Rebuilding History. Preserving Legacy. Sailing Forward.
Our Mission
The Friends of the Governor Stone
The Friends of the Governor Stone, Inc. is a community of individuals who share a love of the sea, sailing ships, and the stories they carry. Our focus is preserving and sharing the legacy of the Governor Stone, a designated National Historic Landmark schooner built in 1877 and a living symbol of maritime heritage along the Northern Gulf Coast.
Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the history of waterfront communities by sailing and exhibiting the 1877 Schooner Governor Stone throughout the Northern Gulf Coast. Through hands-on experiences, public engagement, and educational programming, we connect people of all ages to maritime traditions, historic sailing practices, and coastal stewardship.
We are equally committed to building strong relationships and partnerships within our local communities. By collaborating with schools, nonprofits, maritime organizations, municipalities, businesses, and cultural institutions, we ensure that the Governor Stone serves not only as a historic vessel, but as a shared community asset.
Together, we strengthen heritage tourism, expand educational outreach, and preserve the working waterfront traditions that define our region.
Recovery from Hurricane Michael remains a central objective. Rebuilding the Governor Stone allows us to continue sharing our passion for sailing, maritime history, and Gulf Coast culture with families, neighbors, visitors, and future generations.
After Hurricane Michael destroyed the Governor Stone in October 2018, FOGS members worked diligently to raise funds for our portion of the rebuilding effort in partnership with government assistance. Reconstruction began in May 2022, and we anticipate relaunching her in late 2027. This achievement is made possible through the generosity and dedication of our members, partners, and community supporters.
Our Core Values
Preservation
We honor and protect the maritime heritage of the Gulf Coast through careful restoration and responsible stewardship.
Education
We provide meaningful learning experiences that connect youth, families, and visitors to historic and modern maritime practices.
Community Partnership
We build collaborative relationships that strengthen local communities and expand shared opportunities.
Resilience
We remain steadfast in the face of challenge, committed to seeing the Governor Stone sail again.
Stewardship
We promote respect for our waterways, marine life, and coastal environment for generations to come.
