Most of the sessions I attended Tuesday shared a common theme of building communities through collaboration. The early session focused on the benefits of inter-museum collaboration, the later on internet collaboration within the museum's community.
The ECHO project is collaboration among several museums spread across the breadth of the United States and uniting native Americans of Hawaii, Alaska, and Louisiana along with cultural heritage institutions in Salem and New Bedford, Mass. Much of the project works to build and support the cultural heritage of the native Americans and is pretty impressive and moving. Both as a way to preserve and share their cultures it offers a successful model.
The other sessions featured various technology tools that fulfilled the strategies of individual museums to build communities of their users through collaborative collection participation and building. There is some impressive work going on here. The sessions only touched on the potentials. The following is a list of groups/websites I plan to explore – if you find something really interesting and useful too, please let me know.
http://www.whatscookin.com/flash/#/ – Night Kitchen Interactive – Remixing Exhibits.
http://www.collectionx.museum/– people can upload their own art, make their own exhibits, comment on and tag all the art.
Center for Open and Sustainable learning – http://folksemantic.org
http://cosl.usu.edu (potentally cool conference in the fall)
http://openid.net/ – a technology by which a user profile is portable among several sites
Museumremix.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Salman Rushdie on Why Museums Matter
AAM Keynote address May 14, 2007
Rushdie gave an entertaining and insightful talk on the impact of museums on life in general and literature specifically.
During the talk I learned that the dinosaurs in the movie Jurassic Park were not of the Jurassic period but rather of the Cretaceous. The movie should have been called Cretaceous Park. Rushdie also noted that Edith Wharton could not have written ½ of her novels without museums to provide the meeting place for illicit lovers. He then shared some very interesting insights on the Da Vince Code.
While keeping the talk lively and entertaining Rushdie also made some very pointed, and more serious comments, two of which really struck home. The first turned on the phrase that “knowledge if power” to which Rushdie added that by conserving the foundations of knowledge and then putting these in the hands of the public, museums are democratizing, forces of political power.
He then concluded by noting that those who forget the past are not just condemned to repeat it, they are Condemned.
Rushdie gave an entertaining and insightful talk on the impact of museums on life in general and literature specifically.
During the talk I learned that the dinosaurs in the movie Jurassic Park were not of the Jurassic period but rather of the Cretaceous. The movie should have been called Cretaceous Park. Rushdie also noted that Edith Wharton could not have written ½ of her novels without museums to provide the meeting place for illicit lovers. He then shared some very interesting insights on the Da Vince Code.
While keeping the talk lively and entertaining Rushdie also made some very pointed, and more serious comments, two of which really struck home. The first turned on the phrase that “knowledge if power” to which Rushdie added that by conserving the foundations of knowledge and then putting these in the hands of the public, museums are democratizing, forces of political power.
He then concluded by noting that those who forget the past are not just condemned to repeat it, they are Condemned.
Why Museums Matter
Sorry the posts have fallen behind. Vacation last week, this week I’m at the American Association of Museums Conference with 6000 other museum professionals (some of which mistakenly think they are not maritime!)
The conference theme is “Why Museums Matter”. It’s a somewhat self serving question for those of us who work in them – aside from our innate interest – its how we earn our livings.
As to why museums matter to the rest of the world, so far, aside from Salman Rushdie (more later) I haven’t heard one outside voice on the subject and honestly I’m not sure most people think we do matter. But just because they never visit, and don’t know the impact of museums on their lived doesn’t mean it doesn’t impact and matter to them.
As Salman Rushdie said in the keynote address, museums are a culture’s collective memory. No museum = cultural amnesia. As we all know from personal experience memory is a tricky thing, subject to re-interpretation and distortion. Only be seeing again the actual artifacts of an experience can we be sure the memory is correct. There is no arguing with a photograph of denying the words in a diary entry. And that, to me, is the big reason museums matter.
The conference theme is “Why Museums Matter”. It’s a somewhat self serving question for those of us who work in them – aside from our innate interest – its how we earn our livings.
As to why museums matter to the rest of the world, so far, aside from Salman Rushdie (more later) I haven’t heard one outside voice on the subject and honestly I’m not sure most people think we do matter. But just because they never visit, and don’t know the impact of museums on their lived doesn’t mean it doesn’t impact and matter to them.
As Salman Rushdie said in the keynote address, museums are a culture’s collective memory. No museum = cultural amnesia. As we all know from personal experience memory is a tricky thing, subject to re-interpretation and distortion. Only be seeing again the actual artifacts of an experience can we be sure the memory is correct. There is no arguing with a photograph of denying the words in a diary entry. And that, to me, is the big reason museums matter.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
How cute is that?
Hi everyone, I'm on vacation in Sedona, AZ right now but wanted to share a little maritime story...
When I go on trips I take along a few (okay more than a few) books, of various types. For the flight I usually select something light, preferable of the "Chick Lit" genre. While reading this trips selection I had to burst out laughing (dour man sitting next to me was not amused) but you may be. In the book the heroine is reunited with her mother who had spent many years in the
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Interesting question
If a dealer offered to sell us a logbook or artifact from the slave trade, would our purchase of it be considered supportive of the slave trade? A controversy on this exact question is brewing in Greenwich over the National Maritime Museum's recent purchase of a Slaver's Log.
Gene X's "Profiting From Slavery 200 Years After Its Abolition" offers insight into both sides of the story.
Gene X's "Profiting From Slavery 200 Years After Its Abolition" offers insight into both sides of the story.
Monday, April 30, 2007
CFP: New Researchers in Maritime History 2008
The sixteenth New Researchers in Maritime History Conference, managed by the British Commission for Maritime History and sponsored by the Society for Nautical Research, will be hosted by the University of Salford, Greater Manchester, UK, on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March 2008.
The Conference provides an opportunity for those who have recently become engaged in research in maritime history (broadly defined) to present a paper of twenty minutes duration and then answer questions from a supportive audience.
Proposals should take the form of a 200-word abstract and a one-page CV. Your CV should have details of your degrees or other qualifications; your current student or employment status; and your publications (if any). Proposals (email attachment preferred) should be sent by 9 November 2007.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Position (sort of) South Street Seaport
Is this common museum practice or something new? Given that education, in tandem with collecting, is the foundation of the museum mission I find the use of non-regular non-staff to provide a primary service disconcerting.
South Street Seaport is seeking Per Diem Educators is to teach Museum-based programs to visiting school groups, afterschool programs, camp groups and other youth and community organizations, as well as occasional weekend family programs.
HOURS/SALARY:
Per Diem educators are part-time Museum employees. Hours generally consist of weekday mornings, averaging 2-3 days per week, as well as occasional weekend afternoons. Pay rate is $15 per hour for a minimum of four hours; training rate is $9 per hour.
TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter and resume to Manager of School and Family Programs, South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10038, fax to 212-748-8610, or email schoolprograms@southstseaport.org
South Street Seaport is seeking Per Diem Educators is to teach Museum-based programs to visiting school groups, afterschool programs, camp groups and other youth and community organizations, as well as occasional weekend family programs.
HOURS/SALARY:
Per Diem educators are part-time Museum employees. Hours generally consist of weekday mornings, averaging 2-3 days per week, as well as occasional weekend afternoons. Pay rate is $15 per hour for a minimum of four hours; training rate is $9 per hour.
TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter and resume to Manager of School and Family Programs, South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10038, fax to 212-748-8610, or email schoolprograms@southstseaport.org
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
And then there were six
Radio Praha reports the discovery of a rare 16th century nautical atlas in Olomouc, Czechoslovakia.While moving a safe containing rare documents to a new building, historians at the Research Library in Olomouc, found a seven-page nautical atlas that was hand-made in 1563. The richly coloured parchment with gold and silver linings shows the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the northern part of the Atlantic. Made by the Catalan cartographer Jaume Olives, there are only five others in the world - in Barcelona, New York, Florence, Milan, and Valenciennes in France.
If anyone can read Czeck, supposedly the maps have been digitized and are available on their website: http://www.vkol.cz/. I can't but that site is an amazing map source!
Many thanks to B. Russell for this story lead.
