Plotting the FixA Call for a National Consensus to Save Historic Ships n the United States, we have no mechanism for ensuring the preservation of nationally-or even internationally-significant vessels. The 1797 frigate Constitution is maintained as a commissioned ship of the US Navy, and a handful of vessels are in the custody of the National Park Service. The vast majority of historic ships in the United States, however, are owned by private non-profits, ranging from major maritime museums to small gro ups of volunteer enthusiasts. The competence and resources of these institutions are likewise all over the map. We can't save them all , and over time the attrition of decay will overwhelm the resources avai lable for maintenance and repair. How do we identify and prioritize those vessels that are most hisrorically significant? Why should we? The intent is not to condemn or take away anybody's ship, which, whatever its ranking, may be doing very well through a good level of local support. The val ue of a ranking is to identify those vessels which have been participants at turning points in our national story, ships that may qualify for some level of assistance beyond local or regional support, because their loss wo uld be a loss to us all. Every historic ship has its advocates, or it would have gone to the breakers long ago. Many tell stories of sacrifice and courage-so how does one rank them? Consider historic events which took place onboard or in which the vessel participated; superior examples of naval architecture or builder's crafi:; vessels representative of an important type, age and rarity; or closeness to original condition- these are the principal factors. Then there are those vessels with multiple stories to tell by having connections to several strands of the national narrative. If we emphasize historic events that took place onboard a given vessel, the list will be dominated by warships. When we look at the whole story of the development of the nation, merchant ships representing significant types and industries are important to include for being typical rather than unique. To attempt a list of the top ten vessels based solely on historic significance, I propose a caucus process. In the first round, ask the members of maritime preservation organizations and academics teaching US history to list their choices for the thirty most significant, with a short write-up explaining their choice. My guess is that about half of the named vessels will be common to at least half of the lists. A year later, repeat the exercise, this time limiting the choice to rwenty vessels, with the results of the first round available. A year later, repeat for the top ten choices. The list is not intended to be a reflection on the stewardship of the institutions and individuals currently managing these vessels; scoring ships on condition, interpretation and programming, economic viability, and other criteria independent of the vessel's connection ro history has to be a separate discussio n. To get the process moving by example, I will list my top three and a more comprehensive list will be published in time. For now, I am m erely hoping to introduce the idea.
I
USS Constitution At a glance: 1797 US Navy Frigate. A superb example of both design and construction, Constitution was part of the first naval construction effort of the new Republic, a veteran of numerous battles which made her a national icon by the time the War of 1812 was over, and instrumental in establishing the US Navy traditions of excellence and bold action. Constitution is the only surviving US Navy sailing frigate and o ldest of five on the planet. There is no more iconic ship to embody the spirit of the nation. Named for the document that above all others defines our nation as the source of our strength, and sum of our hopes. Built in a time of doubt and peril, then a small, weak, parsimonious and squabbling excuse for a nation, this ship was a triumph of determination, courage, inspiration. Constitution's broadsides were the definitive announcement to the world that despite all of our sins, mistakes, and foib les, this new experiment of a nation was going to survive and be reckoned with . The first national maritime historic preservation effort in American history, and perhaps the first anywhere (burial ships are a different class) was to save this ship when the navy first proposed disposal in 1831. Constitution has had to be rescued from oblivion several times since, as a poignant reminder of what a short-sighted people we often are.
USS Constitution in Boston Harbor
38
~EA
HISTORY 135, SUMMER 20 11