A historic piece of New England’s maritime heritage is preparing for a significant transformation as the Little Lady, the region’s last surviving wooden fishing dragger, enters a comprehensive restoration project on Martha’s Vineyard. The vessel, which has been a fixture of the island’s fishing community for generations, is scheduled to be moved to the
The ambitious restoration effort carries an estimated price tag of $1.5 million. While funding has been secured through a combination of private donations and Community Preservation Act grants from the towns of Tisbury and Chilmark, organizers report that a shortfall of $630,000 remains. To help bridge this gap, a private donor has pledged to match the next $150,000 raised by supporters.
Preserving a Century of Maritime History
The Little Lady was originally constructed in 1929 in Noank, Connecticut, by Captain Earl Foster and Oren Olds. The project was a family affair, with Foster famously building the boat alongside his home while raising 13 children. According to family accounts, the vessel’s construction became so central to the household that the family relocated to a woodshed to make room for the project, eventually leading to the demolition of the original house to move the boat to the water.
By the 1950s, the vessel had been acquired by the family of Dennis 'Denny' Jason Jr., who converted it into a fishing dragger. Over the decades, the boat became synonymous with the historic fishing village of Menemsha, recognized by its distinctive red and green hull and the white lettering along its side. Despite the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust purchasing the vessel last year, Jason is expected to remain as its captain once the work is complete.
A Future as an Educational Hub
The restoration plan is extensive, with approximately 80 percent of the hull, engine, and other mechanical components slated for repair or replacement. Christian Cabral, who manages operations at Gannon and Benjamin, emphasized that the team intends to balance modern structural integrity with the preservation of the boat’s historic character. For those involved, the project is about more than just maintenance; it is about honoring the lineage of local boatbuilders and fishermen.
Once restored, the Little Lady is intended to serve as an educational platform for the island’s youth. The vessel will continue its working tradition, with any catch harvested during its operations slated for donation to local food pantries. Shelley Edmundson, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, noted that the boat serves as a symbol of the island’s working waterfront, bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and the modern community. By keeping the vessel active, supporters hope to maintain a tangible connection to the maritime traditions that have long defined the region.
