In the aftermath of a record-breaking snowstorm that struck the Northeast, Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut faced significant challenges as workers attempted to clear snow from historic wooden ships. The storm left approximately two feet of snow piling on the 113-foot-long Charles W. Morgan, the last remaining wooden whaling ship from the 19th century American merchant fleet. The museum's shipyard director, Scott Gifford, noted that the crew had to use rubber and plastic shovels to avoid damaging the sensitive wooden structures of the ships, as metal tools could inflict harm to their decks. The snow removal effort required the workers to lift snow over the boat rails, which was particularly laborious given the height of the rails varying from three to four feet. This operation began early in the morning and, with an enthusiastic team of about a dozen people, they were able to complete the snow clearance by lunchtime. However, the work did not end there. In addition to the sheer physical labor of snow removal, crews needed to address the potential impact that melting snow could have on the vessels. To prevent rot in the wood, they applied salt to the decks, which helps manage moisture from melting snow. This method mirrors traditional practices used in wooden ship preservation, where vessels were routinely washed with salt water to help mitigate the effects of fresh water. The museum, recognized as the nation's largest maritime museum, has faced this snow-clearing endeavor multiple times this winter due to ongoing snowfall. The snow poses a risk not only to the preservation of the ships but also to their stability, especially if the weight accumulates unevenly on one side. The museum planned to open on Wednesday with limited exhibits for visitors, though this was contingent on weather conditions, as forecasts indicated more snow potential.