Monday, April 23, 2007
NAOSH Annual Conference
Gene Smith from the North American Oceanic Society for History would like to remind everyone that the Annual Conference is less than a month away!
The conference entitled "The Merchant Marine in Peace and War" is being held at the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY.
The program line up is impressive, and some great behind the scenes tours have also been arranged.
Sadly I'll be unable to attend but if someone would like to report on the events, I'd really like to post them.
Auction News: A Paradox
While we rarely talk about the monetary value of our Maritime Collections (Priceless!), others are turning larger and larger profits from collecting and selling them. Recently a bill of sale for the Charles W. Morgan sold on e-bay to an announmous purchaser for over $1600.00. Antiques Roadshow is repeatedly asked to value maritime artifacts, from pilot charts to schrimshaw (and fakeshaw). Now a major Early Australian Private Collection is heading for the auction block.
While the bulk of the collection contains convict related materials the related news story and auctioneers at Bonhams & Goodmanare are quick to point out that the sale will also include:
early whaling hand held harpoons including one from the Charles W. Morgan, an American whaleship which hunted extensively in Australian and New Zealand waters and which has been preserved at Mystic Seaport in the US. Other rare whaling items include whale guns and bomb lance guns used widely during the latter years of the sail era.
Both the e-bay item and the harpoon are gaining added value because a museum preserves the original artifact. I often run across similar value claims regarding other maritime-museum related items. It is, in fact our preservation efforts that make it harder and harder for us to acquire related items. Of course, at the same time, we tend to be the beneficiaries of donors who wouldn't know of us otherwise and just want their family history to have a good home.
While the bulk of the collection contains convict related materials the related news story and auctioneers at Bonhams & Goodmanare are quick to point out that the sale will also include:
early whaling hand held harpoons including one from the Charles W. Morgan, an American whaleship which hunted extensively in Australian and New Zealand waters and which has been preserved at Mystic Seaport in the US. Other rare whaling items include whale guns and bomb lance guns used widely during the latter years of the sail era.
Both the e-bay item and the harpoon are gaining added value because a museum preserves the original artifact. I often run across similar value claims regarding other maritime-museum related items. It is, in fact our preservation efforts that make it harder and harder for us to acquire related items. Of course, at the same time, we tend to be the beneficiaries of donors who wouldn't know of us otherwise and just want their family history to have a good home.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Job Posting: Wisconsin Maritime Museum Curator
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum, an AAM accredited institution and Smithsonian Affiliate, is seeking an experienced curator. Knowledge of American naval history and Great Lakes maritime history and culture is a plus. Understanding of the historical and environmental significance of the Great Lakes watershed is essential.
The curator will be responsible for the development of exciting new exhibits as well as maintenance and enhancement of existing exhibits. The curator will collaborate with the Museum Educator to make the Museum’s collections and the region’s history accessible to the public through innovative, academically grounded educational programming. The curator will supervise the Registrar/Collections Manager in the care and management of the Museum’s substantial archives and collections, including USS Cobia.
NOTES: North American Residents Only. Employer will assist with relocation costs. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salaried, exempt position with excellent benefits, including health insurance, 3 wks pd. vacation, and 403(b) with employer contribution. Relocation allowance.
Requirements
Qualifications • Minimum, M.A. in museum studies, public history, history or other appropriate field of study with 5-7 years of museum experience. Ph.D. in field of interest is highly desirable. • Curatorial experience, including experience developing/designing/installing exhibits. • Meticulous research and writing skills, excellent verbal communication skills. • Excellent organizational/supervisory skills. • Strong interpersonal skills; must work effectively in collaborative team environment. • Self-motivated, energetic leader with ability to visualize the future.
For more information
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
"Its between that and flipping burgers"
Such was the lead comment of "Deadliest Catch" Captain Sig Hansen on the "Daily Show." The interview is pretty good and deals with how hard it is to crab, and the conflicts on board ship and 'breaking ice."Not only is Sig Hensen the most famous Alaskan crab fishing captain, he and his brothers also have a myspace page. How many fishermen have these? Are they valuable maritime artifacts? Are museums preserving these?
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Does any body really know what time it is?
For between $7,800 and $173,100 you can buy a Swiss watch made from a piece of the Titanic's hull.Geneva watchmaker Romain Jerome said it purchased a piece of the hull weighing about 1.5 kg (3 pounds) that was retrieved in 1991, but declined to identify the seller. The metal has been certified as authentic by the Titanic's builders Harland and Wolff.
Jerome noted that "So many rich people buy incredibly complicated watches without understanding how they work, because they want a story to tell," he said. "To them we offer a story."
...and I thought that is what museums do! and so they do...
Independence Seaport Museum has just launched the online exhibit Titanic Survivor: Selections from the Thayer Family Collection
Friday, April 13, 2007
Traveling Exhibit Anyone?
Shanghai's National Maritime Museum, set to open in September 2009, is having trouble finding enough exhibits to fill the space and has appealed for donations from both home and abroad.
"We are looking for valuable items that record the changing of the country's maritime development," Xu Peixing, an official in charge of the preparation work for the museum, was quoted as saying by Xinhua News Agency.
China News Story
"We are looking for valuable items that record the changing of the country's maritime development," Xu Peixing, an official in charge of the preparation work for the museum, was quoted as saying by Xinhua News Agency.
China News Story
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Book Review to Go!
The Library of Congress has posted a new podcast: Stephen H. Grant Discusses His Book Peter Strickland: New London Shipmaster, Boston Merchant, First Consul to Senegal
More info, and the link to the 'cast at: the Library of Congress
Much of the research for this book is based upon Mystic Seaport's Peter Strickland Collection,
The book is pretty good too!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Edward S. Miller Research Fellowship in Naval History
The Naval War College Foundation intends to award one grant of $1,000 to the researcher who has the greatest need and can make the optimum use of research materials for naval history located in the Naval War College's Archives, Naval Historical Collection, Naval War College Museum, and Henry E. Eccles Library.
A guide to the College's manuscript, archival, and oral history collections may be found on the Naval War College's website http://www.nwc.navy.mil/museum. Scroll down to 'naval history resources' and click on "Naval Historical Collection Publications." Further information on the manuscript and archival collections and
copies of the registers for specific collections are available online or on request from the Head, Naval Historical Collection. E-mail: evelyn.cherpak@nwc.navy.mil
The recipient will be a Research Fellow in the Naval War College's Maritime History Department, which will provide administrative support during the research visit. Submit detailed research proposal that includes statement of need and plan for optimal use of Naval War College materials, curriculum vitae, at least two letters of recommendation, and relevant background information to:
Miller Naval History Fellowship Committee
Naval War College Foundation
686 Cushing Road
Newport RI 02841-1207
by 1 August 2007. For further information, contact the chair of the selection committee at john.hattendorf@nwc.navy.mil Employees of the U.S. Naval War College or any agency of the U.S. Department of Defense are not eligible for consideration; EEO/AA regulations apply.
Job Posting: Nantucket Historical Association
The Nantucket Historical Association seeks a Public Programs Coordinator to plan, prepare, conduct and evaluate educational public programs and outreach experiences for adults and families at its Whaling Museum and historic sites. Researches, organizes, and implements programming based on the Association’s collections. Responsibilities include public programs, the Discovery Room—a dedicated space at the Whaling Museum where intergenerational groups engage in both self-guided and educator-led learning, museum education summer internship program, and special educational initiatives.
Qualifications: M.A. in museum education, museum studies, or related field, and experience developing creative museum programs. Excellent organization and writing skills necessary. Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for programs.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and the name of three references by Friday, April 27 to:
Johanna Richard, Director of Finance and Administration
P.O. Box 1016
Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket, MA 02554
jrichard@nha.org
The mission of the Nantucket Historical Association is to preserve and interpret the history of Nantucket Island in order to inspire island residents, both year-round and seasonal, to shape the island's future with a greater appreciation and respect for their shared heritage, and to foster among all Nantucket residents and visitors a deeper appreciation of the important historical role that the island's people have played in national and world history. www.nha.org
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Maritime Makes the Daily Show
On March 27 Jon Stewart interviewed John Bolton on The Daily Show. Jon's calling Bolton out on a number of issues aside, the highlight of the interview for those of us in the maritime world was when Stewart compared appointing Bolton UN Ambassador to say putting "Capt. Ahab in charge of Save the Whales."... and lots of people are loving the reference!You can view a video of the interview on The Daily Show website...but as it usually freezes up my computer check it out at Pollyticks. warning! interview content has blatent liberal bias!
