I wanted to post up a bit more on this most important subject thread so that I might be somewhat clearer and hopefully present less of an opportunity to be misunderstood in my meaning.

I hope the following quote taken from the pages of the National Historic Trust gives a better wording of what I currently feel relative to the precarious situation we see the Steam Tug BALTIMORE to be in.

"The United States is risking the loss of much of its maritime heritage. Many of our maritime sites are severely threatened by neglect, deterioration, mismanagement, and lack of funds to properly maintain them. Historic shipwrecks are increasingly endangered by treasure hunters whose activities are made easier by advancing technologies. Historic waterfronts are being lost to opposing threats: abandonment [collapsing] and intensive [re]development".

Both the National Historic Landmark Tug BALTIMORE and home port that bears her name seem to be in the very same boat.

Those who forget the past are condemmed to repeat it - is a mcuh repeated phrase. Do we head the haunting words? Precious artifacts of our past, once lost are lost forever. I am here to seek guidance from the wise, contributions from those so blessed and support in as many ways as possible from those who believe that our heritage is worth cheerishing by preserving what little we have left.

Protecting the irreplaceable is oftimes a very difficult road, but it is never impossible until it becomes irretrievable.

The 1906 Tug BALTIMORE is slipping from our grasp.

Reach out, as you feel led, and help tow this one-of-kind maritime treasure back from an inevitable voyage to extinction. We have the watch. We have the duty.

That the Living may learn from the Past, I remain steadfastly yours,
Walt Mathers