Besser Museum preps the cradle

ALPENA, Mich.– The Industrial Arts Institute and the Besser Museum have a long–standing relationship, and Saturday, we saw that relationship in action. For the past five years, the D.N.R. research boat Chinook has stood proudly, albeit in a temporary capacity, on the front lawn of the Besser Museum. Thanks to the students of the I.A.I., the museum now has a cradle to house the boat in its final resting place.

According to I.A.I. member Tom Moran, the opportunity was a perfect one.

“I thought this was a good project for the students at I.A.I. Number one: one non-profit could work with another, and number two: this was just the perfect project for students to participate in. A piece of history. A piece of craftsmanship. Some engineering. So, you know, it’s like all the planets aligned for this one.”

The Chinook served as a D.N.R. scientific vessel for several decades. It played a major role in monitoring fish populations to help Huron fisheries recover after the arrival of the invasive sea lamprey. As an exhibit at the Besser Museum, it will compliment the Katherine V fishing vessel, demonstrating the importance of conserving our resources.

Thanks to the students from the I.A.I., the Chinook can do it in style.