For almost a century, NJ's Official Tall Ship, oyster schooner A. J. Meerwald has carried the working-waterfront story of New Jersey serving as the state’s official tall ship and a living classroom for thousands of students, families, and educators each year.

The ship’s keel, its structural backbone, now requires repair to ensure the vessel can continue sailing safely and fulfilling its educational and environmental mission.

This is not cosmetic work.

This is about safety, stewardship, and preservation.

Why the keel matters

The keel is the foundation of any wooden vessel.
It bears the load of the hull, the rig, and the forces of wind and sea. When the keel is compromised, sailing must stop.

Addressing this repair ensures:

Continued safe operation of the S/V AJ Meerwald
Protection of hands-on maritime education
Preservation of an irreplaceable piece of New Jersey history
Stewardship of a public asset that belongs to all of us

Why now

Wooden ships demand timely care.
Delaying keel repairs increases both risk and cost, and could sideline the vessel for extended periods.

Acting now allows:

Proper planning and skilled shipwright work
Responsible use of donor funds
The AJ Meerwald to remain an active, working ship

The Bayshore Center at Bivalve, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is committed to responsible stewardship.

Funds raised through the Keel Campaign will be used exclusively for:

Keel assessment and repair
Associated structural work
Dry-docking and skilled shipwright labor

The total project cost is $328K managed by Mystic Seaport Museum through the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard in Mystic, CT. In late October of 2026, we will replace the original white oak timber that makes our keel. The NJ Historic trust has awarded the Bayshore Center at Bivalve a 50% matching grant, leaving $164K to be fundraised by supporters like yourself.

2026 AJM Keel Campaign

Help replace the 98 year old White Oak Timber Keel on A.J. Meerwald