NMHS: A CAUSE IN MOTION Naval Leadership Speaks to the Importance of Knowing History
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The NMHS Washington Awards Dinner in Apri l was remarkable for the caliber of remarks on the importance of learning about and knowing America's m aritime history, and , in particular, her naval history. Ga ry Jobso n, President of US Sailing, did a magnifi cent job recounting the America's C up races of this past February and introducing the recipients and their presenters. Vice Admi ral Robert Dunn, USN (Ret.), president of the Naval Historic Foundation, presented the NMHS Robert G. Albion/James Mo nroe Award for maritime historiography to Jim C heevers, Senior C urato r of the newly restored Naval Academy Museum, for his long and distinguished career at the Naval Academy Museum during his 40-year tenure as curator of the collections. Admiral Robert Papp, Commandant of the US Coast Guard, presented the NMHS Distinguished Service Award to Admiral Ga ry Roughead, C hief of Naval Operations, USN, fo r placing emphasis on naval histo ry as a Navy-wi de discipline and mal<.ing that subject part of the adva ncement examinatio ns for senior enlisted personnel. Former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman presented the NMHS Distinguished Service Award to retired US Senator Jo hn Warner in recognition of his illustrious career as sailor, marine, C hair of the American Revolution Bicentennial NMHS Award Recipients James Cheevers, Senator Wtzrner and Commission, Under-Secretary and Secretary of the Navy, US Senator, Admiral Roughead with M aster of Ceremonies Gary Jobson, and Chairman of rhe Senate Armed Services Committee. Each spoke Dinner chairs Irmy and Philip Webster, NMHS Chairman passionately about the great importance of increas ing maritime ed ucati on. Ronald Oswald and the award presenters, Vice Admiral Robert Und er rhe directio n of Dr. Robert Newto n, the USCG Cader Idlers Dunn, Admiral Robert J Papp, Jr., and Hon. john Lehman. performed three songs, one of which was written by Martha LaGuardiaKo rite, who was a guest at rhe dinner. NMHS Vice C hairman Rick Lopes presented a moving video on each of the award recipients. NMHS Dinner Chairs Philip and lrmy Webster are committed to strengthening our Society's ties to our natio n's capital and are working to m ake this exciting dinner an annual event.
Maritime Artisans Alive and Well at the WoodenBoat Show The Mystic Seaport waterfront was resplendent with wooden boats Witnessing the number of artisans and the variety of the and those whose passion keeps the skills alive to build, restore, and types of work they do was inspiring and reassuring. Of those who maintain them ar the 19th Annual WoodenBoar Show in June. participated, I can list a mere handful here. William Schlageter The recently launched Silent Maid fro m the Independence Seaport has apprenticed with R. Berkeley George, Ye O lde Cannon maker Muse um was there, along with irs boatbuilder John Brady. Fred and in Smithfield, Rhode Island, and is carrying on the work. These Fran Roffe were back again w ith their award-winning True Love and scaled-down cannons are brass, bronze, or ducti le iron versions welcomed us aboard. The gro unds were busy with boatbuilding of classic original cannons, carefully proportioned. Their cannons demonstratio ns and visitors admiring the ~--~~----~--~---~,~ sail with Eagle, Amistad, Ticonderoga, and m any beautiful small boars from aro und America (www. rbgcannons.com ). Richard the country there on display. DeMello m akes traditional flagpoles at The state of the economy has stressed Bete-Fleming, Inc., where he also creates the m aritim e heritage community, as it has traditional wooden sail battens. His motto: every segment of our population , and the "It never gets old, Flying O ld G lory" (www. non-profit maritime m useums, sail-training bere-flem ing.com). Whitney Cornforth programs, reproduction vessels, artists, hisco mbines scrimshaw and glassblowing for toric ships and shipyards are all struggling. new sculptures rhar convey a feeling of the Yet, rhe fi eld irselfhas grown so much larger, sea (www.whirneycornforth.com). Tom stronger and more significant in the past Jannke makes "unscrew-urns" to back out decade; when the maritime heritage community gathers it is evident broken screws in old ships (www. dtools.com ). Vin ce Brennan keeps rhar the work being done is impressive, innovative, and important. up the centuries-old tradition of sailors making objects from rope N MHS Chairman Ron Oswald and I covered the show, meeting (www.frayedknorarrs.com). Robert E. Webber paints classic yacht exhibitors in boats, tents, and boo ths and askin g them to rell us about portraits. (www. classicyachrporrrairs .com). themselves, their boars, and their work. Besides learning abo ut what If you are carrying on a m aritime tradition, ski ll, or craft, boars and boarbuilders are our there, there are some great stories to even in a smal l way, we'd love to hear from yo u! Tell us about what hear when yo u get talking to people abo ut their craft, whether it be yo u do and please email photos to nmhs@seahistory.org or to the boats or ship models, flags, art or blacksmithing. These are rhe things NMHS headquarters in Peekskill, New York. yo u can expect by going in person to one of these events. - Burchenal Green, NMHS President
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SEA HISTORY 132, AUTUMN 20 10