New Bedford in Bristol County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Ernestina's Many Lives
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015
1. Ernestina's Many Lives Marker
Built in 1894 as Effie M. Morrissey, the schooner first fished on the Grand Banks for cod, mackerel, and haddock. From 1926 to 1946 the vessel explored the Arctic for museums, zoos, and scientific groups.
In 1948 Cape Verdean native Henrique Mendes refitted and renamed the schooner Ernestina and ran supplies and passengers regularly between the Cape Verde Islands and the U.S. In 1982 the newly independent nation of Cape Verde presented Ernestina to the people of the United States in recognition of the longstanding ties between the two countries.
All I want is the strength to go in my little schooner, for that is all I have and when she stops so do I.
Captain Bob Bartlett, quoted in The New York Times, June 20, 1938
Erected by National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these
this page online
Location. 41° 38.042′ N, 70° 55.259′ W. Marker is in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. It is on MacArthur Drive south of Elm Street, on the left when traveling south. This marker is located in the downtown area, along the waterfront, in the vicinity of the New Bedford Harbor, Ferry Terminal. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Bedford MA 02740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the South Coast. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Colonel George Claghorn (here, next to this marker); Cape Verde to New Bedford (a few steps from this marker); Lost Lightship Sailors Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Whaling's Final Days (within shouting distance of this marker); Merrill's Wharf (within shouting distance of this marker); From Whales to Bales (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Commonwealth of Toil (about 300 feet away); The Dartmouth (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Bedford.
Additional keywords. Ernestina's Many Lives
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015
2. Ernestina's Many Lives Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photograph (used as the background picture for the marker), showing the Ernestina on an Arctic expedition.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015
3. Ernestina's Many Lives Marker
View of the marker looking south along the waterfront walkway.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015
4. Ernestina's Many Lives Marker
View of the marker looking east towards the docking area that belongs to the Ernestina whenever the ship is in the port of New Bedford.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015
5. Ernestina's Many Lives Marker
Wherever the Schooner Ernestina is docked in the port city of New Bedford, this is a view of where it would be docked.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 30, 2015
6. Ernestina's Many Lives Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
7. Ernestina's Many Lives Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
8. Ernestina's Many Lives Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 540 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 6, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 7, 8. submitted on November 21, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California.
