41st Annual Moby-Dick Marathon
41st Annual Moby-Dick Marathon returns to Mystic Seaport Museum from Friday, July 31, through Saturday, August 1, inviting readers from around the world to celebrate Herman Melville’s masterpiece aboard the historic Charles W. Morgan, the last surviving wooden whaleship in the world. One of the museum’s most beloved annual traditions, the marathon transforms the iconic vessel into a living stage where Melville’s words are read continuously for more than 24 hours by volunteers of all ages.
While overnight registration is now full, visitors are still welcome to experience this unique literary tradition throughout the event. Readers take turns sharing chapters of Moby-Dick by lantern light aboard the 1841 whaleship before the marathon concludes inside the Museum’s Meeting House. The event draws everyone from first-time readers to lifelong Melville enthusiasts, creating a memorable celebration of American literature in one of the nation’s most authentic maritime settings.
The overnight experience, available only to registered participants, includes several special activities found nowhere else. Guests spend the night aboard the Charles W. Morgan, enjoy a traditional sea chantey performance beneath the stars, earn a commemorative “Middle Watch” whaling logbook stamp by staying awake through the overnight hours, and greet the morning with a rare whaleboat row on the Mystic River before the reading concludes. As the only overnight program offered aboard the Charles W. Morgan each year, the experience has become one of Mystic Seaport Museum’s most sought-after annual events.
Whether you stop by to listen for a few minutes, sign up to read a chapter aloud, or simply witness this remarkable tradition, the Moby-Dick Marathon offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience literature, history, and maritime heritage aboard one of America’s most treasured historic ships.
Event Details
Event: 41st Annual Moby-Dick Marathon
Dates: Friday, July 31 – Saturday, August 1, 2026
Time: Noon Friday – approximately 1:30 p.m. Saturday
Location: Charles W. Morgan and Meeting House
Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, CT
Admission: Included with general museum admission, museum membership, or staff/volunteer badge.
Overnight Registration: Full (capacity limited to 100 participants)
Public Schedule
Friday, July 31
- 11:30 a.m. – “Moby-Dick and the Morgan” tour
- 12:00 p.m. – Dramatic reading begins aboard the Charles W. Morgan
- 2:30 p.m. – Children’s reading of Moby-Dick in the Funk Children’s Museum
- 6:00 p.m. – Scheduled reading break
- 10:00 p.m. – Sea chantey performance aboard the Morgan*
Saturday, August 1
- 4:00 a.m. – “Middle Watch” celebration*
- 8:00 a.m. – Whaleboat row on the Mystic River*
- 8:30 a.m. – Reading moves to the Meeting House
- Approximately 1:30 p.m. – Marathon concludes with cake and celebration
- 2:00 p.m. – “Moby-Dick and the Morgan” tour
*Overnight participants only.
More Information
Additional event information is available by clicking the Event Website link at the bottom of this page.