Image is of Gregory Peck in Moby Dick
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Songs of the Erie Canal
The Library of Congress' latest addition to their American Memory Collection, Captain Pearl R. Nye: Life on the Ohio and and Erie Canal is an interesting collection of 75 songs recorded in the 1930s. While the collection includes two essays and a few manuscripts and photographs, the heart is the audio. Easily downloadable in .wav. .mpg. or realplayer formats Nye's voice carries a fine tune.
Things I Didn't Know
This weekend I picked up The Birth of Black America: The First African Americans and the Pursuit of Freedom at Jamestown
by Tim Hashaw, and while I'm only on page 117 I've already learned a great deal about colonial Virginia and it's black settlers and would recommend it highly. Although it does not promote itself as such it is one of the few books I've come across that truly give a sense of the wholeness of the "Atlantic World."
by Tim Hashaw, and while I'm only on page 117 I've already learned a great deal about colonial Virginia and it's black settlers and would recommend it highly. Although it does not promote itself as such it is one of the few books I've come across that truly give a sense of the wholeness of the "Atlantic World."
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
A New Blessing of the Fleet
This year hundreds gathered Saturday outside the Great Lakes Maritime Center at Vantage Point to take part in the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. The first-ever event to start the Great Lakes shipping season.
Peter Werle, the center’s lead volunteer, said he arranged the ceremony to get people down to the water and recognize the city’s maritime heritage, now largely reduced to tourist vessels and tall ships. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office approved a slogan deeming the city the ‘‘Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes’’ in 2005.
Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies are held annually in coastal towns throughout the world. Narragansett, RI; Stonington, CT; Darien, GA; Kemah, TX; and Ulladulla, New South Wales and follows a centuries-old tradition originating in southern European, predominantly Catholic, fishing communities. A blessing from the local priest was meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season.
Peter Werle, the center’s lead volunteer, said he arranged the ceremony to get people down to the water and recognize the city’s maritime heritage, now largely reduced to tourist vessels and tall ships. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office approved a slogan deeming the city the ‘‘Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes’’ in 2005.
Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies are held annually in coastal towns throughout the world. Narragansett, RI; Stonington, CT; Darien, GA; Kemah, TX; and Ulladulla, New South Wales and follows a centuries-old tradition originating in southern European, predominantly Catholic, fishing communities. A blessing from the local priest was meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Position Announcement: Independence Seaport
Project Archivist: Independence Seaport Museum
Applications Contact person: Megan Fraser
Application due date: 2007/04/30
Salary range: Mid 30's
Web Address: www.phillyseaport.org
The Independence Seaport Museum Library seeks a full-time archivist for a one-year processing project. The archivist will arrange and describe two significant collections: the John E. Hand and Sons Company Records and the Seamen's Church Institute Records.
John E. Hand and Sons were manufacturers of nautical instruments in the Philadelphia area for more than 100 years. The archives of the company date from 1873-1997, and consist of approximately 18,000 items, including business correspondence with shipyards, patents, photographs, promotional materials such as calendars and brochures, and approximately 4,000 blueprints and drawings for virtually all of the instruments produced by the company.
The Seamen's Church Institute was founded in Philadelphia in 1843 to offer both spiritual and practical assistance to seafarers from around the world. The organization's archives consist of business and financial records, board meeting minutes, promotional materials and publications, photographs, art work, and records of those who used their facilities.
The goal of the project is to provide intellectual and physical access to these two important collections. The archivist will conduct a survey and determine appropriate arrangement schemes in consultation with the library director. S/he will arrange and rehouse the collection according to standard archival practice, and produce a finding aid including a scope and content note, a brief historical note, and a container/location list. Data from the finding aid will be used in the creation of an electronic record to be contributed to the OCLC union catalog.
Upon completion of arrangement and description, the archivist will co-curate a small exhibit of materials from the collections for the library's display cases. This work will include selection of items, composition of label text and exhibit design. Images and text from this exhibit will be used in a long-term online exhibit mounted on the Museum's website.
Required: ALA-accredited MLS with formal training in archival theory and practice. Knowledge of American/maritime history/technology. Excellent writing and organizational skills, accuracy, attention to detail. Ability to work independently.
Preferred: Undergraduate degree in humanities. Three years experience with mixed materials collections. Reference and/or research experience.
To Apply: Send resume, cover letter and finding aid sample to Megan Fraser, Library Director, Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106; fax: 215.925.6713; or e-mail: library@phillyseaport.org P
Applications Contact person: Megan Fraser
Application due date: 2007/04/30
Salary range: Mid 30's
Web Address: www.phillyseaport.org
The Independence Seaport Museum Library seeks a full-time archivist for a one-year processing project. The archivist will arrange and describe two significant collections: the John E. Hand and Sons Company Records and the Seamen's Church Institute Records.
John E. Hand and Sons were manufacturers of nautical instruments in the Philadelphia area for more than 100 years. The archives of the company date from 1873-1997, and consist of approximately 18,000 items, including business correspondence with shipyards, patents, photographs, promotional materials such as calendars and brochures, and approximately 4,000 blueprints and drawings for virtually all of the instruments produced by the company.
The Seamen's Church Institute was founded in Philadelphia in 1843 to offer both spiritual and practical assistance to seafarers from around the world. The organization's archives consist of business and financial records, board meeting minutes, promotional materials and publications, photographs, art work, and records of those who used their facilities.
The goal of the project is to provide intellectual and physical access to these two important collections. The archivist will conduct a survey and determine appropriate arrangement schemes in consultation with the library director. S/he will arrange and rehouse the collection according to standard archival practice, and produce a finding aid including a scope and content note, a brief historical note, and a container/location list. Data from the finding aid will be used in the creation of an electronic record to be contributed to the OCLC union catalog.
Upon completion of arrangement and description, the archivist will co-curate a small exhibit of materials from the collections for the library's display cases. This work will include selection of items, composition of label text and exhibit design. Images and text from this exhibit will be used in a long-term online exhibit mounted on the Museum's website.
Required: ALA-accredited MLS with formal training in archival theory and practice. Knowledge of American/maritime history/technology. Excellent writing and organizational skills, accuracy, attention to detail. Ability to work independently.
Preferred: Undergraduate degree in humanities. Three years experience with mixed materials collections. Reference and/or research experience.
To Apply: Send resume, cover letter and finding aid sample to Megan Fraser, Library Director, Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106; fax: 215.925.6713; or e-mail: library@phillyseaport.org P
Monday, March 12, 2007
New York Times Museum Review: USS Monitor
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — As sacred relics go, it doesn’t seem too inspiring. In appearance, Nathaniel Hawthorne said, it “looked like a gigantic rat-trap.” In life, it had little more than a single day of major achievement, and in that it was less than triumphant. In death, it was even less grand, sinking into the Atlantic during a storm, not even a year after it first lumbered onto the scene.....Full Story
Pirates Again
Blackbeards ship, Queen Anne's Revenge is thought to be the vessel under excavation off the coast of North Carolina.
According to cnn.com:
Several officials said historical data and coral-covered artifacts recovered from the site -- including 25 cannons, which experts said was an uncommonly large number to find on a ship in the region in the early 18th century -- remove any doubt the wreckage belonged to Blackbeard.
Three university professors, including two from East Carolina University, have challenged the findings. But officials working on the excavation said Friday that the more they find, the stronger their case becomes.
"Historians have really looked at it thoroughly and don't feel that there's any possibility anything else is in there that was not recorded," said Mark Wilde-Ramsing, director of the Queen Anne's Revenge Project. "And the artifacts continue to support it."
Wilde-Ramsing said a coin weight recovered last fall bearing a likeness of Britain's Queen Anne and a King George cup, both dated before the shipwreck, further bolster their position.
---
Plans are to fully excavate the ship in 3 years.
