Latest news with #MaritimeMuseum
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meet the man who's captained Arnold Park's Queen II for 25 years
ARNOLD'S PARK, Iowa (KCAU) — The Queen II, in Arnold's Park, has been taking locals and tourists out for trips on the water since 1986. For 25 of those years, it's been captained by Lance Freed. Freed has been delivering that pre-cruise message for 25 years at the helm of the Queen II. When he started 25 years ago, he didn't think he'd do it very long. 'When I started, I told myself, 'Well, I guess I'll give myself four or five years in, and I'll have had my fill of driving the boat and stuff,' and I'm still here 25-years later,' explained Freed. Puzzles, games, D&D: Sioux City Public Library hosting youth, adult reading programs He only started driving the boat because of a chance meeting with the original captain of the Queen II, Steve Kennedy, while visiting the Maritime Museum at Arnold's Park. 'I happened to walk by the door where Steve Kennedy was, and he was the curator of the museum at the time. The door was open, and I stuck my head around the corner, and I introduced myself. I asked him a few questions, and I said, 'You would by chance be looking for a captain for the boat.' [They said,] 'As a matter of fact, we are,'' he recalled. Kennedy said they were, and the rest is history, but there was an adjustment period to learning how to drive a boat the size of the Queen. Even though Freed farmed between Marcus and Paullina, he had grown up around the lakes and was used to being on the water and handling boats, just not the size of the queen. 'It's entirely different, so I rode with Captain Dean the rest of that summer while he taught me how to maneuver this boat around because it's really touchy, especially with this wind. It's like a big sailboat without sails on it, and it doesn't take much to move the bow either right or left, port or starboard.' He was able to master driving the Queen eventually, and in 25 years, he estimates he has done about 4,500 trips around West Lake. According to Freed, he's met many interesting people in his 25 years, and that's what keeps him going. Northwest Iowa schools receive thousands in STEM grants 'Every cruise is different, and it's that way with the people. You get certain people on. Some are really interested, and they want to find out certain things about the area. They've never been here before, and it's amazing some of these people how they found this place. I get that story once in a while too.' Plus, after all that time, Freed has become an institution at the lakes. 'Even as crews have changed through the years, and people come and ride the boat, seeing someone for 25 years, we have a lot of people that ride regularly. He's been there all through. So they love being able to see the same person and grow Freed is one of three captains on the Queen and right now, drives the first two cruises of four every day except Thursday and Sunday. Currently, he has no intention of stopping. 'I take one year at a time. I've been lucky my health has been good. I thank the good Lord for that, and I think it's basically up to him.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Navy planned to bomb wreckage of one of worst Central Coast maritime disasters
Over 100 years ago, the U.S. Navy had its worst peace-time disaster, just south of the San Luis Obispo County line. Seven destroyers were wrecked and 23 sailors lost their lives when a squadron on a speed training exercise went astray in what has since been called the Honda Point disaster. A navigation error had fatal results when ships turned too soon and crashed squarely onto the rocks on a foggy September night in 1923. The Bay Theater in Morro Bay is hosting a benefit showing of 'Disaster at Devil's Jaw' a documentary about the disaster on May 19 at 5:30pm. The showing supports Morro Bay's Maritime Museum. For years, the wreckage was a lasting embarrassment and macabre tourist attraction south of Lompoc on what is now Vandenberg Space Force Base. The aftermath was also immortalized by commercial photographer Frank Aston, who recorded major events then displayed prints at his studio to attract customers. The Daily Telegram at the time rarely paid to engrave and publish local photos, so this was an effective draw in the 1920s. Even as late as the early 1980s, there were still pieces of wreckage that could be seen on the rocks. The Navy proposed to bomb the embarrassment to bits in 1928, but apparently it didn't accomplish the goal. Two pictures ran on the front page of the Daily Telegram on Feb. 7, 1928. A watermark shows that the engravings were provided by the Newspaper Enterprise Association, the national Scripps news service. The upper image was the ungainly Curtiss F-5l flying boat. It was a significant anti-submarine craft during World War I, but with a payload of only four 230-pound bombs, it was unlikely to destroy the destroyers. It was an open cockpit aircraft that must have been an uncomfortable assignment. The lower image is similar to one of the Aston photos. Here is the story with typos corrected. Residents of San Luis Obispo will recall the disaster of the seven U.S. navy destroyers at Point Honda, near Surf, just below the county line, something over four years ago. First news of the disaster came through the S.P. (Southern Pacific Railroad) operator at Surf to the train dispatcher's office in this city, and a relief train was made up here and rushed to the aid of the injured men. Physicians and nurses from this city, with food blankets and other emergency supplies were sent to the scene of the wreck. Word of the disaster was sent out to the world through the Daily Telegram news staff. An official letter of thanks from the Secretary of the Navy to the officials and people of San Luis Obispo, for their services, was sent to Mayor Sinsheimer, following the wreck. Hundreds of residents of this section viewed the battered war vessels on the rocks, driving as far as the road went and then walking out to the scene of the crash, immediately after the wreck and on Sundays and holidays for months afterward tourists drove to the spot. Point Honda is off the highway, but near the Southern Pacific Coast line right of way, and is difficult to access by car.
