 | The Royal Tar was the first steamer on the route between St. John, Eastport and Portland, ME. Carrying a crew of 21, 70 passengers, and a menagerie of animals from the Burgess and Dexter's Zoological Institute, the ship burned and sank on October 25, 1836 off Vinhalhaven Island.
Known today by many as the disaster of the "circus ship", what really happened on that fateful voyage 190 years ago has remained largely shrouded in legend. Author and diver Captain Dennis Dorsey joins MHS to discuss 18 years of research and investigation into the Royal Tar, and findings that go well beyond another simple retelling of the 1836 disaster. In this illustrated presentation, Capt. Dorsey will discuss the findings of his investigation into the vessel, its operation, the people and animals aboard, its final voyage, the development of the fire, rescue efforts, conflicting witness accounts, and the events that followed.
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