When I started working in museum education I hadn’t even heard of Conserving Historic Vessels by National Historic Ships. When I did come across it, I picked it up because I had been involved in discussions about the fate of one of our boats and needed some guidance.

I wanted to understand the difference between preservation, restoration and conservation – the positives and negatives – and the factors that influence decisions affecting historic vessels.

I thought that I would struggle with this book, but I could not have been more wrong. What struck me was the honesty and passion with which it was written. I read it from cover to cover.

It gave me an understanding of the fascination that historic vessels inspire in enthusiasts and the public. The rugged beauty of a preserved wooden hull or the marvellous spectacle of a fully-restored boat returned to the water is beautifully illustrated.

I found myself newly enthused about the stories our collection of working boats can tell, from the heart-warming to the tragic and the ordinary to the extraordinary.

I have gained a much better understanding of the huge potential for learning: with just a little creative thought, all our boats can inspire people.

Helen Evans is the education coordinator for the Canal & River Trust Museums & Attractions