A four-session introduction to the art of celestial navigation focused on observations of the sun and sight solution by hand scientific calculator. Sessions 1 and 2 introduce the concepts, both astronomical and practial; session 3 takes students out to the shore to take actual sun sights with a sextant; session 4 concludes with sight reduction and plotting the results. No sophisticated math is required, although some familiarity would enhance understanding. Although probably not resulting in a complete facility in the process, the student will have experienced all of the tools necessary for this seafaring art.

Four two-hour sessions; perhaps offered once a week, or on four successive days. All material is provided, including access to sextants. Students will be provided with all course material and a take-home CD of the course.

Ship and boat building were a central part of life and the economy of the region from the early 1600's to the 1870's. Early vessels were for river and Gulf of Maine utility; later ones voyaged world-wide. Explore the types, origins and production in several up-river towns, the mast trade and resulting deforestation. Later the down-river "clipper ships" era, the Naval Shipyard and the abruipt end of large wooden construction after the Civil War. Also, and epilogue considering the grenetic activity during the "Great War' - building both wooden and steel merchant ships - and look at current builders in the area.

Customization: two-hour format with a break inthe middle. Could be presented in two sessions - perhaps on two separate days.