Recreating Maine's First Ship

In the summer of 1607, a group of approximately one hundred men and boys arrived at the Sagadahoc, now Kennebeck, River in their vessels, the Gift of God and the Mary and John, sent to explore the region of "Northern Virginia." Under the guidance of shipwright Digby, these hardy voyagers built the pioneering ship, the "Virginia of Sagadahoc." After a challenging winter, the colony was abandoned, with some survivors returning to England on the Virginia and others on the Mary and John. The Virginia sailed again in 1609, reaching Jamestown, but its subsequent fate remains unknown. The precise location of the Popham Colony remained a mystery for centuries until Dr. Jeffery Brain led an archaeological dig in 1994, unearthing significant artifacts at Hossketch Point. From 1997 to 2013, Dr. Brain and teams of volunteers discovered more artifacts from Fort St. George. In 1997, Jane Stevens, Bud Warren, Rick Cromwell, and Sharon Drake initiated plans to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Popham Colony, including fundraising for the reconstruction of the Virginia. The Celebration of the Popham Colony and the Virginia Project commenced July 1997, with a meeting held at Popham Chapel, attended by nearly one hundred people.

This photo essay by Paul T. Cunningham, tells the story of the recreation of Virginia by volunteers through hardscrabble fundraising, to persevering through Maine's winter weather and harsh summer heat to completion of its maiden voyage and beyond.