the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HO-HO-KUS, NJ — Every artifact has a story, but some stories take on a legacy of their own. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Girl Scout Caitlynn Albarella, a piece of American history has been beautifully restored and returned to its rightful place on the front lawn of The Hermitage.
As part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Caitlynn, a junior at Northern Highlands High School, dedicated nearly 200 hours to researching, purchasing, and refurbishing a historic wooden rowboat. This restored treasure, now named “Big Three,” serves as a vital stop on the museum’s front lawn tour, replacing its deteriorating predecessor.
What is “The Big 3 Legacy”?
The name “Big Three” isn’t just a label; it’s a tribute to the values that define the American journey. Caitlynn’s research revealed that the rowboat originally hailed from Plymouth, Massachusetts, the birthplace of American ideals.
By naming the boat “Big Three,” Caitlynn honors three enduring values shared by both the Mayflower pilgrims and the American Revolutionaries:
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Courage
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Hope
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New Beginnings
The name also highlights the shared spirit between Plymouth and The Hermitage, a Revolutionary War landmark, in their pursuit of religious liberty, political independence, and the preservation of legacy.
A Community Effort: 200 Hours and a World of Support
Restoring a historic rowboat is no small feat. Caitlynn’s journey was made possible by the generous contributions of local businesses and community members. Her project goes beyond physical restoration—it’s about spreading awareness and educating the Ho-Ho-Kus community on the importance of preserving sites like The Hermitage.
“I fell in love with this project and the history behind it,” Caitlynn said. Her commitment to service was even highlighted by the Ridgewood blog after she was seen dropping off cookies to the Ho-Ho-Kus police department last October.
Watch the Journey
Experience Caitlynn’s Gold Award journey and learn more about the boat’s incredible history in her video: The Big 3 Legacy at The Hermitage in NJ
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