Eighth Maritime Heritage Conference: Call For Papers
The Conference Program Committee of the 8th Maritime Heritage Conference which will be held in
Maritime and Naval History ♦ History of Hydrographic Surveys ♦
Oceanic Trade and Communications ♦ National Marine Sanctuaries ♦ Marine Art ♦ Shipbuilding ♦ Ship Preservation ♦ Small Craft ♦ Lighthouses and Lifesaving Stations ♦ Historic Ships ♦ Underwater Archaeology ♦ Maritime Libraries and Museums ♦
Maritime Heritage Education
Abstracts should be typed and consist of no more than one single-spaced page. Each abstract must be accompanied by a CV of no more than three pages. Abstracts and CVs are due no later than June 1st, 2007.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Position: National Maritime Museum
Curator of 17th-Century Imperial and Maritime Studies
Organisation: NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
Location: South London
Salary: £27,500 - £32,336 plus benefits
Date posted: 5 Mar 2007
Closing date: 20 Mar 2007
Ref: G/17
£27,500 - £32,336 + benefits o Greenwich
(Starting salary dependant on skills and experience. More may be available for the exceptional candidate)
We have ambitious plans for our new Centre for Imperial and Maritime Studies (www.nmm.ac.uk/cims). Driving innovative new initiatives and online resources, our goal is to establish the Museum as the major research institution and a global driving force for study in this area.
These roles are key to making that happen. Working closely with your fellow curators, you will conduct high-quality research on the Museum's collections and subjects, contribute to gallery and exhibition development, build partnerships with academics and key institutions and, working with Learning and Interpretation, develop imaginative ways to reach and engage a range of audiences.
With a postgraduate degree in a relevant subject, you should already have material published (or in preparation for publication). However, your area of specialisation is less important than your keenness to work with a range of unique 2 and 3-D materials, using them to bring alive Britain's imperial and maritime history for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
Private Ocean Liner Memoriabilia Collection Hosted by Cruise Lines
Norfolk Brings Maritime Memorabilia to New Terminal
Editorial Comment: Funny, they didn't make an arrangement with a museum.
Who owns abondoned documents?
Recently a large group of documents belonging to Todd Shipyards Corporation were discovered in the possession of the IKEA corporation who had purchased the former shipyard property. The documents along with other abandoned Shipyard property was found by Carolina Salguero, the founder of PortSide NewYork, a waterfront themed cultural and educational institution.
Salguero recovered the documents but then it appears Todd Shipyard wanted them back. You can read more about the story New deal snatches maritime documents from the trash heap, but my question is, why does Todd Shipyards have a right to the documents. They clearly deserted them, moved away without taking them, and then made no effort to recover them. IKEA did not even know they existed, so why would they not then belong to PortSide New York? And thinking further...how many documents do we hold that were abondoned and added to our collections only after having been found by a third party?
Salguero recovered the documents but then it appears Todd Shipyard wanted them back. You can read more about the story New deal snatches maritime documents from the trash heap, but my question is, why does Todd Shipyards have a right to the documents. They clearly deserted them, moved away without taking them, and then made no effort to recover them. IKEA did not even know they existed, so why would they not then belong to PortSide New York? And thinking further...how many documents do we hold that were abondoned and added to our collections only after having been found by a third party?
Friday, March 02, 2007
Grant News!
Mystic Seaport has received a grant for $150,000 from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation to create a prototype Cultural Heritage Digital Library. This Library will focus on the maritime studies field, and also provide a framework around which other Cultural Heritage fields could build similar libraries. Building upon the successful implementation of the G. W. Blunt White Digital, this unique digital library will provide non-technical access to the type of electronic resources requested by maritime scholars in a recent study conducted by the G. W. Blunt White Library and funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
While the exact configuration of The Cultural Heritage Digital Library will be determined in consultation with partner institutions, it will be international in nature and may consist of:
a) A Resource Discovery tool to collect, annotate and provide access to existing electronic maritime resources
b) A Multi-institutional Manuscript Collection Description Repository
c) A Digital Collection of historic maritime newspapers
d) A Repository for Electronic maritime materials with no other home, including curricula, grey literature and a maritime heritage studies journal.
Paul O’Pecko, Vice President for Collections and Research is the Project Director, responsible for setting the direction of the project, fund-raising for its continued success, convincing potential partners of the need to participate and presenting results at conferences.
Kelly S. Drake, Associate Director for Collections Access and Research is the Project Manager and will be in charge of the actual creation of the Library with input from institutional partners.
The Arthur Vining Davis Foundation provides financial assistance to educational, cultural, scientific and religious institutions. The Board of Trustees’ current practice is to award grants primarily in the areas of private higher education, secondary education, graduate theological education, health care and public television.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
PEM Appoints Library Director
According to an article in the Salem News, Sidney Berger, 62, a faculty member at Simmons College and a former curator at the American Antiquarian Society, was selected to be the first Ann C. Pingree director of the Phillips Library. He will begin his new post in June.The job of library director, which has not existed since before the 1992 merger of the Essex Institute and Peabody Museum, will be a senior-level staff position and "a clear-cut indication of the role and importance of the library," Monroe said.
Decisions about future changes and directions for the Library will be made after Berger takes his new position.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Position: Executive Director Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Type: Full Time
Salary Range: Open
Web: www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is the principal maritime museum on the Pacific Coast of Canada and one of a few major maritime museums on the west coast of North America. It interprets the story of Canada's great Pacific port and is home to the famous RCMP ship, St. Roch. The Museum is well-known for its excellent programs and exhibits, strong membership and corporate support, as well as its family friendly focus and dedicated staff. It is in this exciting and challenging environment that we have a pivotal role for a new
Executive Director - Help chart a new course for this venerable museum.
We are seeking an experienced leader to provide new direction and reinvigorate the day-to-day operations of the museum. You will build on our strengths as the museum moves forward, poised to make a significant contribution to the educational, maritime and tourism communities of the Greater Vancouver area in BC.
With a strong background in operations and change management, combined with an enthusiasm for public institutions, you will be ideal for this role. Experience in the maritime sector is desirable although not essential.
Vancouver is a place in which you can feel at home: it is Canada's gateway to the Pacific and consistently rated as one of the top places to live in the world. With approximately 2.3 million people in the metropolitan area, this growing, multicultural city is proud to be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
Closes 2/9/07
Send letter, resume and salary requirements to:
Application Email: director@vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
Application Address:
Director
Vancouver Maritime Museum
1905 Ogden Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia V6J 1A3 Posted January 24th
Type: Full Time
Salary Range: Open
Web: www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is the principal maritime museum on the Pacific Coast of Canada and one of a few major maritime museums on the west coast of North America. It interprets the story of Canada's great Pacific port and is home to the famous RCMP ship, St. Roch. The Museum is well-known for its excellent programs and exhibits, strong membership and corporate support, as well as its family friendly focus and dedicated staff. It is in this exciting and challenging environment that we have a pivotal role for a new
Executive Director - Help chart a new course for this venerable museum.
We are seeking an experienced leader to provide new direction and reinvigorate the day-to-day operations of the museum. You will build on our strengths as the museum moves forward, poised to make a significant contribution to the educational, maritime and tourism communities of the Greater Vancouver area in BC.
With a strong background in operations and change management, combined with an enthusiasm for public institutions, you will be ideal for this role. Experience in the maritime sector is desirable although not essential.
Vancouver is a place in which you can feel at home: it is Canada's gateway to the Pacific and consistently rated as one of the top places to live in the world. With approximately 2.3 million people in the metropolitan area, this growing, multicultural city is proud to be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
Closes 2/9/07
Send letter, resume and salary requirements to:
Application Email: director@vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
Application Address:
Director
Vancouver Maritime Museum
1905 Ogden Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia V6J 1A3 Posted January 24th
Internships: Martha's Vineyard Museum
Curatorial Intern Edgartown, Massachusetts
Martha's Vineyard Museum
Applications Contact person: Jill Bouck
Application due date: 2007/March 30
Salary range: $9 per hour
Web Address: www.marthasvineyardhistory.org
Curatorial Intern: The curatorial intern will work extensively with the curator and assistant curator on a variety of tasks such as the overall operation of the 18th century Cooke House on the MVM campus, exhibit care and maintenance, environmental monitoring, collection care, security, registration and collection storage. The curatorial intern will lead interpretational tours of the Cooke House as well as campus-wide tours for visitors of all ages and assist in training other interns and volunteers to do the same. The intern will also work with other museum staff, interns and volunteers on a variety of museum-related tasks and ongoing summer education programs. Candidates for this position should have a strong interest or background in museum studies, education and history and enjoy working with the public.
