Ocean Institute

The Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California engages students in many facets of maritime history and marine ecology. One of the institute’s most unique programs involves the ‘Pilgrim’, a replica of the merchant ship described in Richard Henry Dana’s book Two Years Before the Mast. The story tells the tale of Dana’s adventures in the 1830s as the ship traveled from Boston to California via Cape Horn. Students in 4th grade can participate in a living history adventure aboard the Pilgrim where they learn first-hand the life of a sailor in the 1800s. In support of this program The Schwemm Foundation funded a special printing of Two Years Before the Mast so that it can be made available at low cost to all students.