Historic tugboat John Purves at moorings in Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay—The Door County Maritime Museum is seeking personable and cheerful individuals interested in serving as volunteer docents (tour guides) on the historic tugboat John Purves. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with a dynamic group of volunteers, meet visitors from all parts of the country, learn about Door County’s maritime heritage, and explore every nook and cranny on this massive tug built in 1919. No prior shipboard or maritime experience is necessary.
The immaculately restored 149-foot tugboat has proven to be an extremely popular attraction since opening to the public in August of 2008 following a remarkable five-year restoration project. Many of the volunteers who completed the restoration now are members of the docent team that conduct the 45-minute guided tours.
Built in New Jersey and originally christened Butterfield, the tug has a colorful past that includes World War II duty in the Aleutian Islands. The tug has been restored and outfitted to appear as it did in the 1960’s while operated by the Roen Steamship Company from its homeport in Sturgeon Bay.
The tugboat is permanently moored adjacent to the maritime museum at 120 N. Madison Ave. between the two downtown bridges on Sturgeon Bay’s West Side. For more information about this exciting and educational volunteer opportunity, please contact the museum’s tug docent coordinator, Mitch Custer, at (920) 743-5958
