The Steamship Historical Society of America

On this we are sharing the stories of women in commercial fishing out of Point Judith, Rhode Island. Visit https://youtu.be/d7z2DSFxtO4?si=T1–SHM5dNmWswsq to watch the film. Join us on this segment of SHIPS where we team up with Rhode Island-based documentarian Mark Starr whose interviews and film help us learn about women in the commercial fishing industry at Point Judith. Background about the port is provided by Dan Costa. You’ll hear from Jenn Fish, Mary O’Rourke, and Stesha Campbell about their experiences working in the fishing industry. This film was produced by the Steamship Historical Society of America and edited by Education Director Aimee Bachari.

This year's SSHSA Ship of the Year is the Queen Mary 2! Since her spectacular naming by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on January 8, 2004, Queen Mary 2 has been the remarkable flagship of Cunard Line. She has since become one of the most celebrated ships in the world, an icon of legendary style and elegance. Queen Mary 2 was constructed in France by Chantiers de l’Atlantique as a passenger ocean liner and cruise ship, embodying Cunard's tradition of transatlantic shipping for the modern era. Queen Mary 2 recently celebrated her 20th Anniversary in service as the only true ocean liner in the world today. SSHSA honors Cunard Line and acknowledges Queen Mary 2's continuing legacy, as she set sail on August 23, 2024, to complete her 400th transatlantic crossing.

Images: SSHSA award ceremony on board the Queen Mary 2 with present and past board presidents. Current SSHSA Board President Pat Dacey presents the Ship of the Year Award to Queen Mary 2 Captain Andrew Hall. SSHSA Past President Don Leavitt poses with Captain Hall, Architect of Queen Mary 2 Stephen M. Payne, Current SSHSA President Pat Dacey, and Past President Tim Dacey. Photos by SSHSA Executive Director Matt Schulte.

Stay tuned for more SSHSA Award announcements!

Jackie Chase

This image of the former Jersey City ferry Cranford as a restaurant ship was taking by Joseph F. Braun at Brielle, New Jersey in 1970. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.

See more than 4,500 digitized images from this collection at bit.ly/BraunBrothersCollection. Can't find what you're looking for? Only a small fraction of our collections are digitized. For research help, fill out the contact form for our archives team at https://shiphistory.org/collections/.

in 1982, Joseph F. Braun took this picture of the Oceanic leaving New York assisted by Moran tug. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.

See more images from this collection at bit.lyBraunBrothersCollection.

Our latest episode of Ship History Radio is out now! Join Education Director Aimee Bachari and Dr. Kelli Nakamura for Part II of our interview on the topic of Japanese Immigration and Picture Brides. In this episode, you'll learn about women's work on the plantation and the "double day." Dr. Nakamura talks about domestic violence and racism in the context of the plantation and within the broader Hawaiian community. Topics like World War II and internment are also discussed. To listen, visit https://shiphistory.org/radio/ or search for us wherever you get your podcasts.

And check out our lesson plan on the topic of Chinese and Japanese Immigration to America that features this two-part interview: https://shiphistory.org/2024/08/12/chinese-and-japanese-immigration-to-america/.

Image: Plantation laborers. Courtesy of the Hawaiian Digital Archive.

Ship History Radio - Steamship Historical Society Join the Steamship Historical Society of America for tales of ships that reshaped our history as the country transitioned from sail to steam and beyond. Using exclusive oral histories and primary resources straight from our extensive archives, we focus on the vessels, crew and passengers that revolu...

These images of the SS South American were taken at Buffalo, New York in 1961. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.

See more photos from this collection at bit.ly/BraunBrothersCollection.

This image of the Hudson River Line's Robert Fulton, by Joseph F. Braun, was taken on August 22, 1954. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.

See more images from this collection at bit.ly/BraunBrothersCollection.

Check out our Virtual Museum. The works on display in the galleries represent just a portion of SSHSA’s substantial collections. The Virtual Museum is made possible by the annual support from The Family of Helen and Henry Posner, Jr.

We currently have two exhibits up: The Posner Maritime Art Collection and the Vincent M. Love Collection. When entering each gallery, you can view the individual images and read a brief description of the artwork. Click on an image to see an enlarged screen view with additional up-close shots and a description of the object’s condition where available. Visit https://shiphistory.org/virtual_museum/ to learn more.

in 1961, Joseph F. Braun took this picture of the former SS Mayflower at Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts. The Mayflower provided passenger service between Boston and Nantasket Beach from the 1890s through the 1930s. In the 1940s she was taken out of service, grounded at Nantasket Beach, and converted into a nightclub called the the Showboat. The Showboat operated for many years, and in the autumn of 1979, caught fire under unknown circumstances and burned to the ground. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.

See more images from this collection at bit.ly/BraunBrothersCollection.

Join us for a chat with Doug Tilden, former VP of United States Lines, South America, and later CEO of Marine Terminals. Doug spent the last five decades in the shipping industry, working his way up from being a dock clerk to serving as the top executive within a Global Fortune 100 corporation. In Part I of this series, you will learn about the move from breakbulk cargo to the rise of containerization. Part II explains cost reduction in ocean shipping and the evolution of container ships. Visit
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI0HfUD1lBqTIDVqIl64qLJnsjFw-_U7j&si=BN_3xGgULT5T-xJT to watch both SHIPS films.

