April Meeting: Preserving Boats and History7PM on April 8 via Zoom
Michael Jones is a TBSK member and also a man with a passion towards enjoying and preserving traditional wooden boats. He demonstrates that passion by owning, building, and repairing them and by volunteering his time with organizations who share his dedication.
Michael's knowledge, craftsmanship, and expertise most recently garnered the attention of Peter Fix, a marine archeologist and chief conservator for the Danish fishing boat Thor. Thor and other Danish boats were used to transport Jews to safety during WWII in advance of the Nazi invasion of Denmark. Michael put his considerable carpentry and boat building knowledge to the test in order to stabilize Thor for its transport to its future exhibition inside the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg. In essence Michael helped to save a boat that saved lives, and he has agreed to share the story of that work.
Learn more about the history of Thor and the brave Danes who rescued many Jews fleeing the terrors of Nazi Germany in this PBS report.
Michael is a board member of the Traditional Small Craft Association. Off the water, he operates his specialized boat shop. You can learn more about Michael and his work with exceptionally beautiful boats at jonesboatworks.com.