Little Lady: A Symbol of our Maritime History

Little Lady: A Symbol of our Maritime History

Join us on Saturday, April 5 for an evening celebrating the remarkable story of Little Lady, Menemsha’s beloved wooden fishing vessel. Hear firsthand from Captain Denny Jason Jr. and boatbuilders Nat Benjamin and Brad Abbott of Gannon & Benjamin Marine Railway as they share the vessel’s unique history, her upcoming restoration, and the importance of preserving our Island’s rich fishing heritage.

Built in 1929 in Noank, Connecticut, Little Lady is the oldest operating wooden fishing vessel in New England. She has weathered the Great Depression, Prohibition, and multiple wars, ultimately making Martha’s Vineyard her home in the 1950s. Lovingly maintained by three generations of the Jason family, she remains a proud symbol of the Island’s enduring maritime traditions.

The evening will also feature a special screening of a short film created by John Keene and Shelley Edmundson of the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust—thoughtfully capturing the heart and history of Little Lady.

This is more than just the story of a boat—it’s a celebration of resilience, craftsmanship, and community.

MVM Members: $15, Non-Members: $25

DETAILS


Date April 5, 2025
From 4:00 pm
To 5:00 pm
Type Talk
Venue Martha’s Vineyard Museum
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email collections@mvmuseum.org. Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.