Image: Cargo vessel Peverilat Isle of Man in 1970. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives. See more images from this collection at bit.ly/BraunBrothersCollection.

A. Volta on Lake Como in 1969. Photo by Joseph F. Braun, Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.

See more images from this collection at bit.ly/BraunBrothersCollection.

It's season! Check out our free standards-aligned lesson plan for grades 9-12 about the history of Chinese and Japanese immigration to Hawaii and the West Coast of the United States. This lesson features primary source images and a podcast interview with Dr. Kelli Nakamura on the topic of picture brides and the plantations. Visit https://shiphistory.org/2024/08/12/chinese-and-japanese-immigration-to-america/ to learn more!

Image: Japanese Americans in front of poster with internment orders, April 25, 1942. Photo by Dorothea Lange, courtesy of the National Archives.

Chinese and Japanese Immigration to America - Steamship Historical Society Use this standards-aligned lesson plan to teach about Chinese and Japanese immigration to the Hawaii and the United States.

"Thank you very much for your letter of March 5th, and for sending me the literature about the Steamship Historical Society of America. I am, of course, greatly interested in that society and am thoroughly in sympathy with its aims. I, therefore, wish that you would be kind enough to say to Mr. Leland D. Wood, the President, that I shall be very glad to be elected an honorary member of the society.

An interesting future lies before the American Merchant Marine and I am sure that the Steamship Historical Society can be helpful in giving wise counsel." – Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Join FDR in the movement to share the spirit of Steamship Historical Society by making a contribution to help continue sharing our Maritime Heritage with future generations.

Please give generously today. Visit https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/steamship-historical-society-of-america/donate to contribute to our Summer Appeal.

Image: Unfinished watercolor portrait of FDR by Madame Elizabeth Shoumatof.

Don't miss our newsletter that will be sent out later this week. Sign up for our free e-newsletters and stay up to date on all things ! Visit https://shiphistory.org/newsletter/ to learn more.

Steamer Nobska a)Nobska b)Nantucket at Woods Hole in 1956. She was built at Bath, ME in 1925 and rebuilt at East Boston, MA in 1950 as shown. She retired in 1973 and was scrapped at Charlestown, MA in 2006. Photo by Joseph F. Braun. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.

See more images from this collection at bit.ly/BraunBrothersCollection.

in 1940, the SS America made her maiden voyage for the United States Lines.

Image: A lithograph portraying a profile view of the United States Lines' steamship AMERICA. Script under image reads: SS America: Queen of the American Merchant Marine and Flagship of the United States Lines." Large Format Ephemera, SSHSA Archives.

Check out our Ship Store! Find PowerShips, Steamboat Bill, new and used books at https://shiphistory.org/shop/.

Shop - Steamship Historical Society Support our mission by purchasing single issues of PowerShips magazine, maritme books, and DVDs and video.

What side are you on? Hudson River or Mississippi? Tell us in the comments!

Image: Cartoon drawing of an "SSHSA Annual Meeting" by Bill Muller. From Steamboat Bill, No. 85, Spring 1963.

It's ! To celebrate, we're sharing this free, standards-aligned lesson plan on Ida Lewis, “the bravest woman in America,” and one of the most famous lighthouse keepers. Students will learn about nineteenth century gender ideals to understand how and why some women came to hold this official government position. Learn more at https://shiphistory.org/2023/10/19/idalewis/.

Images:
Ida Lewis, United States Coast Guard photo.
Warwick Neck Lighthouse, Postcard Collection, SSHSA Archives.

Princess Helene, Canadian Pacific Railway ferry, underway at St. John, New Brunswick, Canada on August 6, 1951. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.

See more images from this collection at bit.ly/BraunBrothersCollection.

Steamship Statendam in Helsinki

This image of the Sovtorgflot T.E.S. Baltika with the Holland America Line's T.S.S. Statendam behind was taken in Helsinki in 1967. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.

See more images from this collection at bit.ly/BraunBrothersCollection.

This image of the Sovtorgflot T.E.S. Baltika with the Holland America Line's T.S.S. Statendam behind was taken in Helsinki in 1967. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.

See more images from this collection at bit.ly/BraunBrothersCollection.

Don't miss SSHSA Archivists Astrid Drew and Heather Kisilywicz present "Rum Running Trade in Rhode Island" at the Hale House in South Kingstown, RI on August 7 @ 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The Eighteenth Amendment, or Prohibition, was passed in 1919, and with it rum- running sprang up in Rhode Island waters. The Coast Guard received resources to combat the illegal smuggling and those rum-runners responded in kind with unique tactics and adaptation of recreational watercraft to protect and expand their business. In this presentation Astrid Drew and Heather Kisilywicz from the Steamship Historical Society of America will speak on the rum-running trade in Rhode Island and how it impacted the shipping industry on Narragansett Bay. Reservations required, limited seating! RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdI8dUcgs0ZLILHuoO02bWtrgNCNTgEPvnb9W1d8t79Flx7UA/viewform.

