Mariners Museum archivist charged in theft

NORFOLK, Va., Feb. 20 (UPI) -- The former head of a Virginia maritime museum has been charged with selling off items from its Titanic collection and other memorabilia.

Lester Weber, onetime director of the Mariner's Museum in Newport News, was charged along with his wife with 26 counts of theft, fraud and failure to file tax returns.

Federal prosecutors allege the couple stole historical items from the museum between 2002 and 2006 and peddled them on eBay, the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot said Wednesday.

The allegedly stolen items include photos and papers from a mother and son who had survived the 1912 sinking of the Titanic.

Weber and Childs made their first appearance in federal court yesterday after the indictment (made late last week) was unsealed. They were released on $5,000 bond each. "In four years and nine months, the couple sold nearly 1,500 items [on eBay], receiving $162,959 from buyers across the country, according to the indictment. They also are accused of failing to report income from those sales in four years of tax returns."

Weber began working at the museum in 2000, and was the head of the archives for the six months before he was fired on 25 September 2006.

The civil suit against Weber and Childs is still pending, authorities said. The museum issued a statement yesterday saying "We will have no comment on this matter while proceedings under the indictment are pending." Weber and Childs told the court yesterday that they are "broke, unemployed and that their house is in default. A federal magistrate granted their request for court-appointed lawyers." They'll be in court next on 27 February for arraignment.

The full indictment is posted at: http://www.wavytv10.com/PDFs/Childs.Indictment.1.19.08.pdf

Talking Heads

I've been contacted recently by a respected film company who would like "an expert" to talk about Irving Johnson. They were a little taken aback by the fact while I know a great deal about the Johnson's and their cruises (have read all the books, and processed all their manuscripts (don't tell anyone, but I read them all too) that I don't feel qualified in saying I'm an expert.

So - anyone out there want to volunteer?

Or- would anyone care to define what makes one an expert?

Recent Grant Awards

The Annapolis Maritime Museum has a grant from the Four Rivers Heritage Area to record 12 oral histories on the oystering industries. full story

The Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Hudson River Valley Greenway Council. The funding will be to build new kayak and rowing shell docks at the Museum’s Rondout Creek location a part of the Hudson River Water Trail. full story

The Port of Seattle is writing off another $1.5 million in debt from the Odyssey Maritime museum. full story

Position: Maritime Museum Curator

City of Los Angeles - Department of Recreation and Parks

Maritime Museum Curator

The City of Los Angeles – Department of Recreation and Parks is currently seeking to fill Maritime Museum Curator position within the Los Angeles Maritime Museum and welcome all interested individuals to explore this great opportunity.

SALARY: $47,940 annually

DUTIES:

Supervise the care of the Museum's collection of maritime artifacts and create new educational exhibits for the education of the general public and school groups. Duties include: evaluation, accession, and conservation of collection, as well as working within the community to identify and acquire appropriate additions to the collection. Refine and update exhibits as necessary to ensure that subject matter is relevant to Museum's mission. Maintain an inventory of acquired items and provide for proper storage. Supervise volunteers and interns working on collection and exhibits. Work with Museum Director and appropriate staff to create long-term plan for funding, care and display of collections.

Assist with creation of new programs for public and school groups. Duties include: organizing guest speakers, creating hands-on activities for family visitors, training volunteers, and promoting of Museum through newsletter articles.

Assist with operations when needed, including special event staffing and special tours.

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor of Arts Degree from an accredited 4-year college or university is required. Masters of Arts Degree preferred with concentration in history or Museum studies.

Two years of curatorial and exhibit experience required as well as knowledge of Museum standards and procedures.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates must submit both a completed City Application Form and resume. Please send your completed City Application Form and resume to:

City of Los Angeles

Department of Recreation and Parks

1200 W. 7th Street, 3rd Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90017

Attn: Diane Moore

The City Application Form may be obtained at: http://www.lacity.org/per/application.pdf

Position: Mystic Seaport

Mystic Seaport, the Museum of America and the Sea, seeks and Collections and Research Access Associate. This is a full time 35 hour/week position.

The successful applicant will provide intellectual, physical and electronic access to the Collections of Mystic Seaport specializing in, but not limited to the historic, contemporary and Rosenfeld photograph and image collections. Requirements include Bachelor’s degree with general computer knowledge and historical curiosity. Candidate must be team and customer-oriented with the ability to handle fragile objects. Starting pay $11.00 – $13.00/hr depending upon qualifications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Staff the Collections Reference and Research Room on a rotating basis. Duties include shelving of retrieved Collections materials, circulation of books, answering phones, overseeing reading room, etc.
• Respond to reference requests, including onsite, written, commercial and personal, related to the Collections using all available Collections Access Systems.
• Master the various means of Collections access, including but not limited to Voyager, XG, websites, visual files, card files and databases.
• Serve as the point person and coordinator for access to the historic, contemporary and Rosenfeld photograph collections.
• Advise patrons and clients on research and derivative fees when applicable and initiate production orders for Production Team.
• Help maintain Collection-wide Customer Relation Database
• Work with the licensing and product development groups to bring Collection to a wider audience through publications and products
• Participate in developing a Collections Access Plan to establish and maintain a fine-tuned, web-centric system of access to collections information.
• Work as part of team to develop Collections Cataloging priorities. Specifically providing information on optimizing Collections usage and the understanding of the need to get the information about Collections out to users in a timely fashion.
• Improve and increase public Web resources related to the Collections
• Promote awareness and use of the collections, advocating the department within the Museum, related professional communities, educational institutions and the general public.
• Encourage and recruit other staff in the department to participate in various outreach efforts
• Compile Collections access statistics and prepares monthly reports
• Co-ordinate tours and programs at the Collections Research Center under the direction of the Association Director of Collections Access and in accordance with Department policies

QUALIFICATIONS

• General knowledge of maritime history and terminology
• Ability to participate, lead and thrive in a team setting
• Bachelors Degree
• Knowledge of search strategies and information retrieval practices
• Strong foundation and belief in providing superior customer service
• Ability to work with and continuously learn common computer applications
• Detail-oriented and able to handle fragile objects with great care.

