In May 2021, Boothbay resident Jon Dunsford began building a 1:48 scale model of the three-masted schooner Ada Cliff. The Ada Cliff was part of the grand finale of the era of big schooners that flourished in Boothbay until 1920. She was built by East Coast Ship Co. and launched in 1918.

Dunsford spent three months building the hull, three months building the deck, three months building the rigging, and another month on the lines. The model measures 54” long by 34” high. This model is on loan to the Boothbay Region Historical Society as part of their exhibit “Captains and Vessels of the Boothbay Region 1800 to 1921” and will be a part of Dunsford’s talk “Early Shipyards of Boothbay” at the society on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 4:30 p.m. The model will be returned to Dunsford after his talk.

Dunsford has been studying the vessels of Boothbay and building models for nearly 10 years. He is a retired engineer and recreational sailor who has been an enthusiastic student of the maritime history of New England most of his life.

Boothbay Region Historical Society is located at 72 Oak Street in Boothbay Harbor. It is open year-round, Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. Call 207-633-0820 or email brhs@gwi.net for more information.