SSHSA's mission is driven by our commitment to innovative educational initiatives designed to captivate and inspire learners of all ages. We believe that education is a transformative force that empowers individuals, fosters curiosity, and ignites a passion for lifelong learning. By leveraging creative approaches and cutting-edge resources, SSHSA strives to engage diverse audiences, from young students to lifelong learners, in exploring the rich tapestry of maritime history. Our initiatives are thoughtfully crafted to not only impart knowledge but also to instill a deep appreciation for the maritime heritage that shapes our world. Through these efforts, we strive to create an inclusive learning environment that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of community among learners of every background.

A cornerstone of this commitment is the groundbreaking program, STEAMing Into The Future. This immersive educational experience seamlessly blends Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) disciplines, providing free, online educational modules tailored for K-12 students. Beyond just offering content, this program instills a profound appreciation for maritime history through the engaging lens of STEAM. STEAMing Into The Future features over 30 interactive educational modules, complemented by activity lessons and topic-specific oral histories designed to actively engage students in their learning journey. To enhance the educational experience, comprehensive teacher guides are provided, facilitating group discussions and reinforcing key learning objectives.

In addition, SSHSA launched the Ship History, Influence, and Power Series (SHIPS) oral history docuseries in 2021. SHIPS offers a compelling narrative, weaving together personal accounts and historical insights to provide a vivid portrayal of maritime heritage. Through the SHIPS series, learners can engage with stories that highlight the experiences of immigrants, the significance of maritime trade, and the leisure activities associated with maritime culture.

Learn more at https://shiphistory.org/education/.

Education - Steamship Historical Society SSHSA’s mission is driven by our our commitment to innovative educational initiatives designed to captivate and inspire learners of all ages. We believe that education is a transformative force that empowers individuals, fosters curiosity, and ignites a passion for lifelong learning. By leveraging...

This image of a stateroom arrangement for American President Lines is part of the George G. Sharp Collection at the SSHSA Archives. Labeled: "85" with the date handwritten on back, July 30, 1944.

This collection is an important part of maritime history and we need your support to continue processing and providing further interpretation. Donate to support our archives and collections at https://shiphistory.org/support/.

George G. Sharp, Inc. is a marine design and naval architecture firm established in 1920 in New York City by George Gillies Sharp, former Chief Surveyor of the American Bureau of Shipping. The firm started with the design of excursion steamboats on the Delaware and Hudson rivers, then moved into oceangoing passenger and cargo shipping. From 1934 Sharp designed a standardized series of merchant ships for the U.S. Department of Commerce. During World War II Sharp designed the standardized Victory ship, of which 534 were built, and 50 es**rt carriers.

The Hudson River Day Line's Robert Fulton was pictured at Bear Mountain Landing Pier, Bear Mountain, New York, in 1950. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.

See more images from this collection at bit.ly/BraunBrothersCollection.

A single piece of Italian paper currency or Lire, deteriorated from water damage, preserved in a clear glass case with a matching enclosed box. Plaque in the glass states the money was salvaged by the Andrea Doria Project from the steamship Andrea Doria, which sank in the Atlantic in 1956. SSHSA Archives.

in 1956, the Italian Liner Andrea Doria collided with the Swedish American Line's Stockholm on a fogbound evening.

Image: Andrea Doria pictured at the West Side Manhattan Pier #84. Built in 1953 for service between the Mediterranean and New York, she served only three years. Edward O. Clark Collection, SSHSA Archives.

See more images from this collection at bit.ly/EdwardOClarkCollection.

in 1915, the SS Eastland and four other Great Lakes passenger steamers—Theodore Roosevelt, Petoskey, Racine, and Rochester—were chartered to take employees from Western Electric Company's Hawthorne Works in Cicero, Illinois to a picnic in Michigan City, Indiana.

Following the Titanic disaster just three years earlier, the federal Seamen's Act was passed in March of 1915, which stipulated that ships now had to carry lifeboats and rafts based on the number of persons on the ship and not — as before — on tonnage. This additional weight may have made Eastland more dangerous by making her even more top-heavy.

At 7:28 a.m., Eastland lurched sharply and rolled completely onto her port side, coming to rest on the river bottom with barely half of the vessel submerged. Many passengers had already moved below decks and so hundreds were trapped inside by the water and the sudden rollover. The ship was just 20 feet from the wharf, and the crew of the nearby vessel Kenosha responded quickly by pulling alongside the hull to allow stranded passengers to leap to safety.

Unfortunately, 844 passengers and four crew members died. Many of the passengers on Eastland were immigrants, with large numbers from present-day Czech Republic, Poland, Norway, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Hungary, and Austria.

To learn more, watch The Eastland Disaster on PBS at https://www.pbs.org/video/the-eastland-disaster-04xrn4/.

Images: Postcard of the Eastland and Pederson; postmarked July 24, 1915. Public Domain.

Eastland disaster, the Kenosha, a tugboat, rescuing survivors from the hull of the overturned steamer. Library of Congress Photo.