For information or an application visit our website www.mysticseaport.org or call Human Resources 860.572.5346. To apply, send cover letter, resume and names of three references by Feb 8, 2008 to: Mystic Seaport Museum, PO Box 6000, Mystic, CT 06355, Attn: Human Resources.

If you get a chance to go to Dallas

Artdaily.org reports that the Dallas Museum of Art will present the largest and most comprehensive retrospective ever presented in the United States of the career of J. M. W. Turner (1775–1851), one of the greatest landscape and seascape painters in the history of art. The exhibition opened Feb. 10 in the J. E. R. Chilton Galleries.

The show will be in Dallas February 10 - May 18, 2008, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York June 24 - September 21, 2008. The show is presents in association with Tate Britain, London, which is lending 86 works from its vast and impressive Turner bequest.

Theft of diving suit reported

Part of a historic deep-sea diver's suit has been stolen by thieves who ram raided Lowestoft Maritime Museum last week.

Thieves are believed to have driven a motorbike through the reception doors at the museum between Saturday February 3 and Tuesday February 5 and hacked off the brass fittings of the old diving suit, which was displayed in a glass display cabinet.

Speaking to the Lowestoft Journal, Museum Curator Peter Parker said: “I came down to find they had got through the front door of the cottage; it looked like it had been ram-raided by a motorbike and the locks and deadlocks had been knocked out. It seems as though someone knew what was in the museum and they wanted it.”

Although the museum says the historical importance outweighs any monetary value, the items are believed to be worth in excess of £2,000.

Singalong Pirates

It's that time of year--love, song, and pirates. If you're going to be in the San Francisco Bay Area on Frederic, the Pirate Apprentice's birthday (otherwise known as leap day, Feb. 29), check out The Lamplighters' Pirates of Penzance Singalong. One of the top Gilbert & Sullivan companies in the world, The Lamplighters offer not only a memorable production in the best nautical tradition, but at this Singalong, there will be prizes for the best costumes!

Happy birthday, Jules Verne

Jules Verne, author of the work that made many fall in love with submarines, Vingt mille lieues sous les mers (Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea), was born on this day in 1828.

His works are full of stirring adventure, and were often published with covers as enticing as his prose. Andrew Nash's website, JulesVerne.ca, has many images of covers, spines, and sets, that will send your imagination under the sea, across the sea, and to the moon.

To read more, click on the image above to go to the Wikipedia article on Verne--scroll to the "External Links" section at the bottom to link quickly to etexts, free audio books available on line, and more bibliographies and criticism.

Who issued mariners' documents?

gCaptain mentioned a great article, Coast Guard wasn't always in charge of mariners' documents, by Capt. Kelly Sweeney. He provides an overview of the issuance of seamen's papers in the U.S. from the mid-19th century to the present, and the direction of future merchant mariner licensing.

And where can researchers find most of these documents? The National Archives.

South Street Pier Space Under Dispute

Home to the Peking Wavertree and
and other fine historic vessels, South Street Seaport is fighting for pier space to dock, maintain and promote it's collection.

Pier 15 is under the jurisdiction of the Economic Development Committee which has been redesigning the pier to accommodate more business and open space use as opposed to maximize it's waterfront use. (Full Story)

Seems short sighted and backwards. Here you have a draw to the natural history of a world famous port as well as a whole new way to open up the City and developers just want to make more of what already crowds the city blocks. As Frank Sciame of the Seaport Board says, "“Why wouldn’t the city want that pier to be authentic, historic, a benchmark that was the very history of South St.?” Why indeed?

Photo from New York Photo

Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum

Fred Bursch, president of Bursch Travel, was elected president of the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum board of directors.

Bursch is a founding director of the Maritime Museum, a nonprofit organization in Alexandria that supports preservation of antique and classic watercraft, resort memorabilia and sporting equipment. It's open to the public from May 15 to Oct. 15.

Storm Uncovers Shipwreck On Cape Cod Beach

WELLFLEET (AP) ― The remains of what experts think was a 19th-century schooner have been discovered on a Cape Cod beach.

The 50-foot keel and wooden ribs appeared on Wellfleet's Newcomb Hollow Beach on Tuesday, apparently pushed to shore by waves from a storm Sunday.

Full story.

Singing down memory lane

I had heard that Amazon was selling mp3s of out of print albums, so I took a look to see if they had any shanties. What I found inspired this rather blatantly commercial post:

Boy. Have they got shanties! They have shanties in English, German, and even "Ali alo" in French. You can hear a sample of the song before purchasing (click the little white "play" arrow in the gray box to the left of the song), and some albums have a "Preview all" link at the top of the list of songs. You can buy an mp3 album, or buy just one song (most songs are around $.99). Searching by genre is very general; the albums I saw were listed as "Traditional Folk" or even, "Folk > General." So searching by a known artist or possible title keywords might be a better bet.

And the best news of all: the mp3s are DRM free. From the Amazon music download FAQ:

Digital Rights Management or "DRM" commonly refers to software that is designed to control or limit how a file can be played, copied, downloaded, shared, or accessed. DRM-free means that the MP3 files you purchase from Amazon.com do not contain any software that will restrict your use of the file.

As a hint of how cool I think this is, I have to tell you that I'm an ardent supporter of local, independent music stores (for me, that means Down Home Music and Amoeba Music), so it takes a lot for me to give some free advertising to Amazon--it takes my being thrilled to be able to buy DRM-free out of print music. DRM-free because it tends to work better on my devices, including my mp3 player (a Sandisk, because it can record radio shows while I'm in meetings!). And you can shop Amazon somewhat mindfully--there are many nonprofits which have a link to Amazon that gives them a portion of the purchase price (from Amazon's cut--not yours).

