Knotted netting, or fishnetting, is one of the oldest human crafts, and is still used in Third World countries to make fishing nets, hammocks and bags. Many Mainers remember when lobstermen made their own bait bags using knotted netting. Stephanie Crossman, whose family lives on Vinalhaven, learned fishnetting twenty-five years ago from her husband’s great-grandmother, Gram J, who was ninety-two at the time. Crossman was the only family member to take up the craft, and she inherited the net stand made for Gram J by her uncle, as well as Gram J’s, hand-carved needles and mesh boards. Stephanie Crossman will be demonstrating fishnetting at Penobscot Marine Museum on Thursday, August 7th from 11:00 to 3:00 pm. The demonstration is free with museum admission.
Fishnetting bags by Stephanie Crossman
Stephanie Crossman’s fishnetting demonstration is part of Artisan Days: Demonstrations of 19th Century Crafts at Penobscot Marine Museum. This program runs Thursdays in July and August and on Saturdays in September and October, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. It is a collaboration with Boothbay Railway Village in Boothbay, Maine and is sponsored by Knickerbocker Group: Designers, Builders, Cabinetmakers, Caretakers.
Penobscot Marine Museum recreates an historic seacoast village and has fun family activities daily. Penobscot Marine Museum, on Route One, 40 East Main Street, Searsport, Maine is open May 24 through October 19, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday noon to 5:00 pm. Admission is free for Searsport residents and museum members. For more information go to www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org or call 207-548-2529 or 0334.