Project Mayflower: Preserving Maritime History Through Storytelling

By Christine MacMillan  | Women Offshore Blog | Podcast Episode 251

Maritime history shapes the foundation of global trade, exploration, and seafaring culture, yet many of its most significant stories risk fading with time. In Women Offshore Podcast Episode 251, we speak with Richard A. Stone, founder of Mayflower Event News and author of Project Mayflower, for a thoughtful conversation about preserving maritime legacy through journalism, research, and storytelling.

Richard Stone brings decades of experience from some of America’s most respected media organizations, including NBC, HBO, Time Inc., and ESPN/Disney. A graduate of Harvard University with a degree in economics and UCLA with a master’s in journalism, Stone has built a career at the intersection of media, history, and public education. His work extends beyond publishing, having advised organizations such as the Canadian Football League, Panasonic Avionics, and Plimoth Patuxet Museums.

Project Mayflower is the culmination of years of research and reporting focused on the Mayflower and Mayflower II, two vessels that continue to shape conversations around maritime history, cultural heritage, and national identity. Through this work, Stone explores not only the ships themselves, but the modern efforts to preserve, restore, and interpret their significance for contemporary audiences.

During the episode, Stone discusses the evolution of the Mayflower story and why it remains relevant today. He reflects on the responsibility of historians and journalists to present complex narratives with accuracy and nuance, particularly when examining events that sit at the intersection of maritime history and cultural memory. His insights emphasize the importance of context, transparency, and thoughtful interpretation when telling stories that have shaped generations.

Listeners will also gain perspective on the behind-the-scenes work required to bring a maritime history project to life. Stone shares how his background in broadcast and digital media influenced the way Project Mayflower was researched, written, and presented, and why accessible storytelling is essential for engaging new audiences, especially younger readers and maritime professionals.

As maritime industries continue to evolve, understanding the past remains essential to navigating the future. This episode offers a compelling reminder that ships are more than steel and timber; they are vessels of shared history, innovation, and human ambition.

Project Mayflower is available in hardcover and e-book formats, with an audio edition releasing soon.
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