John Gardner (1905–1995) born in Calais, Maine, USA; was a historian of water craft, a writer, a labor organizer, and a designer and builder of wooden boats.
[2] From 1969 to 1995 Gardner was Associate Curator of Small Craft at Mystic Seaport Museum, Connecticut.
Gardner was called the "Dean of American Small Craft" and the father of the modern wooden boat revival.
Gardner also popularized many small boat designs that had been unique to a certain town or region by making plans available and offering commentary on their attributes.
[2] NY Times: John Gardner 90 Boat Curator at Mystic Seaport Museum Dies