Position: The Naval History Society Collection at the New-York Historical Society

Full-Time Project Archivist for 9 Months
Collection Description: The Naval History Society Collection (NHSC) is a compilation of materials that document historical events in American and British maritime and naval history. The collection is comprised of fifty distinct collections of Navy related individuals or ships, along with two collections of organizational records of the Naval History Society. It includes approximately 78 linear feet of correspondence, letterbooks, journals and diaries, lectures, essays, account books, biographical writings, genealogical information, scrapbooks, orders, notes, articles and clippings, photographs, manuscripts, and ships’ logbooks relating to naval history. The collection brings together the documents of famous individuals as well as the letters and records of lesser known enlisted men.
Job Description: The New-York Historical Society is seeking an experienced archivist to process the Naval History Society Collection. The archivist on this grant will begin by surveying the fifty individual collections of the NHSC and consulting with the Chief Conservator regarding any preservation issues. The project archivist will then arrange, describe, and re-house the fifty distinct collections into acid-free materials. MARC records and finding aids will be created for the general collection as well as for select individual collections. The finding aids will then be marked up in Encoded Archival Description (EAD) and placed online with other N-YHS finding aids.
Qualifications: M.L.S. from an A.L.A.-accredited library school or M.A. with an archival concentration or archival management certificate. One to two years of archival processing experience. Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, and the ability to work with people as well as independently. Experience using MARC format and Encoded Archival Description (EAD). Dedication to archival principles, practices, and ethics.
To Apply: Send cover letter, résumé and the names of three references by mail or fax (applications sent by e-mail will not be reviewed) to:
Jean Ashton
Vice President and Library Director
The New-York Historical Society
170 Central Park West
New York, NY 10024
Fax: (646) 293-9409
Please, no phone calls.

Meet the Author

Inspired by Heather's recent posting on author Trevor Corson, I attended a talk/book signing by him. If you get the chance, definitely go! He talked about both his books, The Zen of Fish: The Story of Sushi, from Samurai to Supermarket and The Secret Life of Lobsters: How Fishermen and Scientists Are Unraveling the Mysteries of Our Favorite Crustacean (P.S.). But even more impressive were the videos. Lets just say, all is not fair in Lobster love and war, but it's fun to watch.

Position: Archives and Library Director

Independence Seaport Museum is seeking a full-time Director of the J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library. The position reports directly to the Museum President and supervises one full-time professional assistant, one full-time temporary project archivist, volunteers and interns. The archives and library director is responsible for managing a repository of approximately 4,000 linear feet of archival collections and research library of 15,000 volumes.

Duties: Candidate will be required to arrange, describe and create electronic catalog records in OCLC for archival collection; provide reference service to the public; build archival and printed collections through purchase and donations; plan research, write labels and design exhibits for the department’s exhibit areas and Museum’s website; envision and lead development of automation and digitization projects; plan processing, conservation, cataloging and other projects, and work with the development department to write grants seeking project funding; perform copy and original cataloging for printed materials; serve on exhibition and planning committees, and work with other Museum departments on institution-wide projects; manage department budget; report to Archives and Curatorial Committee of the Board; represent the Museum at Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries and other meetings, and participate in consortium projects and; give presentations about library collections for prospective donors and VIPs.

Preferred Qualifications: Qualifications: • M.L.S. or M. A. in History with certificate in archives management. • Three to five years experience in special collections library or research setting • Formal training in archival practice and care in handling unique material • Facility with OCLC mixed materials cataloging and standard professional tools and programs • Ability to work both independently and with the public • Knowledge of American and maritime history and technology preferred.

Application Instructions: To apply, please submit via email an electronic letter of interest and resume to: cburkert@phillyseaport.org or mail to Archives & Library Director Search, Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106. No phone calls please. Deadline: February 15, 2008.

Behind the Scene Tours

The last few months have been busy ones. What with the holidays and sudden rise in people wanting "Behind the Scene Tours" of our Collections Vaults. Since moving into the new facility 7 years ago, tour requests have been steady but slow, maybe one a month. Suddenly they've just exploded. Weekly groups of 35, 60 and now 80 NEED to get into places built to safely secure art, objects, photographs, rare books, and manuscripts in humidity and temperature controlled environments.

Is anyone else experiencing this? In early January there was a flood of announcements on new exhibits, and a lengthy discussion of whether or not to allow grade-school classes into the reference rooms, but I've not noticed anyone talking about, or offering this type of "Behind the Scenes Tours".

Don't get me wrong, it's great to take them IN. It never fails to increase my appreciate for the Collections. Just this week alone I opened a random drawer and found over 30 Inuit animal carvings. They are just amazingly animated! Cute even. People are always surprised and impressed by the immensity and range of the collections, and it feels good to share, but the point of having that material is also to preserve it, and I wonder how this effects that? We've decided on a ratio of one staff member for every 10 tour-ists, but is that enough? We're also considering charging? mostly as a means of encouraging people to appreciate the experience, but do we charge everyone? What about fellow museums? etc. And what are they doing? Do other museums provide these tours? Under what circumstances? for Whom? Do you charge?

Calling all writers

Trevor Corson's blog, The Scrawling Claw, is one of my must-reads. I really enjoyed his book The Zen of Fish and was delighted to find that the writing on his blog is also entertaining and informative. Typically he writes about seafood and fisheries issues, but he lately wrote about his experiences at the Key West Literary Seminar.

Are you a writer? A maritime historian? Do you write historical fiction? If so, check out the 2009 Key West Seminar, "Historical Fiction," when they "will be including writers of historical fiction and writers of history (a.k.a. historians)." Speakers will include Andrea Barrett, whose novel The Voyage of the Narwhal remains one of my favorites.

And if you go, drop us a line!

The Literary Lotus

On Literary Lotus, Christine Thomas writes about a wide range of topics, including the maritime world. She recently posted the last entry in a book of the sea roundup, her review of Vaka Moana, Voyages of the Ancestors: The Discovery and Settlement of the Pacific, edited by K. R. Howe. Also, don't miss the links on the blog, which include her reviews of maritime books published elsewhere.

And do check out the older posts; Christine is generous in sharing her reviews, interviews, and information about the books mentioned by her and others. If you're looking for something to read, for yourself or someone else, she even posts gift guides. She'll guide you to books about the sea that feature topics other than explorations or voyages: legends, traditional navigation, surfing, poetry, and much more.

Sing me Ishmael

Moby Dick has been called the greatest American novel, and adaptations have included films, cartoons, comic books, musicals--and now, another opera. (In 2004, Moby Dick: Scenes From an Imaginary Opera premiered in Princeton, New Jersey.) This time, Gene Scheer is writing the text. How will they handle the whale on stage? They're not telling!

