On Thursday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m., Jim Pocock will speak on his family’s contributions to rowing at New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM), capping off the season’s Hulls and Hops Speaker Series.
Featured in the book and film adaptation, Boys in the Boat, Pocock’s great uncle George designed and crafted racing shells used by college crew teams across the country. Pocock’s grandfather Dick built boats exclusively for Yale University, including two Olympic gold-medal-winning crews. Together, the brothers built wooden racing shells for 21 teams who won Olympic gold medals.
“I am very excited to speak at New Hampshire Boat Museum,” Pocock said. “I’ve been researching my grandfather and great uncle since the book was written, and I have a lot of family stories and tangents about the book and movie to share.”
Pocock has given more than fifty talks about his family’s boat building past and has corresponded with rowing historians throughout the country.
“Learning about my family history has allowed me to get to know my relatives better and has made me feel more connected to the past,” he explained. “Growing up, I knew that my family was in rowing, but I never knew what a big deal it was.”
NHBM Executive Director Martha Cummings said she is “thrilled” to have Pocock bookend their summer series. “We’ve explored such unique and interesting areas of the boat world with our speakers this season,” she said. “After Jim’s talk, I hope guests will be inspired to visit our ‘Who’s in the Boat?’ rowing exhibit.”
Taking place at NHBM’s Moultonborough Campus at 130 Whittier Hwy (Rte 25), the event will include beer and light snacks provided by a guest Brewery. Admission is free, although attendees are encouraged to make a $10 donation.
NHBM’s Moultonborough Campus is open Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., through September.
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM offers dynamic exhibits and engaging events and programs tailored to the diverse boating lifestyles and values of people of all ages. NHBM exhibits, events and programming covers everything from boat charters, boat trips and race boats to canoes, wooden boats, outboard motors, sculling, sailing sunfish, and Lyman and Johnson motors. Some of our hands-on programs take place on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHBM is sponsored in part by Belletetes, Eastern Propane & Oil, Epoxy Floor New England, Goodhue Boat Company, Kingswood Press and Design Studio, KW Coastal, Lake and Mountains, North Water Marine, and Taylor Community.