May 12 | 3pm | Wavertree | Free
Join us at the Seaport Museum as we delve into the captivating journey of the Statue of Liberty from Lorient, France, to her iconic home in New York. Christophe Cérino, a maritime historian from the University of Southern Brittany and President of the Musée sous-marin du Pays de Lorient, will guide us through this fascinating narrative.
After the Statue of Liberty was presented to the US in Paris in 1885, it was disassembled for the historic voyage to New York aboard the French Navy ship, Isere. During this special presentation, Cérino will explore why this vessel was selected to transport such a precious cargo.
The French frigate Isère was launched in the vibrant maritime hub of Lorient in the summer of 1863. The vessel featured a metal hull measuring 62 meters long and 9.5 meters wide, and a steam engine with propeller shaft. Isère played a crucial role in transport and supply missions to naval bases across France, its colonies, and beyond. Over 200 crates containing the disassembled Statue of Liberty were loaded onto the Isère, which set sail on May 21, 1885. Get your ticket today to learn about the challenges and triumphs of the Atlantic crossing, culminating in the statue’s arrival twenty seven days later. Our esteemed speaker will also share what happened to the vessel after this important delivery.
The Seaport Museum presents this program in partnership with Wind Support and BZH New York (The Association of Bretons in New York). Advanced registration is encouraged for this free event but walkups will be accommodated as possible. A Q&A and reception with complimentary beverages will follow.
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Abut the Speaker
Dr Christophe Cérino is a research engineer and professor of maritime history at the University of Southern Brittany (Lorient). He is a researcher at the “Temps, Mondes, Sociétés” laboratory (UMR CNRS TEMOS), and he is General Secretary of the Histoire & Sciences de la mer. Dr Cerino is also deputy director of the scientific interest group “Military heritages” and a member of the scientific council of the research group “Oceans and seas” (CNRS). His work focuses on the relationship between the State and coastal societies, and on the traces left in ports, along coastlines and on continental shelves, maritime policies since the 17th century. He is President and founder of the Musée Sous-Marin du Pays de Lorient, the first museum to be set up at the former Keroman naval base, which presents the submerged remains of the Battle of the Atlantic in Southern Brittany.
About Lorient, France
While many associate Lorient primarily with its 18th century development linked to the French East India Company, which fueled France’s colonial economy, the city also boasts a deeper maritime history. Lorient’s naval significance emerged in the 1820s when it became the focal point for developing prototypes pivotal to France’s transition from screw-propelled ships to 20th century battleships. Interestingly, the city’s name evolved from that of a vessel constructed on-site, Le Soleil d’Orient, contracting over time to L’Orient and finally Lorient.
Extend Your Visit
Access to Wavertree is included with your event ticket. To extend your visit and see more that the Museum has to offer, ask Museum staff about our Pay What You Wish General Admission tickets when you check in. Before or after your event, between 11am–5pm, get Pay What You Wish General Admission tickets to see more of the Museum.
General Admission includes access to all current exhibitions on view in the introduction gallery space at 12 Fulton Street and access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree. Free timed tickets for a tour of the 1908 lightship Ambrose are available separately at no additional cost.
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Head over to our Programs and Events page to see what else is happening at the Museum. Sign up for an upcoming talk, learn more about visiting Wavertree, or explore our virtual offerings.