Operation Sail Passes Flag to National Trust Trust Chairman Hummelsine, at left, assisted by President Biddle, accepts flag from Operation Sail Chairman Emil Mosbacher, Jr.
Operation Sail 1976, Inc., the nonprofit corporation which organized the July 4 parade of tall ships in New York Harbor, has voted to transfer to the National Trust for Historic Preservation more than $300,000 in corporate assets. The transfer was announced at a dinner held in Washington on January 10. The funds will be used by the National Trust for development of its maritime preservation program. Assets include funds, the right to generate funds through the OpSail commemorative merchandising program, all rights to the copyrighted OpSail logo, and goodwill generated by OpSail 1976. Under the conditions of the transfer of assets one half of the funds, not to exceed $200,000, will be designated for support of the South Street Seaport Museum, New York, for programs agreed upon by the National Trust and the museum. In announcing the transfer, Emil J. Mosbacher, Jr., Chairman of Operation Sail, said: "The purpose of Operation Sail was more than the staging of the July 4 sail parade through New York Harbor, as grand as it was. We felt strongly that the values of this nation's maritime heritage and its contribution to world brotherhood should be preserved. This donation to the National Trust's program of maritime preservation and to the South Street Seaport is a definite step in that direction .''
Advisory Committee Meets At a meeting of the Operation Sail Subcommittee of the Trust's Maritime Preservat~on Committee held in New York on February 8, Director Harry C. Allendorfer reported that requests for aid totalling over $7 million had been received in a period of two months. Frank 0. Braynard, Managing Director of Operation Sail, was named chairman of the eleven-person committee. The Committee then met with the Maritime Preservation Committee in New York on March 24, to review priorities. After wide-ranging discussion it was agreed unanimously to proceed with a conference that would propose guidelines, help focus the work
going on around the country, and gather support. The conference will be held in Baltimore while the sail training ships are in port (see "Sail Training," this issue), on Friday, June 24. The National Society recommended such an ingathering of concerns in a national conference when the Trust's Maritime Division was in formation two years ago and we urge those interested in attending to get details from Captain Allendorfer at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 740-748 Jackson Place, NW, Washington, DC 20006. A New National Maritime Preservation Program Proposed In the wake of Operation Sail, interest in maritime preservation is running high across America, notes the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. This is reflected in discussions taking place on Capitol Hill, as Senators Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts and Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island and Con-
gressman John M. Murphy of New York are meeting with maritime preservation interests. They have indicated a desire to take the lead in a new legislative initiative to establish-and fund-a national program in this area. The National Historic Preservation Policy Act of 1977 (HR 3602), introduced by Congressman John Seiberling of Ohio, may become the vehicle for this program. The bill in its present form does not deal specifically with maritime issues, but it does propose a major restructuring of the national historic program, and its sponsor has agreed that a maritime title might be added. At this time, the bill has some twentyfive co-sponsors including Congressmen Morris Udall of Arizona, Chairman of the Interior and Insular Affairs Committee, and Phillip Burton of California, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation subcommittee before which any hearings will be held. A similar bill has yet to be introduced in the Senate.
''We are dedicated... '' One of the greatest dividends of the Bicentennial year was the assembly, stately procession, friendship visits and historical significance of Operation Sail-the great Tall Ships that captured the hearts and imagination of millions around the world. No one who saw or even heard about this unique fleet failed to recall America's early maritime history, or the key role the sea, sailing ships, and hardy sailors played in founding and perpetuating our land. Of matching importance were the flags of many nations flown by nations whose own histories were reflected in the ships and their crews. Together the naval review symbolized international brotherhood as a touchstone of our 200th birthday commemoration. The Bicentennial year and America's long maritime history prompted the Board of Trustees of the National Trust for Historic Preservation to undertake
development of a National Maritime Preservation Program. With a deep sense of commitment, we have made a modest beginning consistent with the resources at hand. We are dedicated, however, to expansion of this program as rapidly as generation of additional resources permits. We are grateful for the major contribution and support we have received from the National Maritime Historical Society. With similar support from other organizations and individuals across the country, I am confident that in years to come the National Trust will be able to make a significant contribution to the preservation of America's Maritime Heritage. We intend to see that this happens. CARLISLE H. HUMELSINE Chairman Board of Trustees National Trust for Historic Preservation
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