Daily Mirror
02-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Tiny UK seaside town with beautiful beach dubbed Italy's Amalfi Coast 'dupe'
Forget Europe's sun-soaked beauty spots as Britain has its own collection of stunning coastal gems, with this town likened to a stunning location in Italy A coastal retreat tucked away in the shadow of a famous tourist magnet town has been named a copy and paste of Italy's infamous Amalfi Coast. Tourists heading to the east Kent coast often beeline places like Margate, Whitstable or Folkestone. Margate, in the far eastern corner of the county is just 5.3-miles away from lesser-known, but equally brilliant, Ramsgate. Just a two-hour train ride from London, Ramsgate is the perfect place for a getaway with family and friends. With a population of 42,000 residents, the gorgeous town is the only Royal Harbour in the country and was granted its statue by King George IV in 1821. According to KentOnline, the beautiful seaside town is bound to make you 'believe' that you're on a holiday on the picturesque Amalfi coast. The best thing about it is that there's no need to take a three-hour plane ride or spend crazy prices on tickets and accommodation. Although the weather might not be as lovely as in Italy, the town offers a blend of historical charm, gorgeous architecture, and a lively atmosphere. Ramsgate is also known for its sandy beaches, coastal walks and famous attractions such as the Ramsgate Tunnels and the Maritime Museum. A tourist named 'Jo M' wrote on Tripadvisor: "Had no idea Ramsgate was such a beautiful town. Harbour really stunning, enjoyed our visit very much.'" Things to do in Ramsgate There are a lot of things to do in Ramsgate, suitable for all ages and preferences. Named one of the best places to visit in 2024 by TimeOut, locals and visitors will never run out of activities. Amongst swimming, scuba diving, and kayaking, you can also: Tour the wartime tunnels, the UK's largest civilian wartime tunnels Visit the King George VI Memorial Park Visit the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum Go to the Turner Rowe Art Centre & Gallery Play at the Manston Golf Centre Visit the Maritime Museum Stroll around the Monkton Nature Reserve See the Italianate Glasshouse READ MORE: UK's most 'relaxing' town named - and it has it's own island Ramsgate Main Sands beach, found right next to the iconic Royal Harbour and the Marina, is the seaside town's best-rated beach, winning the Seaside Award 2024. It offers the perfect atmosphere for families, with access to amusement parks, arcades and many restaurants. If you're feeling adventurous and want to see the breath-taking coastal views, head to the town's coastal path to walk the 40-minute route from Ramsgate taking you to Broadstairs. Ramsgate's gastronomy is also quite known in the country, especially for its seafood. Make sure to stop at one of the many harbourside restaurants, where they serve delicious oysters, mussels and cockles - fresh from the sea. Some popular restaurants include The Galley, Marc-Pierre's Kitchen, and Porto Reale. For those looking to spend an Italian summer holiday without actually going to Italy, look no further than Ramsgate. Not only will you be saving lots of money, but you won't have to deal with the hassle of travelling long distances - and it's just as pretty!
Irish Independent
28-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Co Wicklow man to share passion for explosives/munitions factory on 130th anniversary
The second of two talks hosted by Michael, who describes himself as 'a person with an interest in history for whom Kynoch is my passion', the free event will focus on the positive and negative effects of the factory on the Arklow community. Using his in-depth knowledge, Michael will discuss how Kynoch changed the fabric of the Arklow society, including socio-economic effects and the growth of the seaside town. 'The first talk was just to give a bit of a background on how and why Kynoch came to Arklow, and it got a great response, with about 50 people in attendance on the night,' Michael said. 'The Maritime Museum received a lot of requests for a second talk, so I was delighted to climb on board. 'I'll start with a quick synopsis of the first talk and then discuss the positives and negatives of the factory and its social impact. 'One hundred and thirty years ago, where the caravan park is, would have been a hive of activity – they turned the sod in January, and the factory was up and running in June. And here we are, 130 years later, still talking about it! 'As I said at the first talk, my sole ambition is that everyone leaves the room having learned something new. 'I'm a person with an interest in history for whom Kynoch is my passion, and I'll try to keep the talk within an hour because, when I get started on Kynoch, you have to reel me in!'
