SQUONK
12’ Beaton Duckboat
1951 Design

SQUONK is a year-long project spanning 2021 and 2022 in which Penn State Abington students enrolled in a sequence of interdisciplinary courses to learn traditional wooden boatbuilding techniques, boat design, and engage in museum studies and a range of maritime activities. Courses were held on site at Independence Seaport Museum’s Workshop on the Water. This project was led by H. John Thompson and co-taught with Bonnie Levinthal, Professor of Art at Penn State Abington College, and Dave Dormond, Assistant Shop Director at Independence Seaport Museum.

Upon completion in August 2022, SQUONK participated in the World Ducks 2022 Charity Regatta at Mantoloking Yacht Club in New Jersey. Following the regatta, SQUONK was on view in an exhibition in the Penn State Abington Art Gallery after which, the vessel was donated to Independence Seaport Museum where it now resides to be used for education and sail training purposes.

For more information and student testimonials, please take a moment to watch the video below.

Please also visit the project blog at https://sites.psu.edu/pennstateabingtonbuildsaboat/