Application Process:
To be considered for an internship position, you will have to submit a complete application package to the MVM by March 30, 2007. This application package includes:
- Martha's Vineyard Museum Intern Information Sheet(see MVM website for form)
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Most Current Contact Information (phone number and email)
Upon receiving the application packet, MVM staff will send an email acknowledgement. A telephone interview will be necessary for the finalists.
Please send the completed application packet to:
Martha's Vineyard Museum
Attn: Internship Committee
P.O. Box 1310
Edgartown, MA. 02539 Posted January 24th
Internship: Martha's Vineyard Museum
Library/Archive Intern Edgartown, Massachusetts
Martha's Vineyard Museum
Applications Contact person: Keith Gorman
Application due date: 2007 March 30
Salary range: $9 per hour
Web Address: www.marthasvineyardhistory.org
The Library/Archive Intern will work closely with the librarian, library staff and volunteers, and visiting researchers at the Gale Huntington Library. The Library's special collections include 50,000 photographic images, 500 maps, and 550 linear feet of manuscripts, logbooks, diaries, and scrapbooks. The Library maintains a small non-circulating collection of monographs that relate to the Museum's focus on Martha's Vineyard history and culture. It functions as the Vineyard's primary cultural and historical repository. Thus, the Library responds to research and reference queries from around the world. While gaining a solid understanding of the basic operations of a research library, the intern will also learn a number of important archival concepts and skills. Candidates for this position should have a strong interest and background in American history and/or some experience working in a research library setting.
Application Process:
To be considered for an internship position, you will have to submit a complete application package to the MVM by March 30, 2007. This application package includes:
- Martha's Vineyard Museum Intern Information Sheet (see website for form)
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Most Current Contact Information (phone number and email)
Upon receiving the application packet, MVM staff will send an email acknowledgement.
A telephone interview will be necessary for the finalists.
Please send the completed application packet to:
Martha's Vineyard Museum
Attn: Internship Committee
P.O. Box 1310
Edgartown, MA. 02539 Posted January 24th
Internship: Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Curatorial Internship, Summer 2007 Manitowoc, WI
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
The Curatorial Intern will focus on exhibits research, production and maintenance; however, responsibilities may also include conservation and collections management work. The intern’s primary projects will relate to work on the Museum’s permanent gallery and upcoming temporary exhibits, and may include identifying and researching potential items for exhibit, coordinating incoming loan items, and script writing. The intern works directly with the Curator or a department head responsible for the project, under the supervision of the Curator. Projects will involve various Museum resources such as ship's plans, photographic, and art archives; film and manuscript collections; three-dimensional artifacts, historic small boat collection; or the Museum's World War II submarine U.S.S. COBIA.
Qualifications: Must have excellent research and writing skills, be self-motivated, and able to work independently with little supervision. Preference will be given to candidates enrolled in history, museum studies or public history programs.
Compensation is $7.50 per hour for up to 320 hours of paid work; start date and work schedule are flexible.
Please send cover letter, resume, and references by February 28, 2007 to: Michelle Hill, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc, WI 54220; or via email to mhill@wisconsinmaritime.org. Posted January 28th
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Australian Register of Historic Vessels
The Australian National Maritime Museum launched the nation's first Australian Register of Historic Vessels on February 1.
The initial objective of the online register it to assemble a broad picture of Australia's historic boats and ships - indicating the various types, their numbers, their distribution, the uses they serve and their condition.
At launch, the database contains an initial list of 100 vessels - ranging from an early Australian surfboard and an Indigenous one-person fishing raft to a Murray River paddle steamer, a Newcastle collier and a former Royal Australian Navy destroyer.
Any owner wishing to nominate a vessel for inclusion in the Register will find the assessment criteria, helpful information and a Nomination Form on the Register web pages.
I haven't played around in the database much but from what I've seen it's a very rich source of information on the vessels that are included.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Heads up
I don't have the full story, but it would be irresponsible and counter to the Compass's mission not to mention the latest happening regarding Independence Seaport Museum. It appears that during the month of January the Museum sued past director Johns S. Brown for stealing 2.4 million.
A better summary of the situation is at: the Sea-Fever blog (which I've never noticed before but will now follow)
The following are a few links to some of the stories:
Former Museum Chief Denies Stealing Millions
John S. Brown has 99 Problems
A better summary of the situation is at: the Sea-Fever blog (which I've never noticed before but will now follow)
The following are a few links to some of the stories:
Former Museum Chief Denies Stealing Millions
John S. Brown has 99 Problems
Position Announcement:: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum seeks a proven museum professional to manage the production, installation and maintenance of the Museum's exhibits. As a member of the exhibit development teams, the specialist will participate in exhibit design and planning. Responsibilities also include cost estimation for ongoing maintenance and exhibit fabrication and the annual department budget; graphic design, fabrication and assistance with installation of all Museum signage.
See Job Detail.
See Job Detail.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
One Month Later...
Today being February 1st it seemed a good time to get back to blogging. The reason I've been 'gone' is due to the Holidays, the kids being home for winter break and ... the G. W. Blunt White Library move and inter-Collection Intigration. For those of you not familiar with recent events at the Library what follows is a brief run down.
It all began in February of last year when, as a cost saving measure Mystic Seaport offered veteran employees a buy-out option. Out of 40 some staff members in the Collections Area, 12 took the option leaving each Collection thinly staffed. The Library had only 3 full time employees, Ships Plans 2, Curatorial 5, Photgraphy 3...well you get the idea.
And so it was decided that the best way to move forward was to combine forces, reorganze along functional, rather than collection, lines and move the Library into the vast spaces of the Collections Research Center.
...we are now in the midst of that great move but things have settled down enough, both at work and at home that I feel we can get this blog going again.
What have missed? Well aside from the big happening down at Phili, which I'll cover later, not too much. The biggest omission, I think, was Joe's Follansbees audio book and I'll get that story and link up today (getting an error message on the page now).
Kelly
PS Its good to be back
It all began in February of last year when, as a cost saving measure Mystic Seaport offered veteran employees a buy-out option. Out of 40 some staff members in the Collections Area, 12 took the option leaving each Collection thinly staffed. The Library had only 3 full time employees, Ships Plans 2, Curatorial 5, Photgraphy 3...well you get the idea.
And so it was decided that the best way to move forward was to combine forces, reorganze along functional, rather than collection, lines and move the Library into the vast spaces of the Collections Research Center.
...we are now in the midst of that great move but things have settled down enough, both at work and at home that I feel we can get this blog going again.
What have missed? Well aside from the big happening down at Phili, which I'll cover later, not too much. The biggest omission, I think, was Joe's Follansbees audio book and I'll get that story and link up today (getting an error message on the page now).
Kelly
PS Its good to be back
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Transatlantic Destinies: Connections and Disconnections Across
Call for Papers
Northeast American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
October 25-28, 2007
Dartmouth College, New Hampshire
The Theme for the 2007 NEASECS Conference at Dartmouth College memorializes the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the English slave trade. Transatlantic Destinies also acknowledges all aspects of the transformation of the transatlantic social sphere including the exchange of ideas, the resistance of European colonies to the motherlands, European exploration and native resistance, and the increasingly unified
circulation of culture and capital across the largest natural trade routes known up to this point.
As in any NEASECS conference, papers and panels are sought in all areas of eighteenth-century studies.
Please submit 1-page proposals for panels or papers and a brief c.v. by January 15, 2007 to:
Peter Cosgrove, Conference Chair
English Department
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH 03755
Peter.W.Cosgrove@dartmouth.edu
Web Address: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~neasecs07/
Northeast American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
October 25-28, 2007
Dartmouth College, New Hampshire
The Theme for the 2007 NEASECS Conference at Dartmouth College memorializes the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the English slave trade. Transatlantic Destinies also acknowledges all aspects of the transformation of the transatlantic social sphere including the exchange of ideas, the resistance of European colonies to the motherlands, European exploration and native resistance, and the increasingly unified
circulation of culture and capital across the largest natural trade routes known up to this point.
