Viking entering New York Harbor

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Visit us at Good Templar Park, Geneva, IL, between 1:00 & 4:00 on these dates:
• April 24 • May 22 • July 17 • August 14 • September 18 • October 9
The Viking is a replica of the Gokstad ship. In 1893, under Captain Magnus Andersen, she sailed across the Atlantic (from Bergen, Norway to New York) and on to the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago (via the Erie Canal and Great Lakes).

Declared one of the 10 most endangered landmarks in Illinois, this important, irreplaceable piece of our nation's and region's history must be preserved.

Learn of endangered landmarks status in Illinois at
landmarksillinois.org

"Ship belongs in a museum"
An editorial in the Kane County Chronicle

visit

Read a Daily Herald acticle about the stabilization work
Watch news coverage of this historic Viking ship at
CBS news.

The stabilization

During two weeks in June, 2008, Robert Fink of Renaissance Yachts and a team from Methods and Materials stabilized the Viking ship. A prior assessment had been made in November, 2007. MORE...

Since being moved from Lincoln Park in 1994, the Viking has been inadequately supported and poorly protected from the weather. Viking sagged, warped and became dirty.

shelter extension First, the shelter was extended eight feet and rigid ends were installed at each end to prevent the entry of bad weather.

worksite Tools of every size and sort were brought to the site. Extra electrical amperage was provided to power saws and grinders.

The preservationists carefully positioned boards inside the Viking, after first placing protective foam between the newer wood and the old. Workmen gingerly walked along these boards while all work was being done.

support cables

First came the thorough vacuuming. Then the placement of the supports, both inside and outside. Working in conjunction with the adjustable supports welded to the outside, cables, with turnbuckles, on the inside will gradually bring the Viking back into shape.

support at stern
Viking's stern end is twisted out of true alignment. The preservationists have erected a tripod directly to the steel "cradle" and are using strategically placed clamps and wire cables to gradually bring this end back into "true".

Copies of the original blueprints were used as a guide while "pulling" and "pushing" the Viking back into her original shape.


We thank American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation for making this stabilization project possible.

photos: P. & L. Straw

 new shelter "end" new ends on the shelter

grinding
fabricating supports

measuring
measuring the placement

welding supports are welded to the cradle

adjustable outboart support a completed support

Liz inspects examining a support

knee clamps
clamps bring the knees together

of the trade more tools of the trade

PRESERVATION PROCESS

ASSESSMENT

$52,000 AWARD

STABILIZATION

RESCUE A RIVET

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