An independent researcher of 17th century Dutch history, Greta Wagle serves as the director for the nonprofit Onrust Project in Waterford, New York. In 2009, the project saw the completion of its key initiative: to create a full-sized replica of the Dutch vessel, the Onrust through the use of traditional Dutch shipbuilding methods and materials. Greta Wagle performed the honor of christening the ship with Belgian beer.
Dutch privateer and navigator Adriaen Block built the original Onrust in 1614 after the ship he sailed to North America burned in the New York Bay area. He had sailed to America with instructions to follow up on the claims of English explorer Henry Hudson. Despite knowing little about the territory surrounding New York’s coastline, Block and his crew managed to construct the new ship during the winter over a four-month period, although the precise location is under speculation. It became the first Dutch ship built on American soil.
Once completed, Block used the vessel to explore the rivers and coasts of mid-Atlantic territories. His mapping of the territories and Native American villages allowed him to establish a successful fur trading network. Block’s endeavors contributed greatly to New York’s history. He became the first to map areas surrounding the mid-Atlantic coastline. Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island, holds his name. Scholars once knew little about Block and his voyages beyond his namesake island, but information is being steadily acquired.
The Onrust replica created by the Onrust Project will serve educational and research purposes. Described as a “floating museum” by the organization, the vessel provides historical education through lectures, tours, and special excursions, including its 2012 food-bank benefit sail and participation in the annual Waterford Steamboat and Tugboat events . In addition, it is sent to festivals and other events taking place on northeastern rivers and in coastal regions.
Dutch privateer and navigator Adriaen Block built the original Onrust in 1614 after the ship he sailed to North America burned in the New York Bay area. He had sailed to America with instructions to follow up on the claims of English explorer Henry Hudson. Despite knowing little about the territory surrounding New York’s coastline, Block and his crew managed to construct the new ship during the winter over a four-month period, although the precise location is under speculation. It became the first Dutch ship built on American soil.
Once completed, Block used the vessel to explore the rivers and coasts of mid-Atlantic territories. His mapping of the territories and Native American villages allowed him to establish a successful fur trading network. Block’s endeavors contributed greatly to New York’s history. He became the first to map areas surrounding the mid-Atlantic coastline. Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island, holds his name. Scholars once knew little about Block and his voyages beyond his namesake island, but information is being steadily acquired.
The Onrust replica created by the Onrust Project will serve educational and research purposes. Described as a “floating museum” by the organization, the vessel provides historical education through lectures, tours, and special excursions, including its 2012 food-bank benefit sail and participation in the annual Waterford Steamboat and Tugboat events . In addition, it is sent to festivals and other events taking place on northeastern rivers and in coastal regions.