Project Launch

Rituals of the Sea is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization located in Brooksville, Maine, dedicated to preserving maritime craft traditions and promoting experiential learning in open wooden boats. Founded in 2020 by a group of former staff from the Chewonki Foundation, The Apprenticeshop, and Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, the organization offers a unique fleet of traditional working watercraft and maintains an extensive maritime archive. Their mission emphasizes the importance of community engagement, voluntary simplicity, and a connection to the natural world, striving to celebrate the joys of living and working together. Through publications and small craft expeditions, Rituals of the Sea aims to foster a deeper understanding of handmade traditions and the cultural heritage of coastal communities. Generated from the website

Vinalhaven Eldercare Services (VES) was established in 1996 with the primary goal of supporting the elderly residents of Vinalhaven in maintaining their independence and connection to the community. The organization opened the Ivan Calderwood Homestead in 2001, providing an eight-bed facility that allows seniors to age in place while remaining close to family and island traditions. Understanding the unique challenges of living on a remote island, VES addresses the need for transportation and home safety, ensuring that elderly residents do not have to leave their community when they can no longer live independently. By offering these essential services, VES promotes dignity, safety, health, and a respectable quality of life for Vinalhaven's elderly population. Generated from the website

Islesboro Islands Trust (IIT) is a community-focused organization dedicated to land conservation and environmental advocacy on Islesboro Island in Maine. For over forty years, IIT has engaged the local community in its efforts to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the region through various programs, initiatives, and volunteer opportunities. The Trust offers membership options to support its conservation work and accepts donations in various forms, including cash, securities, and in-kind contributions. Additionally, IIT assists landowners in understanding their conservation options to help protect land for future generations. Generated from the website