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The ultimate guide to the best museums in San Diego, California
San Diego's epicenter for arts and culture is Balboa Park. This 1,200-acre urban oasis is home to 18 museums (and dozens of gardens, attractions, and fun venues). Visit the traditional institutions here—or swing over to the recently added Comic-Con Museum. In case you didn't know, Balboa Park shares a zip code with downtown San Diego, and the city's urban core has its own set of eclectic offerings, like the nautical USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum. With so many museums in the city, museophiles can pare down their options with this helpful list of must-see museums in San Diego. (Related: The essential guide to visiting San Diego.) Comic-Con International is an annual mega-convention of 130,000 sci-fi, superhero, and cosplay fanatics who flock to downtown San Diego in late July. The convention has a 55-year legacy, but the Comic-Con Museum opened in Balboa Park in 2021. Year-round, visitors can wander through exhibits like 'Becoming Betty Boop,' showcasing a century of the history and evolution of iconic cartoon characters. Journey through time and space during Comic-Con at the 'Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction' exhibit, which combines real-life science with the science fiction universe of British hero, Doctor Who. Be sure to visit the Monster Vault. To better reflect inclusivity, the San Diego Museum of Man changed its name to Museum of Us in 2020. Visitors will spot the museum's 198-foot-tall, domed California Tower well before entering Balboa Park. Guests can tour the tower, whose elements are reminiscent of a Spanish-Colonial church. It was also featured prominently in Orson Welles' classic movie Citizen Kane. The museum focuses on cultural resources from more than 200 indigenous communities from all over the world. (Related: 10 experiences families shouldn't miss in San Diego.) The Fleet Science Center offers mental stimulation for all ages. There's a good chance your visit will coincide with a school field trip of students excitedly exploring more than 100 hands-on, interactive exhibits. The Fleet is also home to the immersive Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn James Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. In Balboa Park,you can catch an IMAX movie on a 76-foot wraparound movie screen. Explore space with a 360-degree view in 'The Sky Tonight' show. Trace the roots of breaking gravitational bonds in displays of historical aviation and space flight technology. The San Diego Air & Space Museum has a rare collection of models and some mint condition aircrafts. Go back in time to the Montgolfier brothers' 1783 hot-air balloon. Imagine the bravery of the 1920s barnstormer plane pilots, or inspect the military aircraft of the Vietnam War and World War II. The museum's space-age tech displays are continually evolving. (Related: The best restuarants in San Diego.) The unique, peace-minded House of Pacific Relations is a consortium of 33 International Cottages representing different world cultures. From Germany and France to Israel and Palestine, the cottages are arranged in the middle of Balboa Park like a village. On weekends, the cottages are open to visitors, who can learn about specific cultures, histories, and traditions. Plan ahead and look for special afternoon programs focusing on food, music, dance, costumes, and arts and crafts. San Diego is a seaside city with 70 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Just blocks from each other, the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum are floating museums moored downtown along the Embarcadero walkway. The USS Midway is a decommissioned aircraft carrier, with a flight deck filled with 26 restored carrier aircraft, from jet fighters to helicopters. The Maritime Museum is a collection of antique vessels, starring the 150-year-old, three-masted sailing ship Star of India. Other attractions include the steam ferry Berkeley, the USS Dolphin submarine, and the HMS Surprise—a replica of the Royal Navy frigate from the movie Master & Commander. (Related: Don't leave San Diego without trying these 9 experiences.) It's all about the kids at The New Children's Museum. Imagination meets creativity with activity-oriented art installations, with names like 'Wobbleland' and 'Disco Rainbow Cave.' Virtual art experiences also aim to be fun, like 'Sketch Aquarium' and 'Wonder Sound.' Children are allowed to get hands on at the Clay Studio and a Paint Studio that features a large-scale sculpture named 'The Loving Dragon.' Downtown's WNDR Museum is a high-tech, adult version of an interactive children's venue. WNDR is, of course, the word 'wonder' without vowels. You'll want to engage with the wonder of innovative displays that include: A multi-sensory Light Floor that glows wherever you leave a footprint. And a Quantum Mirror room, where 150 mirrors create an infinity reflection billed as an ode to our obsession with screens and the need for attention on social media. (Related: An neighborhood guide to San Diego.) A public facility in La Jolla, Birch Aquarium at Scripps is also the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. With a focus on marine life, the aquarium houses more than 380 species. Visitors flock to the Blue Beach shark and ray habitat, as well as the Tide-Pool Plaza, with close-up views of hermit crabs, lobsters, starfish, and more. The colorful Hall of Fishes is just finishing a renovation, set to reopen as Living Seas on May 22, 2025. The flagship La Jolla location of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego has newly expanded galleries, exhibitions, and a sculpture garden. With idyllic, real-life coastal views of the Pacific Ocean, the MCASD recently expanded its collections of land and seascapes. Outside on the museum grounds, the Edwards Sculpture Garden is enlivened by numerous installations, including the 'Displaced Person' garden planter and a 'Crossroads' sculpture–a combination of city-specific directional arrows and signs with witty maxims, such as 'Words Without Thoughts Never to Heaven Go.' (Related: How families, culture hounds, and adventurers can spend the perfect day in San Diego.) Ron Donoho is a San Diego-based freelancer whose San Diego Sun website focuses on downtown news.
