SALEM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Despite the rain and fog, about 100 locals showed up to welcome the tall ship Friendship of Salem back to Salem Monday afternoon.
The ship, a replica of an original that was built in 1797, was getting much-needed repairs in Gloucester for the past two and a half years.
Gavin Gardner, Chief of Resources for the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, told WBZ NewsRadio's Carl Stevens the ship was gone longer than anticipated because of the severity of the rotting in its hull.
"It left on July 5, 2016, and so as you can probably understand, after two and a half years, people are pretty excited," said Gardner.
Gardner said the Friendship means a lot to the city.
"In most houses in the United States, you will find a picture of the President and maybe the Pope above the mantle," Gardner said. "In Salem, there's a picture of the Friendship."
Following its arrival at Derby Wharf, the ship was opened to the public, and park rangers were available to talk about the work done to the ship.
(Photo: Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio)
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WBZ NewsRadio's Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) reports