While people may be accustomed to seeing fishing boats or sailboats on the lake at Marsh Creek State Park in Eagle, a different kind of vessel will take to the water on Sunday, Oct. 10 - a 40-foot Viking ship replica named the Norseman.

The ship will be launched by members of Leif Ericson Viking Ship Inc. (LEVS), a nonprofit organization whose goal is to educate people about Leif Ericson and the Viking people, as well as to re-create the experience of traveling on water as the Vikings did 1,000 years ago.

LEVS membership chairman Hildegard Lindstrom explained that in 1964, the U.S. Congress, by joint resolution, declared Oct. 9 as Leif Ericson Day. Since then, members of the Scandinavian community locally and throughout North America have celebrated the day as a special occasion, and the sail of the Norseman is always held on or near that date.

On Oct. 10, the event will begin at 11 a.m. with the launching of the Norseman by costumed Viking re-enactors from the western launch area of Marsh Creek Lake. The GPS address for the location is 800 N. Reeds Road, Downingtown.

At noon, there will be introductions of honored guests, as well as the reading of a proclamation from the president of the United States and the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Traditionally, LEVS highlights a different Scandinavian country each year, such as Sweden. "This year we decided to honor the United States of America instead," said Lindstrom. "These have been very trying months, and our country has prevailed."

At the conclusion of the ceremony, a wreath will be dedicated in honor of the life and accomplishments of Leif Ericson. The Viking ship will then sail until about 2:30 p.m.

Later in the day, a Leif Ericson Day dinner will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 720 E. Eagleview Blvd., Exton. The evening will include a social hour from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 5:45 p.m. Tickets will be required; the reservation deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 6. Those interested in attending the dinner are asked to contact Lindstrom at proudvikinglady@msn.com.

One of the group's goals is to educate Americans about Leif Ericson as the first European known to have discovered and settled on the North American continent. On the day of the sail, the group will have souvenir T-shirts that say, "Leif Landed First," along with books and other merchandise. Only cash or checks will be accepted.

Crew members have been sailing the ship on Marsh Creek Lake each year since 2012, but the sail was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic. LEVS members also bring the ship and present educational programs at local elementary schools. Presenters are dressed in authentic Viking-style clothing and display various artifacts. The group plans to visit West Bradford Elementary School in Downingtown on Wednesday, Oct. 13.

LEVS is always seeking people to join the group and help to maintain the ship. "We are always looking for new members - history buffs or sailing enthusiasts," Lindstrom said.

For more information about the ship and LEVS, email Lindstrom or visit http://www.facebook.com/LEVS.Norseman.