“The Hannah & the Nautilus – the American Revolution at Sea” will be the subject at the 7 pm meeting of the Lynnfield Historical Society on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Centre Congregational Church in Lynnfield. The subject is fitting as we approach the 250th celebration of America’s Independence next year. Captain Michael Rutstein of Salem will be the guest speaker.
On the eve of the Revolution, the Schooner Hannah had been leased by General George Washington to patrol Massachusetts Bay and intercept supplies bound for the British troops besieged in Boston. When she was detected, the 16-gun British sloop Nautilus was ordered to find and destroy the Hannah. Captain Mike Rutstein will tell the tale of the ensuing engagement between these two formidable vessels. Since the Hannah was out of Beverly, some later claimed that town as the “Birthplace of the American Navy.”
Rutstein commands the Fame, a full-scale replica of the first American privateer to set sail in the War of 1812. Rutstein, a naval historian, offers sailings on the Fame from Memorial Day through Halloween departing from Pickering Wharf in Salem.
Parking is available behind the Centre Congregational Church on Main Street. A door prize will be awarded. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
