in an online silent auction to benefit Sustainable Marblehead.
Elaine Leahy, the executive director of Sustainable Marblehead, enthusiastically said, “This weekend of events will offer something for everyone. World Ocean Day is not just about raising awareness of the importance of ocean conservation, but also a celebration of the ongoing efforts and initiatives that our organization, Sustainable Marblehead, continues to champion.”
For more information and event details, visit sustainablemarblehead.org or email sustainablemarblehead@gmail.com.