Scuttlebutt

Welcome to The Scuttlebutt, the Overfalls Foundation blog, where you’ll find our newsletters, articles on activities & events, photos & video clips, additional historical information, and Maritime Hall of Fame information.

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Scuttlebutt, the Water Cooler Talk of 19th Century Seafarers

When office workers catch up on the latest scuttlebutt around the water cooler, they are continuing a long-standing tradition that probably also occurred on the sailing ships of yore. Back in the early 1800s, the cask containing a ship’s daily supply of fresh water was called a scuttlebutt (from the verb scuttle meaning “to cut a hole through” and the noun butt, “cask”); that name was later applied to a drinking fountain on a ship or at a naval installation. In time, the term for the water source was also applied to the gossip and rumors generated around it, and the latest chatter has been called “scuttlebutt” ever since.

  • United States Lighthouse Society Podcast Features Overfalls

    Jeremy D’Entremont with the United States Lighthouse Society hosts the weekly Light Hearted Podcast. Light Hearted Episode number 298 takes a look at the history of Overfalls and features an interview with Overfalls curator John Bolster. Light Hearted Podcast #298

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  • Monomoy Lifeboat Restoration

    Keeping an 80 year old wooden boat in working condition is an ongoing project. Our Monomoy lifeboat is kept in great condition by a dedicated group of volunteers who maintain and refurbish her. Here, Tommy Lynch works on the bottom in preparation for replacing some tired planks. Tommy is usually found at the Momomoy’s helm…

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  • Notice to all members in good standing of the Overfalls Foundation

    The election of new members to the Board of Directors of the Overfalls Foundation will take place at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting, pursuant to Section I of the Foundation’s Bylaws, as follows: “The Annual Meeting of the Foundation shall be held on such date, hour, and place as may be designated by the President and…

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  • Overfalls Has New Life Rings

    If you come for a visit to Overfalls this summer, check out the new life rings we have onboard! They are located on the upper or “weather” deck. The previous life rings were over ten years old. Time had taken its toll and replacement was needed. You might want to make special note of the…

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  • CoastLife Interview with Dave Beck

    Have a minute or six? Check out this fantastic interview with Dave Beck of the Overfalls Foundation, hosted by CoastLife. It’s worth the watch!

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