Position: Mystic Seaport

Collections Access Assistant

Part-time (21/wk) temporary, entry-level position to provide intellectual, physical and electronic access to the Collections of Mystic Seaport and assist in the creation and organization of maritime-related internet resources.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to participate successfully in a team setting, have a strong belief in providing superior customer service, and possess excellent organizational skills and computer literacy. Knowledge of Microsoft Access, SQL, search strategies/information retrieval (Voyager, XG, card files, etc.) or information science desirable. Duties include assisting patrons, staff and volunteers with Collections, proof datasets for accuracy and create new ones, scan/archive collection-related image, locate and organize maritime related internet resources. For information send an email to kelly.drake@mysticseaport.org. To obtain an application visit our website www.mysticseaport.org or call Human Resources 860.572.5346. To apply, send cover letter, resume and names of three references by Feb 8, 2008 to: Mystic Seaport Museum, PO Box 6000, Mystic, CT 06355, Attn: Human Resources. Mystic Seaport is an AA/EOE employer.

Position: Collections Manager

Independence Seaport Museum

Location: Philadelphia, PA USA

Description: Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the creation and maintenance of relevant recordkeeping systems, organization and housing of objects in collection storage areas, and observation and care of all collection needs whether on exhibit or in storage. The Collections Manager reports to the Curator. Tasks and Duties Registration: All aspects of the processing, cataloging of the collections; Management of the collections management database; Manages loan agreements and condition reports and insurance; Maintain the disaster preparedness plan for the collections; Manages ethical and legal issues related to the collections; Risk management including disaster mitigation planning , security, integrated pest management, insurance; Manages rights and reproduction requests. Collections: Storage of collections and the implementation of re-housing projects; Monitors environmental conditions and coordinates with the Facilities Dept.; Monitors the security and condition of the collections on display and in storage; Coordinates conservation program and long-range collections care planning; Tracks and documents conservation proposals and treatments; Maintains records related to collections care. Exhibitions: Maintains exhibits and coordinates repair of interactives; Assists with preparation and installation of loan and permanent exhibitions and their maintenance; Manages packing of artifacts and shipping arrangements. General: Directs volunteers and interns in the curatorial department; Assist in the development of departmental and inter-departmental policies. M-F, 9-5, some evening and weekends. Salary based on experience, competitive benefits.

Preferred Qualifications: Applicants must possess either an M.A. in museum studies or a related field with a minimum of three years professional museum experience, or a B.A. in American or maritime history, anthropology, archaeology, museum studies or a related field followed by five years of professional experience in object care and conservation at a museum. Must be organized, detail oriented, show measurable initiative, have good interpersonal skills and demonstrable writing skills. Position requires substantial practical knowledge and ability with collection management software. Ability to operate hand tools and developed skills with the installation and maintenance of exhibitions is a plus. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Application Instructions: Please respond with cover letter and resume by 1/18/08 via mail or e-mail, no phone calls: Craig Bruns, Curator Independence Seaport Museum 211 S. Columbus Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19106 cbruns@phillyseaport.org

The Unfortunate Malefactor

There are some treasures of maritime history within online collections related to the law. You can find a broadside describing the trial and execution of William Donovan for mutiny and murder at Dying Speeches & Bloody Murders, Harvard Law School Library's Crime Broadsides Project.

And, from there, don't miss the link they provide to the online Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London, 1674 to 1834--you can search the proceedings by crime, and to find "Piracy" or "Returning from transportation," pop open the "Specific Criminal Act" list. And to search for ships, use the keyword search option and pop open the "Search in" list and select "Crime location"--you can even just put in the word "ship!" (And Rumpole fans, take note, you can turn up Timsons if you search for them by "Defendent surname!")

Job Position: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Acting Curator of History New York, NY
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Applications Contact person: Lesley Klein
Email: lklein@intrepidmuseum.org
Application due date: 2008/1/15
Salary range: competitive hourly rate
Web Address: www.intrepidmuseum.org
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is seeking a person to be an acting Curator of History, a 40 hour/week consultant position that may lead to a full-time position in late 2008. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in history with a knowledge of twentieth-century American history and three to five years experience in a museum, historical society or similar position dealing with the collection, display and public interpretation of artifacts. Knowledge of American military, political and naval history, and naval aviation are additional assets. The acting Curator of History will actively work with both the museum's Chief Curator and Collection Manager in selecting artifacts for the museum's grand reopening in Fall 2008 and, if chosen for the full time position, will work with both Chief Curator and the Collection Manager in acquiring new artifacts for future display and researching the permanent collection. Competitive contractor rate. Competitive salary and benefits if the acting Curator of History gets converted to a full time employee.
Resumes should be submitted to: resume@intrepidmuseum.org

New York Fishing Company

Many today in history sites are announcing that the New York Fishing Company was the first company to be chartered in what became the United States (on January 8, 1675) but there is some debate about this. From The Modern Corporation and American Political Thought: Law, Power, and Ideology by Scott R. Bowman, 1996, p. 312:

Depending on the classification employed by scholars, the number of colonial business corporations will vary slightly. For example, Simeon Baldwin identifies six, Joseph Davis identifies seven, and between them they list a total of eight such corporations. Both authors include the Free Society of Traders, which although chartered in England by William Penn in 1682, was intended to be an American corporation. The Free Society of Traders appears to be the first colonial business corporation, if one excludes the English trading companies that founded many of the colonies. (Baldwin lists the New York Fishing Company [1675] as the first, but Davis points out that this company was not incorporated.)

Generally I find the pursuit of maritime superlatives like "firsts" tiresome, however, in this case, my curiosity was sparked--I wondered about the extent of maritime influence on colonial business ventures and went on to learn more.

To continue on this topic, and follow the citations to Baldwin's and Davis' books, you can find the above quoted page on limited preview at Google Books (or follow the links there to get the book from your local library or to purchase it.)

George MacDonald Fraser, R.I.P.

The author of The Pyrates and the beloved Flashman series died Wednesday at age 82. Obituaries are available at The Telegraph, Guardian, and the BBC.

Update on the Free China

If you read Hans Konrad Van Tilburg's new book,
Chinese Junks on the Pacific: Views from a Different Deck you may be interested in the San Jose Mercury News article from Dec. 22 about the effort to bring the junk Free China back to life.

