Andre the Seal Restoration
Donation protected
Andre the Seal
The small, coastal town of Rockport, Maine is the home-base for the beloved story of Andre the seal. Harry Goodridge, the Rockport Harbormaster at the time, kept Andre in a floating pen in the summers between 1961 and l986 and released him out into the harbor during the winters. After becoming notorious for pestering local fishermen, Harry took Andre to aquariums in New England to spend the winters. Each spring, Andre was released and made his way back to Rockport on his own. During the spring and summer months, Andre and Harry would put on free shows every day at the harbor, showing off Andre’s tricks. Over the years, not only did Andre and his story become well-known in the community but also attracted tourists from all over the world, simply by word of mouth.
In 1978, a limestone sculpture of Andre the Seal was created by Jane Wasey, an American sculptor and artist who lived in Lincolnville, Maine. This statue was appropriately placed overlooking the harbor. Andre died in 1986, but his statue has remained. After 40 years of being a part of our community, the statue has started to show wear from the elements and human attention, and is now badly in need of restoration to prevent further deterioration. Sculptor, artist, and engineer Andreas von Huene of Woolwich Maine has been commissioned to do this precious work during the early summer of 2018. With this work, Andre will be able to continue his watchful gaze over the beloved harbor which he called home for so many years. The restoration is being privately funded and any contributions to help defray the expense will be greatly appreciated
To read more about Andre’s story: https://newengland.com/today/travel/maine/portland/andre-the-seal/
Andreas von Huene website: andreasvonhuene.com
You are also welcome to make donations at the Rockport Town Office, please just specify that it is for this project.
If you have further questions you can reach out to Megan Brackett the Finance Director for the Town of Rockport, any monies received will be deposited directly to the Town of Rockport.
Thank you for your support!
The small, coastal town of Rockport, Maine is the home-base for the beloved story of Andre the seal. Harry Goodridge, the Rockport Harbormaster at the time, kept Andre in a floating pen in the summers between 1961 and l986 and released him out into the harbor during the winters. After becoming notorious for pestering local fishermen, Harry took Andre to aquariums in New England to spend the winters. Each spring, Andre was released and made his way back to Rockport on his own. During the spring and summer months, Andre and Harry would put on free shows every day at the harbor, showing off Andre’s tricks. Over the years, not only did Andre and his story become well-known in the community but also attracted tourists from all over the world, simply by word of mouth.
In 1978, a limestone sculpture of Andre the Seal was created by Jane Wasey, an American sculptor and artist who lived in Lincolnville, Maine. This statue was appropriately placed overlooking the harbor. Andre died in 1986, but his statue has remained. After 40 years of being a part of our community, the statue has started to show wear from the elements and human attention, and is now badly in need of restoration to prevent further deterioration. Sculptor, artist, and engineer Andreas von Huene of Woolwich Maine has been commissioned to do this precious work during the early summer of 2018. With this work, Andre will be able to continue his watchful gaze over the beloved harbor which he called home for so many years. The restoration is being privately funded and any contributions to help defray the expense will be greatly appreciated
To read more about Andre’s story: https://newengland.com/today/travel/maine/portland/andre-the-seal/
Andreas von Huene website: andreasvonhuene.com
You are also welcome to make donations at the Rockport Town Office, please just specify that it is for this project.
If you have further questions you can reach out to Megan Brackett the Finance Director for the Town of Rockport, any monies received will be deposited directly to the Town of Rockport.
Thank you for your support!
Organizer
Megan Brackett
Organizer
Rockport, ME
