BATH — Maine’s First Ship, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Kennebec River boat-building tradition, has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Davis Family Foundation.

The money will be go toward Maine’s First Ship’s summer program, which will lay the keel and construct frames for the reconstruction of the 51-foot pinnace Virginia, the first ship built by the English in the new world. It was built in 1607-1608 by colonists at present-day Phippsburg.

The money will be used to buy wood and to pay for staff and educational materials. Log onto mainesfirstship.org for more information.