And check out the video and audio links that accompany the article!

Yarns (that you can knit or crochet)

The latest issue of Sea History magazine has a wonderful profile of the Seamen's Church Institute's Christmas at Sea program. Knitting and crocheting for sailors has a long tradition, which is still going strong--if you knit or crochet, you still have time to participate! There are patterns available on the Institute's website, but for the more adventurous crafter, "vintage" patterns are becoming widely available.

The V&A 1940s Patterns to Knit site features garments for the armed forces--male and female. The Red Cross Museum has also posted WW2-era patterns for sailors, soldiers, and refugees. Many Red Cross patterns are also available on a volunteer-driven site, The Antique Pattern Library. (Choose the "Catalog" link.) This site is treasure-trove of not only antique patterns, most far older than the 1940s, but their editions often outshine the editions available at other sites.

Take Maud Churchill Nicoll's Knitting and sewing : how to make seventy useful articles for men in the Army and the Navy. This book is available in multiple formats at the Internet Archive and only in Adobe Acrobat .pdf at the Antique Pattern Library.

If you look at p. 23, the image is captioned, "Illustrated wools, actual size and color." The professionally produced e-edition is in black and white. The volunteer produced e-edition is in color. What does it matter? Granted, colors do not reproduce exactly on all computer screens, but color information is often sorely lacking when it comes to the history of sailors' clothing. Texts tell us it was all navy blue and/or olive drab. This page has several different shades of olive, khaki, and ivory--I find that very interesting. Also, take a look at p. 21; which edition presents a higher quality image? Not the professionally produced one.

So pick up some knitting needles or a crochet hook! If not for yourself, how about for a sailor, or even for your local living history program?

Position: Collections Cataloger

Mystic Seaport Museum, the Museum of America and the Sea, seeks a Collections Cataloger. Responsible for registration, cataloging and processing Museum's important collection of manuscripts and ships' plans, the Collections Cataloger will also participate in cataloging photographs, art and object and oversee related cataloging/processing staff in cooperation with Collection managers and the Cataloging/Registration Team. Requirements include MLS degree (or equivalent), ability to lead and thrive in a team setting, knowledge of standard Museum practices and Library/Museum Metadata standards/practices including MARC, Dublin Core, and comfortable with computer software and applications (e.g., Voyager, Microsoft Access).

This is a full-time, 35/hr week position.

For information or an application visit our website http://www.mysticseaport.org/ or call Human Resources 860.572.5346. Mystic Seaport Museum is an AA/EOE employer.

Nets of Silver and Gold

I discovered a beautiful online edition of one of my favorite poems, about small fishermen who sail midnight skies after sparkling herring-fish, now known as Wynken, Blynken and Nod. Originally published under the title, "Dutch Lullaby," it appears in the 1889 edition of A Little Book of Western Verse by Eugene Field, which is available in a text-only edition at Project Gutenberg.

A very sentimental poem, its popularity seems to have declined since the 1970s when many recordings of it were released and Shel Silverstein wrote "Ickle me, Pickle me, Tickle me too." However it remains dear to me, especially at night, when venturing into the realm of dreams can seem as uncertain as sailing unknown seas.

Ghosts of Pigeon Point

Unless you subscribe to the Half Moon Bay Review, you may have missed the articles Book rises from wrecks and Ghosts of Pigeon Point's past still haunt the living about Jo Ann Semones' new book, Shipwrecks, Scalawags and Scavengers: The Storied Waters Of Pigeon Point from Glencannon Press. Just released in mid-November, it has yet to make it into a lot of library collections, and if you're waiting for Santa to bring you a copy, you can still learn a lot about Pigeon Point in the meantime.

Start with Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park's website, and consider visiting. Although the lighthouse suffered damage in 2002 that forced its closure to the public, the grounds are still open with regular tours, and the lighthouse keeper's residence is restored and operated as a hostel. January through April is the annual migration of the gray whale, 100 yards north of the Point are tidepools, and nearby are ancient redwoods, the Pescadero Marsh, and the Año Nuevo State Reserve where enormous elephant seals breed.

For armchair travel, start with the official park brochure, which contains a lot of historical information such as the source of the name, "In June 1853 the Boston based Carrier Pigeon, on her maiden voyage, was torn apart by a fog-blanketed rock off Whale Point. Thereafter, it was called Pigeon Point," as well as natural history. Your local library may already have an older book, The history of Pigeon Point Lighthouse by Frank Perry. Also, Daily Alta newspaper articles from 1853 about the wreck of the Carrier Pigeon have been posted at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary's Shipwreck Database.

Why are we continually drawn to these ghosts--to the stories of these people and vessels? Consider when the last vessel was wrecked at Pigeon Point: last week.

Image from the U.S. Coast Guard's California Light Stations website.

Lovely as hope

"And o’er them the lighthouse looked lovely as hope,—
That star of life’s tremulous ocean."
--Paul Moon James

Tomorrow it will be December. Here it's cold. (OK, we think it's cold--it's a "San Francisco" kind of cold...you know, when we Bay Area folks are wearing wool and thick gloves, but the tourists from places who have "real" winters are in shorts!) It's a time when we're hoping for rain--for storms that will soak and drench our parched hills--for weather made for lighthouses.

Does the weather also whisper "lighthouses" in your ear? The National Park Service's Maritime Heritage Program has posted a Lighthouse Reading List. There's history, guidebooks, east coast & west coast. It is very U.S.-centric, but does have a citation to the Gulf of Mexico (which is a frequently overlooked U.S. coast.)

Want to get more technical? Texts relating to history, preservation, and conservation are also available on the Maritime Heritage site's Lighthouse Heritage section.

Position: Manuscripts Cataloging Associate

Mystic Seaport Museum Inc. is looking for a Manuscripts Cataloging Associate. This is an entry-level, two year, grant funded position for 35 hours/week.


The Manuscripts Cataloging Associate will be part of the Collections Cataloging Team and have the day-to-day responsibility for arranging the items in the Manuscript Collection as well as the production of the descriptive registers and records. He or she will also inventory gifts to the Collection and assist in their registration.


