Whaling collection donated to Sippican Historical Society
Sippican Week
The family of David Arms, pictured, has donated a large collection of items related to the whaling industry from the 19th century.
MARION — The Sippican Historical Society has received an extensive collection of 19th century objects related to the whaling industry worth more than $20,000.
Margot Stone and her daughter Robin Arms Shields donated the collection, which was assembled by former Sippican Historical Vice President David Arms. Arms is Stone’s former husband and Shields’ late father.
Arms was the driving force behind the creation of the nautical history room at the museum. According to Frank McNamee, current president of the society, he had a vision to create a top notch little museum. Arms searched antique shops, antique shows and auctions for appropriate items to place on display.
Some of the donated items include a large scrimshawed whale’s tooth depicting the Charles W. Morgan, a collection of whalebone fids and seam rubbers, needle cases, an assortment of Sandwich glass, whale oil lamps and a model of the whale ship, Alice Mandell, as well as several telescopes.
The Sippican Historical Society is located at 139 Front St., Marion. Visiting hours are Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.