Mystic Seaport Museum embraced the Amistad project because it contains many elements consistent with the Museum’s mission to "create a broad, public understanding of the relationship of America and the sea." Amistad is the largest vessel ever constructed at Mystic Seaport. Mystic Seaport’s shipyard staff coordinated construction with students from vocational schools in Connecticut and with volunteers. Amistad was launched on March 25, 2000.