Qualifications include Current knowledge of applicable Library Metadata formats and schema, especially MARC and EAD, either through enrollment in MLS program or 2 years equivalent experience, as well as knowledge of applicable Library and Museum metadata standards and practices related to metadata creation and authority control, including AACR2 (RDA), DACS, TEI and LCSH.


An Application can be downloaded from the Human Resources Department
Questions about the position should be directed to:


Kelly S. Drake
Associate Director of Collections Access
Manuscripts, Ships Plans and Archives Librarian
Collections and Research Department

Mystic Seaport
The Museum of America and the Sea
75 Greenmanville Ave PO Box 6000
Mystic, Connecticut 06355

(860) 572-0711 x5065
email: kelly.drake@mysticseaport.org
website: http://www.mysticseaport.org/library/home.cfm

CFP: 2008 NASOH-CAMM Conference

“Defining the Maritime Edge: The History and Archaeology of Inland Environments, Coastal Encounters and Blue Water Connections,” the 27th Annual Conference of the North American Society for Oceanic History (NASOH) co-sponsored by the Council of American Maritime Museums, will be hosted by the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida, May 7-11, 2008. The Conference Program Committee invites proposals for papers and sessions exploring all aspects of history and archaeology related to saltwater or navigable freshwater environments. Suggested areas of research include, but are not restricted to, archeology and anthropology, arts and sciences, history, or museum exhibitions. Proposals that identify the unique characteristics and influence of coastal and inland waters and explore their interfaces with the larger Continental or Oceanic Worlds are especially encouraged.

The Program Committee welcomes the submission of individual papers and full sessions, preferring panels with three papers and a chair. Proposals should include a brief abstract for each paper or a one-page abstract for panels and brief C.V.s for each participant, including chairs. Graduate students are strongly encouraged to submit proposals for presentations. Accommodations for PowerPoint presentations will be provided; however, any other requirements, including audio-visual equipment, special outlets, or accommodations for disabilities should be included in the proposal. Scholars interested in chairing sessions are welcome to send a brief C.V. to the Program Committee Co-chairs.

Please note that all participants must register for the conference. Specific questions may be directed to Program Committee Co-Chair, Bill Thiesen at thiesen@earthlink.net. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2008.

Call for Papers

Position: Boatswain's Mate USS Constellation Museum

The USS Constellation Museum, located in Baltimore, Maryland, is pleased to offer, to qualified candidates, the opportunity to apply for a position on the Ship's Crew with a rating of Boatswain's Mate. An intermediate position of seniority within Constellation's Ship's Crew, the Boatswain's Mate reports directly to the Museum Interpretation Coordinator and works with other crew members and the general public who visit the USS Constellation Museum. Being an effective co-worker, possessing a positive work ethic, and employing superior communication skills are traits essential for this position.
A Boatswain's mate assists with and supervises the completion of daily clean-up and preventive maintenance in the museum and on board the ship; assisting with and supervises special events, day programs, and overnight activities; learns and provides public presentations, tours, day programs, and overnight activities. A Boatswain's mate works closely with Ship's Crew members to develop their ability to learn and deliver presentations and to become more effective museum employees. A Boatswain's mate maintains and, while on duty, wears a Civil War era naval enlisted uniform.
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have graduated from an accredited high school or received a GED equivalent, have completed at least one full year of college, and be available up to 40 hours per week.
Job Description: The USS Constellation Museum is the steward of USS Constellation, the only surviving Civil War era naval vessel and the last sailing warship built by the United States Navy. (abridged).
The Boatswain's Mate position is a challenging position and an intermediate-level position in the museum's interpretive staff, Ship's Crew. Duties include, but are not limited to, providing frequent public presentations in a variety of programs aboard ship about subjects associated with USS Constellation and her century of service; representing the Museum, both on board and off-site as a docent and spokesperson for museum interpretive and education programs; and as directed, overseeing certain aspects relative to Ship's Crew, including its conduct, performance, appearance, and welfare during normal hours of operation, special and catered events. Among these oversights are ensuring high standards of staff conduct and proficiency, complying with and occasionally writing the daily plans, and cleaning and securing the ship and museum building. Overall, premiums are placed on the Boatswain's Mate's verbal and written communication skills, leadership ability, cooperative spirit, and can-do attitude.
Direct responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:
· Carrying out all Museum policies and the directives of the Director of Museum Interpretation and Education, the Interpretation Coordinator, the Education Coordinator, and the crew supervisors
· Learning and providing presentations and tours associated with interpretive, education, and overnight programs
· Learning and implementing the Museum programs by developing a thorough knowledge of USS Constellation and associated information to include:
~ Developing and maintaining a working familiarization of related nautical and naval historical subjects
~ Mastering all presentations and tours
~ Maintaining and wearing while on duty a Civil War era sailor's uniform
~ Answering visitor questions and the questions of junior interpretive staff
· Assisting with and sometimes supervising the opening and closing routines and catered and special event crews
Coordinated Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:
· Working with the Director of Special Events before, during, and after catered and special events to ensure that the needs of the client and museum are met
· Working with and sometimes supervising staff and programs in both the interpretive and education departments
· Working with and supervising Crew Members who work with the Ship's Manager as directed
· Working with the Education Coordinator in preparing for, conducting, and post-event activities relative to shipboard day programs, off-site programs, and overnight programs
General Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:
Practicing safe and efficient work habits realizing that you are a role model for ship's staff, apprentices, interns, volunteers, and the visiting public
Being an effective leader who promotes and reflects a positive work ethic and good morale among ship's staff, apprentices, interns, and volunteers
Being an effective spokesperson for the USS Constellation Museum, the National Historic Seaport of Baltimore, and the Living classrooms Foundation
Such other duties as assigned by the Director of Museum Interpretation and Education or the Interpretation Coordinator
Salary: $10 an hour with 10% raise after 6 months
Benefits: Worker's Compensation
Full medical after six months
Please send resume and cover letter to:
Director of Museum Interpretation and Education
The USS Constellation Museum
Pier 1, 301 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202-3134
Alternately, you may e-mail your information to: sberry@constellation.org and put Boatswain's Mate Search in the subject line. Complete job description and salary/benefit information available upon request. The USS Constellation Museum is an equal opportunity employer.

