Lyman hosts presentations on anti-nuclear sailboat Golden Rule

Following 21 months in the Hawaiian islands, the historic anti-nuclear sailboat Golden Rule departed Honolulu in May for the West Coast of the United States.

“We are sailing for a nuclear-free world and a peaceful, sustainable future,” says Golden Rule project manager Helen Jaccard. “What better way to bring a message of peace and sustainability than this beautiful sailboat with its storied history? It puts a smile on people’s faces.”

The Lyman Museum will host 2 presentations on the Golden Rule project — 7-8:30 p.m. today and 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

This was a “return voyage” of sorts: the vessel first sailed from California to Hawaii 63 years ago in 1958, on her way to interfere with U.S. atmospheric nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands.

Under orders from the Atomic Energy Commission, the U.S. Coast Guard prevented the boat from leaving Honolulu. The arrest and jailing of the Golden Rule’s Captain Albert Bigelow — a retired WWII Navy commander — and his crew of Quaker peace activists garnered international media attention and increased opposition to nuclear testing and nuclear weapons.

This most recent voyage was captained by Hawaii’s own Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa, with three crew members, in preparation for an extended educational journey through major waterways and along coastal North America, beginning this fall. Kiko relates the story of how this humble vessel — raised from the bottom of Humboldt Bay and rebuilt with volunteer effort — has leveraged shifts in public sentiment and the policies of the nuclear powers of our time.

Admission to the program is free to museum members and $3 for nonmembers. Masks must be worn and physical distancing will be observed.

Seating is very limited; you must reserve your seats in advance by calling the museum at 935-5021 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Guests must check in at the front desk. Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m. today and 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Lyman Museum is located at 276 Haili St., Hilo.