As in any NEASECS conference, papers and panels are sought in all areas of eighteenth-century studies.
Please submit 1-page proposals for panels or papers and a brief c.v. by January 15, 2007 to:
Peter Cosgrove, Conference Chair
English Department
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH 03755
Peter.W.Cosgrove@dartmouth.edu
Web Address: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~neasecs07/
PEM Recieves High Praises
Muzine reviewed the new Peabody Essex and gave it a great review and makes some good points for other maritime museums.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
The Enduring Relevance of Maritime History
We've all been on a diet at one time or another. Many of us have also tried low carb diets.Now Michael R. Eades,M.D. turns to maritime sources to illustrate the long established effects of an all meat diet. Dr. Eades cites the journal of Frederick G. Schwatka, aka Misc. Vol. 163 at the G. W. Blunt White Library of Mystic Seaport, which records an 1878-1880 search for Franklin during which the crew of the schooner Eothen switched to an all meat diet.
For the full story check out A critical look at nutritional science
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Caught, Canned, and Eaten: The Story of San Pedro's Fishing and Canning Industries
According to the DailyBreeze.com the Los Angeles Maritime Museum will unveil a permanent exhibit on San Pedro's vibrant fishing industry and port-town culture.
The interactive exhibit will include murals, gear used by local fishermen, home movies from the Fishermen's Fiesta, classic television commercials ("Charlie the Tuna"), films of sardine and mackerel fishing and cannery equipment salvaged from Terminal Island.
According to the Museum website the exhibit opens today.
Congrats to Museum Director (and Compass editor) Marifrances Trivelli and her crew for putting together a news worthy exhibit on an overlooked aspect of local maritime history.
Friday, December 08, 2006
New Book Alert
Shipbuilders, Sea Captains, and Fishermen: The Story of the Schooner Wawona
Joe Follansbee, of MHN fame, has a new book out. While I haven't read it yet, it has been ordered and hopefully Joe will make an East Coast author's tour sometime and sign it!
Here's the blurb from the back cover: "Discover the history of the three-masted schooner Wawona and the quirky adventures of her captains and crews in the North Pacific. Shipbuilders, Sea Captains and Fishermen reveals the innovations of Wawona's builder, H.D. Bendixsen. Capt. Ralph E. "Matt" Peasley, "the big overgrown kid," became the most famous ship captain in America. Capt. Charles Foss called on the heavens for a breeze by wearing his wife's hats. And the crew caught hundreds of tons of cod in the stormy Bering Sea while secretly fermenting shipboard wine with canned fruit and sourdough starter. Complete with detailed illustrations, historical photographs, and great stories, Shipbuilders, Sea Captains and Fishermen recreates a world that ended with the last sailing ships."
It's the canned fruit and sourdough wine that really peaks my curiosity!
Friday, December 01, 2006
Position Announcement: Director of the Library
The Mariners' Museum is seeking a dynamic and innovative leader to direct the operations of the Museum's 78,000+ volume research library and archives. The director is a member of the senior leadership team and is expected to provide overall vision for the library in accordance with the Long Range Plan and mission of the Museum, act as a communicative mentor and effective leader for the library staff, identify and utilize opportunities for new technologies, be a spokesperson and advocate for the library-both internally and externally, and network with the library community. In addition, the director will be involved in planning and development of a new library as part of the whole Museum campus. Individual must have a Masters of Library Science from an ALA-accredited program and at least 5 years previous related experience in a research library with demonstrated increased responsibilities including supervisory experience, superior communication skills, and experience in community networking. Previous experience with a building program preferred. This position offers a salary commensurate with experience and an excellent benefits package.
Intrepid Update
The mud that held up the USS Intrepid move has been removed from beneath the aircraft carrier but plans to move her have not yet been announced.The Intrepid, a legendary Pacific war campaigner that survived torpedoes and five kamikaze plane attacks, is overdue for rehabilitation after sitting idle for 24 years at the Hudson's city-owned Pier 86.
Full story.
Maritime Heritage Center Proposed for Bay City
An editorial in the Bay City Times promotes the planned development of a maritime museum.
According to the editorial Bay City officials, Dow Corning Corp., the Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Bay Future propose to build a Maritime Heritage Center on 8.5 acres of the 48-acre Uptown at RiversEdge property, just south of downtown Bay City.
A proposal to fund an initial study comes before the City Commissioners this week.
According to the editorial Bay City officials, Dow Corning Corp., the Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Bay Future propose to build a Maritime Heritage Center on 8.5 acres of the 48-acre Uptown at RiversEdge property, just south of downtown Bay City.
A proposal to fund an initial study comes before the City Commissioners this week.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Quick News Item:
Smuggling, Iron and Sugar: Millersville University Students in Atlantic Project with Bermuda Maritime Museum
MILLERSVILLE, Pa., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- History and archeology students from Millersville University of Pennsylvania plan to spend next summer at the Bermuda Maritime Museum to research smuggling, iron and sugar during the 18th century....link to full article.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Position Announcement: Executive Director Michigan Maritime Museum
The Board of Directors for the Michigan Maritime Museum is seeking a skilled Executive Director who will lead the Museum forward as it builds on its strengths and charts its future direction. The successful candidate will demonstrate skills and expertise in leading an organization through thoughtful change; managing day-to-day operations; effectively communicating with the staff and public; employing creative marketing strategies; administering the budget and financial records; encouraging volunteers; conducting fruitful fundraising activities; and promoting exceptional customer service.
For more information see complete description
For more information see complete description
CFP: 28th Annual Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival Symposium
Mystic Seaport is seeking proposals for papers in History, Folklore, Literature, Ethnomusicology, or other appropriate disciplines that address any aspect of music or verse of the sea or inland waters from the Age of Sail through the present day.
Topics of interest have included: Shipboard work songs, songs of maritime or other occupational trades, seafaring cultures and cultural change, ethnicity and ethnic influences, cultural exchanges, ballad and broadside traditions, technology, regional interests, and popular culture.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE is March 10, 2007. Audiovisually illustrated presentations are welcome. Papers selected must be submitted in final form by May 7th.
Graduate students encouraged to submit a proposal.
Speakers will receive lodging and meals and free admission to the festival weekend.
PLEASE SUBMIT PROPOSALS and a brief curriculum vita or resume to:
Dr. Glenn Gordinier
attn: Symposium Williams-Mystic Program Mystic Seaport
75 Greenmanville Ave.
Mystic, CT 06355-0990
glenn.gordinier@mysticseaport.org
Friday, November 10, 2006
Online Exhibit - Ladies Who Launch
Press Release:Independence Seaport Museum is pleased to announce their first online exhibit: Ladies Who Launch: Ship Christening Photographs from Delaware Valley Shipyards, which can be viewed at http://www.phillyseaport.org/LWL
In portraits and candid shots selected from the Library’s collections, these images show the scale of the members of the launching parties in relation to the enormity of the ships, the effervescent crash of champagne bottles, and the fabulous fashions from the first half of the 20th Century.
The online presentation is an expanded version of the exhibit now on display in the Museum. Ladies Who Launch is presented in conjunction with Women & the Sea, a comprehensive exhibit that explores the contributions of women mariners; open now through Labor Day 2007. For more information about exhibits and related programming please see: http://www.phillyseaport.org/New_Exhibits.shtml
The photo included here happens to be one of my favorite from the exhibit. It is interesting to note that in all the women and the sea studies I've heard about - this involvement of women and the sea has rarely been mentioned. Great job!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Salem Crew List Database Online
Between 1799 and 1879 over 7900 voyages to foreign ports sailed from Salem, Massachusetts. Prior to sailing the shipmaster, or captain of each vessel was required to file a crew list containing information about the vessel's destination and its crew. This website provides an index to those crewlists. Containing over 75,770 names, it also provides access to crew members based upon age, complexion, birthplace and residence place.
Search the database!
Search the database!
Monday, October 30, 2006
New Book: So Others May Live
Joe has recommended So Others May Live: Coast Guard's Rescue Swimmers: Saving Lives, Defying Death
.
