Fundraising event features talk on sunken schooner

Fundraising event features talk on sunken schooner

The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum will host an historic maritime dinner presentation, "Discovery of an Early 19th Century Lake Ontario Schooner off Oak Orchard Harbor" on Friday, August 10.

The 93 foot Schooner, believed to be the Milan, sank off the harbor in 1849. It was discovered by Jim Kennard and Dan Scoville, underwater explorers, using a ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) built by RIT students. The schooner is believed to be the oldest commercial vessel found underwater off Lake Ontario's southern shore. Built in 1845, the Milan was carrying 1,000 barrels of Onondaga salt from Oswego to Cleveland when it sank in 1849. A crew of nine and their Newfoundland dog were rescued. The schooner was well-preserved in deep cold water and its masts are still standing.

Kennard and Scoville will present information on their discovery at a fundraising event, being held at the Orleans County Marine Park on Route 98 in Point Breeze. The event will kick off the seventh annual Wooden Boat Festival.

Tickets are $50 per person and include dinner and the presentation. Proceeds benefit the reconstruction of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse at Point Breeze. Doors will open at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 and presentation at 8.

For information and to order tickets online, go to www.oakorchardlighthouse.org, contact an Oak Orchard Lighthouse committee member, or call 585-752-0647.