Tall Ship Time Machine

3D-Animated Story

Take a fantastic voyage back in time to 1638 to compare today's Kalmar Nyckel to the original colonial ship with the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s original 3D-animated short film and exhibit at the Copeland Maritime Center.

Through the magic of 3D animation, Tall Ship Time Machine gives visitors an “inside look” at the differences and similarities between our modern-day replica and the original Kalmar Nyckel as she was configured on her first colonial voyage from Sweden. Join our two captains – Captain Lauren and Captain Sharon – as they sail today’s ship on an imaginary voyage back in time.


We follow their journey while they explain why we must remove the ship’s many modern “systems” (engines; electricity; plumbing; fire-suppression and safety gear; navigation equipment) while “restoring” its condition to that of the original ship.


Tall Ship Time Machine is also a permanent exhibit in our Copeland Maritime Center. The exhibit features a short 3D-animated video, which is also used for Virtual Field Trips and classroom programs in Delaware and on docks beside our ship.


Special thanks to Glass Entertainment Group and Sleepy Oak Productions for 3D graphics, animation, and design.


This exhibit was made possible by a National Maritime Heritage Program Grant and generous matching gifts. 


National Maritime Heritage Program 

This exhibit received Federal financial assistance for increasing public awareness and appreciation for the maritime heritage of the United States. It was financed in part with federal funds from the National Maritime Heritage Program, administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and in Delaware by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. However, the contents or opinions contained herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior or the State of Delaware.


The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the Department of the Interior, the U.S Government, the State of Delaware or the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute an endorsement by these governmental bodies.

Non-Discrimination: Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in its federally funded assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in relation to this exhibit, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office of Equal Opportunity National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240.

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Kalmar Nyckel : The Forgotten Journey

Explore our Emmy-Nominated documentary on the first voyage of the Kalmar Nyckel to learn more about the history of this great ship.



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