Reading the reviews both at Amazon and in the seattlepi.com report has me thinking this is a must read.
.Reading the reviews both at Amazon and in the seattlepi.com report has me thinking this is a must read.
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum's Newest Addition
The Little Rock City council approved spending $395,000 to tow the World War II-era fireboat USS Hoga from California to its maritime museum on the Arkansas River.
The Hoga survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor and will join the USS Razorback which was present for the Japanese surrender.
The Hoga is presently moored near San Francisco.
The Hoga survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor and will join the USS Razorback which was present for the Japanese surrender.
The Hoga is presently moored near San Francisco.
If Only I Were British
Position Announcement:
Head of Digital Projects
Organisation: NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
Location: East London
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 plus benefits
Date posted: 29 Oct 2006
Closing date: 13 Nov 2006
If you have experience of delivering large, complex new media projects on time and on budget, this varied role with the world's leading maritime museum could be your ideal next move.
It's our aim to illustrate to a wide range of audiences the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people. The Museum's collections are extremely diverse, featuring stories about everything from seafaring history to trade, empire, slavery and astronomy.
Already attracting some 8.7 million visitors, our award-winning website is now poised to enter an exciting new phase in its development with a landmark project that will bring some of these fascinating stories to life. Managing a dynamic team and networking internally as well as with external bodies, your brief will be to create the digital elements of this remarkable initiative.
It's a unique challenge that spells involvement in everything from our online collections and gallery interactives to e-commerce and online marketing. To meet it, you'll be an excellent planner and collaborator with an impressive track record of creating innovative content for large, segmented audiences - probably in the arts, education, media or broadcasting sectors. A passion for user experience is a must, along with an understanding of the potential of a wide range of interactive technologies.
Quoting reference G/HDP
We regret that we are unable to reply to every applicant. If you do not hear from us within three weeks, please assume you have not been shortlisted.
The Museum upholds equal opportunities for all staff and has a no smoking policy.
ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH
- POSITIVE ABOUT DISABLED PEOPLE
INVESTOR IN PEOPLE
Head of Digital Projects
Organisation: NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
Location: East London
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 plus benefits
Date posted: 29 Oct 2006
Closing date: 13 Nov 2006
If you have experience of delivering large, complex new media projects on time and on budget, this varied role with the world's leading maritime museum could be your ideal next move.
It's our aim to illustrate to a wide range of audiences the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people. The Museum's collections are extremely diverse, featuring stories about everything from seafaring history to trade, empire, slavery and astronomy.
Already attracting some 8.7 million visitors, our award-winning website is now poised to enter an exciting new phase in its development with a landmark project that will bring some of these fascinating stories to life. Managing a dynamic team and networking internally as well as with external bodies, your brief will be to create the digital elements of this remarkable initiative.
It's a unique challenge that spells involvement in everything from our online collections and gallery interactives to e-commerce and online marketing. To meet it, you'll be an excellent planner and collaborator with an impressive track record of creating innovative content for large, segmented audiences - probably in the arts, education, media or broadcasting sectors. A passion for user experience is a must, along with an understanding of the potential of a wide range of interactive technologies.
Quoting reference G/HDP
We regret that we are unable to reply to every applicant. If you do not hear from us within three weeks, please assume you have not been shortlisted.
The Museum upholds equal opportunities for all staff and has a no smoking policy.
ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH
- POSITIVE ABOUT DISABLED PEOPLE
INVESTOR IN PEOPLE
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Book Reviews from H-Maritime
Heather Hernandez just posted on the Book Discussion list about the following book reviews available through H-Maritime.
The Barbary Wars
Sea of Gray
X Marks the Spot: The Archaeology of Piracy
Industrializing American Shipbuilding
The Barbary Wars
Sea of Gray
X Marks the Spot: The Archaeology of Piracy
Industrializing American Shipbuilding
Friday, October 13, 2006
Position Announcement: Collections Access and Research Associate
Mystic Seaport, the Museum of America and the Sea is currently seeking a Collections Access and Research Associate to work in the Collections and Research Department. The successful applicant will serve as part of the Access Team providing intellectual, physical and electronic access to the Collections of Mystic Seaport. This is an entry-level position.
Essential functions include, but are not limited to:
• Oversee circulation function of Collection materials to staff, students and volunteers
• 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 Endeavors’s Voyager system, XG, websites, visual files, card files and databases.
• Advise patrons and clients on research and derivative fees when applicable and initiate production orders for Production Team.
• Staff the Collections Reference and Research Room on a regular basis. Duties include reshelving of retrieved Collections materials, circulation of books, answering phones, overseeing reading room, etc.
• Improve and increase public Web resources related to the collections, proofing web pages and databases products.
• Assist in the hosting and developing of digital resources that improve Collections Access.
• Maintain and update Collections Web site.
Requirements include:
• General knowledge of maritime history and terminology
• Desire to learn and work with ever-changing software applications.
• 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
• General computer experience with museum and collections management software preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Access, or SQL
• Detail-oriented and able to handle fragile objects according to collections management standards.
This is a full time (35 hrs./wk) position . Mystic Seaport is an AA/EOE employer.
If you wish to apply for an advertised job opening, you can download an Employment Application (Adobe Acrobat Required) or call 860.572.5346 for an application or e-mail Human Resources. We can only accept applications, accompanied by a resume if you wish, for positions for which we currently have an advertised opening. Applications must be filled out completely on both sides, be signed as well as dated, before they can be accepted for review.
Position Announcement: Collection Management Technician
Mystic Seaport's Collection and Research Department is seeking a Collection Management Technician: Full time (35 hrs./wk.) position assists with care and preservation of Museum’s Collections in storage, in transit and on exhibit. Maintains collections’ records, provides basic conservation and other duties as applicable. Requirements include Bachelor’s degree, ability to lift 50 lbs., general computer skills and valid driver’s license. Background check required. Mystic Seaport is an AA/EOE employer.
If you wish to apply for an advertised job opening, you can download an Employment Application (Adobe Acrobat Required) or call 860.572.5346 for an application or e-mail Human Resources. We can only accept applications, accompanied by a resume if you wish, for positions for which we currently have an advertised opening. Applications must be filled out completely on both sides, be signed as well as dated, before they can be accepted for review.
Christmas List
It's never too early to start thinking about my favorite holiday and a recent article in the Maine Antique Digest certainly got the idea's flowing. I know more than a few people who would appreciate receiving some of the items auctioned off at Christie's July 27th maritime sale.For those more interested in steamship memorabilia check out the June 1 auction where "A painted cast bronze house flag and name board from a lifeboat aboard the R.M.S. Titanic of the White Star Line realized $72,000." Maine Antique Digest
According to the article items for the Steamship Auction came from "came from the collections of Jan J. Loeff, Ted Marcollo, the Steamship Society of America, dealer Kenneth C. Schultz, and from various other properties."
Monday, October 09, 2006
Friday, October 06, 2006
USS Intrepid to Close for Repairs
The USS Intrepid closes after this weekend for a 58 million dollar overhaul that will include repainting the Intrepid's hull and rebuilding the Hudson River pier that has been its home at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.In addition, some areas that have been closed to visitors, including crew living quarters in the lower decks, will be fixed up so that they can become part of the tour when the museum reopens in the fall of 2008.
Newsday story
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Job Posting:Collections Manager in St. Michaels, Maryland
Salary: Open
Type: Full Time - Experienced
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum seeks an organized candidate to facilitate public and internal access and intellectual property rights for growing object, image and oral history collections. Duties include cataloging, generating and updating loan agreements, supervision of collections volunteers, maintaining database records and contributing to exhibition development.
Requirements:
Bachelors in an appropriate field, MA preferred; and experience with museum collections required. Must be meticulous, highly organized and conscientious, but also flexible and able to take initiative. Basic Keyboarding and computer skills are necessary. Should be competent with databases and have good oral and written communications skills. Must receive resume by October 20, 2006.
Required Education: 4 Year Degree
Apply online at http://museumcareers.aam-us.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2423506.32
Type: Full Time - Experienced
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum seeks an organized candidate to facilitate public and internal access and intellectual property rights for growing object, image and oral history collections. Duties include cataloging, generating and updating loan agreements, supervision of collections volunteers, maintaining database records and contributing to exhibition development.