Good News For Independence Seaport

The AP wire is carrying a story on their recent acquisition of a cheval-de-frise, an iron-tipped log once embedded in the Delaware River, to gore the hulls of British warships menacing Philadelphia in the mid-1770s.

New Fellowship to be Established

According to Boston Business Journal, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass., announced Monday it has received a $100,000 gift, which will establish the "The Frances E. Malamy Research Fellowship of the Peabody Essex Museum's Phillips Library" -- supporting independent scholarly research using the library's archives and manuscript collection.

More information on PEM fellowships is available at: http://www.pem.org/museum/lib_fellowships.php

From span to the South Seas

I have to confess I love dictionaries, and look forward to receiving my Oxford English Dictionary's word of the day. When the word "span" showed up with the earliest quotation from Falconer's Dictionary of the Marine, I wondered if I could find an online edition--not only did I find William Falconer's Dictionary of the Marine, but the address in my browser caught my eye: "southseas.nla.gov.au." "Southseas?"

The South Seas : Voyaging and Cross-Cultural Encounters in the Pacific (1760-1800) site is fantastic. From the The National Library of Australia and The Australian National University Centre for Cross-Cultural Research, this is only the first phase, yet it's breadth of resources is staggering:

• Voyaging Accounts
  
• Voyaging Maps
  
• South Seas Companion
  
• Cultural Atlas
  
• Indigenous Histories
  
• European Reactions
  
• Reference Works
  
• Research
  

It's under "Reference Works" that you'll find Falconer. Think you know what 'span' means? Check out how language changes--and doesn't change--over time. And there's a wealth of fun words (like snotter) and beautiful words like sweeper of the sky.

But the generosity of the NLA doesn't end there--they have also posted the plates from the copy of Falconer belonging to the carpenter on H.M.S. Discovery.

The Floggings Will Continue Until Moral Improves

There is no word more inherently maritime than Flogging. Just that word alone immediately brings to mind the image of a grand sailing vessel far out at sea with a sailor stripped to the waist and tied to the mast. Yes, its not PC. But honestly, there is a human fascination with this unique form of discipline. There is a story that I almost always tell to visiting groups that is met with great interest by both fifth graders and elderhostelers alike. When I first started working in the Manuscript Collection at Mystic Seaport (after arranging the Seawanhaka Yacht Club papers), one of my jobs was to read, index and catalog the logbooks. The first log was that of the Vesper, a whaler sailing from New London to the Pacific. For a few months of the entries recorded little more that lat, long, wind direction, sails set, sails lowered, etc. And then there was a flogging. I ran breathlessly around the Library telling everyone and anyone who would listen that here recorded in this weathered, very real volume was a real flogging. I was rather incredulous when they did not seem to share my enthusiasm, and soon returned to reading. In addition to two more floggings, an abduction of native women, a mutiny, and a knifing, there were lots of other interesting things that happened on the Vesper, and I came to understand why my colleagues were not so impressed with the flogging. "Oh yeah, another flogging. You're at sea, floggings happen." And while we have become immune, they still continue to fascinate the neophyte.

Which brings me to this photo which I took last month in Colorado. Hey, if they can do daily hangings, why can't maritime museums have a scheduled daily flogging. Aside from the serious issue that this activity would exclude the women interpreters/actors, there really shouldn't be any other obstacles. Its not like we would have to spend any addition funds building a gallows with a fake trap door mechanism. We already have a whale ship with masts. We don't even have to invent the episodes. There are plenty of recorded instances museum staff would merely have to reconstruct. And think of the publicity it would generate, as well as the gate numbers!

Holding History in Your Hand

I pulled the following off H-Maritime. It looks like a really interesting 'kit'.
One of those ones you wish they had when you were in school.

The Museum of Underwater Archaeology  (MUA) is pleased to announce that
"Holding History in Your Hand" classroom learning kits are now ready for
shipping world wide.  Due to the generous contributions of materials we
can now offer these kits to classrooms to keep for future use free of
charge.  We do require nominal shipping costs.* The kits include modern
artifacts similar to those found on many historic shipwreck sites and
supporting documents such as a lesson plan and artifact analysis guides,
videos to supplement class discussion, book marks, word searches and
more.   Instructions for adapting the kit to various age groups from 10
to 18 years are included.  For further information please see our
updated brochure at:

http://www.uri.edu/artsci/his/mua/documents/muakit.pdf

The MUA staff has conducted the "Holding History in Your Hand" exercise
for hundreds of school children with great success.  We look forward to
sharing this activity which teaches students how underwater
archaeologists learn about our past through material culture.

Best regards,

T Kurt Knoerl
Director
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology
http://www.uri.edu/mua

MUA kits designed for 35 students can be shipped inside the United
States for $5.00.  International shipments cost $10.  Payment can be
made by Paypal email invoice, check, or money order.  Please contact us
by email for shipping costs for groups larger than 35 students at
mua@keimaps.com

Offer Via Mariners's Museum

The Mariners’ Museum has been offered a few large runs of some popular, older maritime journals. As we already own copies, I have received permission from the potential donor to offer them to other maritime institutions. The only stipulations are that he does not want to break the collection up too much and the receiving institution will need to pay the shipping costs to acquire the items. Below is a list of the journals available. Please contact me, Jennifer Anielski, if you are interested in acquiring any of these journals. I can be reached via e-mail at Janielski@MarinersMuseum.org.

The Rudder

Complete years: 1896, 1897, 1898, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939
1895 – Feb., Apr.-July, Sept.-Oct, Dec.
1907 – July, Oct., Dec.
1908 – Jan., Nov., Dec.
1909 – Feb.
1910 – Oct.
1911 – Sept.
1913 – Jan.
1915 – May
1916 – Apr., June-July, Oct., 20-Dec.
1921 – Jan., Feb. 23-Aug.
1924 – Mar., Nov.
1925 – Mar., fitting-out issue
1926 – 11 issues
1927 – 11 issues
1928 – 11 issues
1929 – 11 issues
1931 – Aug.
1932 – Aug., Sept.
1940 – All except Apr.
1941 – 11 issues
1942 – 11 issues
1943 – 11 issues
1944 – Jan.-July
1957 – Jan., show number
1969 – Apr.-Dec.
1970 – Jan.-May

Yachting

Complete years: 1942, 1944-1946, 1956-1976
1915 – Apr., June 15-Oct.
1920 – Aug. (Resolute Keeps Cup)
1921 – Mar.
1922 – Mar.
1926 – July
1927 – Aug.
1929 – Jan., Feb. 30-Sept.
1931 – May
1932 – Mar.-May, Aug.
1937 – Apr., Sept., Nov-Dec. including America’s Cup issue
1943 – Mar.-Dec.
1947 – Jan.-July, Sept.-Dec.
1954 – Dec. only
1955 – Feb.-Apr., July-Dec.
1977 – Jan. Show Number only

Yachting Monthly

1928 – Apr.
1935 – Jan.-Feb., June
1936 – May, Aug.
1937 – July-Oct.

