Monkey Fist Keychain class at Indian River Life-Saving Station Nov. 26

Staff at the Indian River Life-Saving Station will offer a Monkey Fist Keychain Class at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 26.  This class combines interesting history with a fun craft which participants can make as a one of a kind handmade gift.

In the 1800s sailors deftly used and created various working and decorative knots. Out of all of them, the monkey fist had special significance to them because its use signaled the end of a long sea voyage. A monkey fist was used to give weight to small heaving ropes so they could be tossed to shore and provide contact with the pier where the ship was secured in port. Along with this use, the monkey fist knot was also thought to ward off evil; it was given to a friend as an old-fashioned way of showing someone how much they mean to them.

Delaware Seashore State Park will provide all the materials needed to make a money fist keychain. The program fee is $10 and covers both materials and instruction. Participants must be at least 12 years old. Space and materials are limited so preregistration is required.

This program will meet at Indian River-Life Saving Station Museum, which is located on Route 1 in Delaware Seashore State Park, 1.5 miles north of the Indian River Inlet and 3.5 miles south of Dewey Beach. For more information or to register for this program, call 302-227-6991.