Requirements:
Bachelors in an appropriate field, MA preferred; and experience with museum collections required. Must be meticulous, highly organized and conscientious, but also flexible and able to take initiative. Basic Keyboarding and computer skills are necessary. Should be competent with databases and have good oral and written communications skills. Must receive resume by October 20, 2006.
Required Education: 4 Year Degree
Apply online at http://museumcareers.aam-us.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2423506.32
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
CFP: Naval and Maritime History
The History Department of the United States Naval Academy invites proposals for papers to be presented at its 2007 Naval History Symposium in Annapolis, Maryland, from 20-22 September 2007. For decades, the Naval History Symposium has been a hallmark of the Academy's History Department, though curtailed in recent years due to the 9/11 attacks. The 2007 Symposium will mark its full resumption. We anticipate its robust continuation well into the future.
Proposals dealing with any aspect of naval and maritime history are welcome. Paper proposals should include an abstract not exceeding 250 words and a one-page vita. Proposals for panels are also encouraged and should contain an abstract and vita for each panelist. Mail proposals to Dr. M. Yu, History Department (12C), The United States Naval Academy, 107 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5044, or send electronic proposals to yu@usna.edu. The deadline for submitting proposals is 19
January 2007. The program committee expects to finalize the program in March 2007 and final versions of papers are due by 1 August 2007.
A limited number of travel stipends are available to scholars residing outside the United States and to graduate students living within the United States. Please indicate your desire to apply for a travel stipend in the cover letter or email that contains your proposal.
The program committee will award prizes to the best papers presented at the Symposium. As in the past, we will publish selected papers at a later date.
All inquiries should be sent to yu@usna.edu. For more details and updates, visit our website at http://www.usna.edu/History/Symposium.htm
or
Papers Invited
Proposals dealing with any aspect of naval and maritime history are welcome. Paper proposals should include an abstract not exceeding 250 words and a one-page vita. Proposals for panels are also encouraged and should contain an abstract and vita for each panelist. Mail proposals to Dr. M. Yu, History Department (12C), The United States Naval Academy, 107 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5044, or send electronic proposals to yu@usna.edu. The deadline for submitting proposals is 19
January 2007. The program committee expects to finalize the program in March 2007 and final versions of papers are due by 1 August 2007.
A limited number of travel stipends are available to scholars residing outside the United States and to graduate students living within the United States. Please indicate your desire to apply for a travel stipend in the cover letter or email that contains your proposal.
The program committee will award prizes to the best papers presented at the Symposium. As in the past, we will publish selected papers at a later date.
All inquiries should be sent to yu@usna.edu. For more details and updates, visit our website at http://www.usna.edu/History/Symposium.htm
or
Papers Invited
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Friday, September 15, 2006
Trial Run
If you glance over to the right hand sidebar you'll notice a new link entitled "Maritime Events Calendar". This is a google enabled calendar through which I'd like to keep track of various events. So far I've entered some CFPs and Conferences. If you get a moment to click through and click around, please let me know if it's useful, or if not, what would make it more workable.
Thanks
Thanks
Thursday, September 14, 2006
San Francisco Maritime Changes to Appointment Only
San Francisco Maritime News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: John Cunnane, Supervisory Park Ranger, 415-561-7123
Maritime Library Updates Access to Aid Researchers J. Porter Shaw Library will change to appointment only hours on Monday, October 2, 2006.
Libraries and the way people use them are changing in the technological 21st Century. More people are accessing information from the comfort of their own homes or from office computers, while fewer make visiting the library their first stop. In order to aid the remote researcher by increasing digital access to the vast array of maritime information in the Park collections, and to improve services provided to those who visit the library, the J. Porter Shaw Library of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park will be moving to appointment only hours beginning on Monday, October 2, 2006. The regular appointment hours will be Monday through Friday from 1 to 4pm (the library closes at 5pm).
Library reference staff is available to provide assistance with research in the Park’s collections (including printed, archival & photographic resources); reproduction requests and notices of intent to publish from park collections; referrals to other professionals within the Park for further research in the Park’s collections; and referrals to other organizations and research resources. These services are available on location, through email, telephone, FAX, or mailed in requests.
For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 415-561-7080 (recorded information) or 415-561-7030 during business hours to reach a Library staff member.
Appointments can also be made, and the Reference staff may be contacted through our website at http://www.nps.gov/safr/historyculture/researchcontact.htm, by fax at 415-556-3540, or by mail:
Reference Librarian
SF Maritime NHP Library
Bldg. E, Fort Mason Center
San Francisco, CA 94123
USA
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
New (to me) Blog of Interest
The American Sail Training Association has a very informative Blog. Tall Ships Today!
According to ASTA the blog "will try to provide you with an insider's view the world of sail training, tall ships, experiential shipboard education and other interesting stuff. Most of the posts will be by me, Peter Mello, ASTA executive director; however, from time to time we will invite others to contribute. Your comments, suggestions, ideas and contributions are welcome."
The American Sail Training Association is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization focused on youth education, leadership development and the preservation of North America’s rich maritime heritage. Founded in 1973 in Newport, RI, the ASTA member fleet has over 200 tall ships and sail training vessels from 26 states and 30 countries that deliver life changing experiences for “youth” of all ages.
The 2006 Conference on Sail Training and Tall Ships is being held 11/6 - 11/7 in Charleston, South Carolina.
Notice of Temporary Closing/Moving
Sometime within the next 3 to 6 months Mystic Seaport's G. W. Blunt White Library will moving across the street to its new home in the Collections Research Center. During this time the Library, Manuscript, Maps, Charts, and Periodical Collections will be unavailable. Please plan accordingly.Editors note: Donations of alcholic beverages to aid in the accomplishment of this move will be gladly accepted.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Maritime Museum in the News
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic was closed yesterday, Sept. 11th. It also made the news as the backdrop for a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and about 200 protesters.
Full story
Full story
Online Maritime Book Club!
Life is funny. This morning while looking through the maritime news I was thinking how I had dropped the ball on book reviews. (There hasn't been one on the "Compass" in a long time.) Then I went to check my Seaport mail and there was an email from Heather Hernandez announcing her online maritime book club.
According to Heather:
------
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marbkclub/
Reviews and discussions of maritime books--fiction and non-fiction,old and new, and about maritime aspects of more general books. "Maritime" is understood in its broadest sense--the sea, ships, boats, rivers--if the book has something to do with something that floats, here's the place to talk about it.
We're just getting it off the ground, but we're hoping it will develop into a fun place to chat! Our members include a maritime librarian(me), a historian, and we've got a few enthusasists coming on board.
-----
I've signed on - my yahoo name is zaimmaa. Looking forward to talking 'maritime' with everyone.
According to Heather:
------
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marbkclub/
Reviews and discussions of maritime books--fiction and non-fiction,old and new, and about maritime aspects of more general books. "Maritime" is understood in its broadest sense--the sea, ships, boats, rivers--if the book has something to do with something that floats, here's the place to talk about it.
We're just getting it off the ground, but we're hoping it will develop into a fun place to chat! Our members include a maritime librarian(me), a historian, and we've got a few enthusasists coming on board.
-----
I've signed on - my yahoo name is zaimmaa. Looking forward to talking 'maritime' with everyone.
Friday, September 08, 2006
One Year Anniversary
It's been one year now since the Maritime Compass first hit the internet.
And how, you ask, do I know that?
Do I have a photographic memory, keep meticulous records, or ... is International Talk Like a Pirate Day coming around again?
Yup, its number 3. On September 19th the world will again celebrate this uniquely maritime holiday - the subject of one of the Compasses very first posts.
For this years events check out the offical site.
Pensacola Developments
It's been coming across the news feeds on and off for the last year - Pensacola, FL has been seeking to become the home of the offical state maritime museum. But now its official, the Maritime Park has been approved and donations are pouring in for the Admiral John H. Fetterman State of Florida Maritime Museum and Research Center.
For more info check out the article in the Penscacola News Journal.
For more info check out the article in the Penscacola News Journal.
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