Oil spill resources

I've been off work for a few days. Back at work today, out of my window I see oil booms; on the bus I heard rumors. In my search for reliable information, I found some great articles out there on oil spills, and on the San Francisco Bay spill in general.

A good starting point is NOAA's Emergency Response Program Frequently Asked Questions about Oil and Chemical Spills. Parents and teachers, be sure to scroll to the bottom for science fair project ideas.

If you follow the link under "General questions," that will lead you to the excellent Incident News site which will lead to articles, reports and press releases, including those related to the M/V Cosco Busan incident.

Position: Director Baltimore Maritime Museum

The Living Classrooms Foundation is searching for a qualified individual to fill the position of Director of the Baltimore Maritime Museum.

The Baltimore Maritime Museum is the steward of USCG Cutter Taney, the USN Submarine Torsk, the Lightship Chesapeake, the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, all located on Piers 3 and 5 in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and their related histories and artifacts. The Director of the Baltimore Maritime Museum reports to the Living Classroom’s Director of the National Historic Seaport of Baltimore and is responsible for fulfilling the goals and objectives of the Living Classrooms Foundation and the National Historic Seaport of Baltimore as they relate to the Museum, its programs and operations. The Baltimore Maritime Museum is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization under the group exemption of the Living Classrooms Foundation.

The Baltimore Maritime Museum serves over 100,000 visitors and school children each year through its general admission experience and specialized educational programming.

The Director of the Baltimore Maritime Museum must have excellent communications, organizational and management skills, a knowledge of fundraising, marketing and merchandising, knowledge of historic ships, their
care and maintenance, a keen attention to detail, human resources experience, and the ability to oversee all aspects of the Museum’s operation including budgeting and finance, program development, staffing and staff
supervision, cash handling, collections care and security. The Director of the Baltimore Museum is the public face for the Museum and the spokesperson at events, meetings, and all other areas of public outreach. The Director also
recruits for and manages the Museum’s community advisory board and its subcommittees.

Qualified applicants must have a four year college degree and at least 5 years of related experience in a management and /or supervisory position. Salary range will be between $50,000 and $65,000 annually with final determination based on qualifications and experience. Salary package provides a range of benefits including medical, dental and a 403B retirement plan.
To apply please e-mail a resume’ a cover letter, and a sample of your writing skills, with at least 3 professional references to the following address: hr@livingclassrooms.org
Please place the title BMM Director Search in the subject line. No Phone Calls Please. Alternately, you may send materials by regular mail to:
BMM Director Search / Human Resources
Living Classrooms Foundation
802 S. Caroline St.
Baltimore, MD 21231
Application Deadline is 30 November 2007

USS San Francisco

A nice article has just been published on the USS San Francisco in a publication that might slip under the radar of maritime historians, the Argonaut (from the SF Museum and Historical Society). Written by Timothy G. Lynch, H-Net editor and professor at Cal Maritime Academy, The U.S.S. San Francisco : tale of a ship and the men who sailed her is 27 pages long with many illustrations, maps, and bibliographical references.

An article on "one of the most storied vessels in American naval history" will be sure to spark curiosity--the vessel participated in engagements at Pearl Harbor and Guadalcanal--but many pages are also devoted to the building, design, and daily life of the crew during war and peace, making this article intriguing to anyone with a devoted or budding interest in 20th century warships.

(Above image is no.80-G-40093, Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.)

Position:EDUCATION DIRECTOR/EDUCATION MANAGER

Maritime Center/Nauticus, One Waterside Drive, Norfolk VA 23510. Work hours are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; may include holiday, weekend and evening hours. City of Norfolk employee.

Description This position is responsible for the general, day-to-day operation of the Education Department; supervision of its personnel (museum educators, presenters and docents) as well as contracted part-time staff; overall program direction; and management of all education activities (setting goals and objectives, curriculum-connections, special educational needs, and public programs) within identified time and budgetary parameters. A clear understanding of the desired “educational experience” as it relates to Nauticus’ mission is essential.

Essential Functions • Educational Program Management. • Coordinates the design, development and production of new education programs (both informal and classroom-based); • Stays current on new and emerging education models, state and national standards, trends, interpretive techniques and teaching/curriculum materials and makes recommendations and/or decisions appropriate to individual education programs. • Participates in the preparation of education-related grant proposals and related fund-raising campaigns. • Assigns section personnel to specific education responsibilities; reviews and coordinates all aspects of education planning, design and program development. • Coordinates educational events for teacher meetings, scout activities and special groups by communicating with school administrators to develop and present district-wide programs, and promoting activities to seek new audiences for Nauticus’ programs. • Prepares the section's annual budget and operating plan; regulates daily work schedules. Meets with senior staff and Nauticus administrators regarding the goals and objectives of the Education Programs Section. • Supervises personnel.

Full listing

What to read next?

I stumbled upon the UC Berkeley Summer Reading Lists, and they contain some real gems. Especially worth checking out is the 2005 list, "Great discoveries, voyages, and adventures, which contains novels and nonfiction, classics and contemporary books. The other lists are peppered with maritime books as well, and the short reviews are well written and engaging--perhaps because the writers are trying to interest you in reading the book more than in buying the book! These lists are sent to freshmen every summer, suggested & described by various people on campus, including faculty, librarians, and even students.

If you're looking for a smaller list, or more general books, don't miss H-Maritime's resources list, which consists of just five books, two of which are reference books. This site, though, will also point you to other resources, that will definitely lengthen your personal reading list--organizations, journals, programs--and some great online resources.