Extensive Ship History Source on Tap for Researchers
In celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, the Steamship Historical Society of America (SSHSA) is offering access to its archives with the opening of its Ship History Center in Warwick, R.I., where the organization’s entire collection is now housed under one roof and is accessible to researchers. “This is an exciting time for us and we are pleased to finally have this wealth of knowledge available for study,” SSHSA Executive Director Matthew Schulte said. “The information we have gathered over the years helps us understand not only where we’ve been, but where we are heading in the future.
Flood Attracted to Water
Appropriate, isn’t it, that a man name Flood made his mark on the world painting nautical scenes. Born on the fourth of July in Philadelphia, James Flood has been sketching and painting from the time he was four. His early years embody the stereotypical mold of the artist type — restless and distracted at school, doggedly pursuing his craft and developing his talent, often to the dismay of family. His dedication to the subject was instilled in him at a young age, and was a passion that had outlets beyond the paintbrush and canvas. Flood recalls with joy memories of a young boy who would meticulously create and "sail" his very own fleet of motorized ship models. "I've had a lifelong fascination and attraction to water," he said.
Steamship Historical Society Publishes History of Savannah Line
The Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc. is proud to announce the publication of The Ocean Steamship Company of Savannah: The Savannah Line by Edward A. Mueller. When it was chartered in 1872 to carry passengers and freight between Savannah, Georgia and New York, the Ocean Steamship Company of Savannah was the only coastwise steamship company with headquarters in the South. Better known simply as The Savannah Line, it flourished for over seventy years and proved to be a major trade and travel link between the agricultural areas of Georgia and the markets and distribution centers of New York and Boston. In the years immediately following the Civil War…
Documentary Planned on SS United States
Reston, Virginia based company, Rock Creek Productions, Inc. is producing a historical documentary entitled The Big U. The film focuses on the life and times of the superliner SS United States and her Philadelphia born designer, William Francis Gibbs. The SS United States has been on the National Register for Historic Places since 1999. The filmmakers are aiming for a 2008 national release on PBS. “I sailed on the ship when I was a little boy, and it’s remained in the back of my mind all these years. I’ve learned what an instrumental figure Gibbs was in the success of our nation’s navy fleets at a time when the United States ruled the oceans. Now it’s time for America to hear and learn about these forgotten icons,” stated Rock Creek’s Vice President and Producer/Director Tim Phillips.
Arison Receives Award
The Steamship Historical Society of America presented the 2005 C. Bradford Mitchell Award to Carnival Corporation chairman Micky Arison during a ceremony aboard Holland America Line’s new cruise ship, the M/S Noordam on Feb. 21. The SSHSA C. Bradford Mitchell Award is to honor an individual, institution, or agency for a single achievement that contributes to the aims of the SSHSA; “To Record, Preserve and Disseminate the History of Engine Powered Vessels.” The award was presented by SSHSA president Robert Cleasby, and national director and awards chair Christopher Dougherty. Among the attendees were Holland America Line president Stein Kruse…
Delta Queen Named Ship of the Year
Legendary Delta Queen, a National Historic Landmark, has been named Ship of the Year by the Steamship Historical Society of America. "Delta Queen is the last operating steamboat of her era and is one of the most historic vessels in the world," said William duBarry, president of the society. "No other vessel still operating in the U.S. is as historically important as she. Our members appreciate the commitment The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. Delta Queen was launched on the Sacramento River in 1927, and offered overnight service between Sacramento and San Francisco until 1940. When the Great Depression brought an end to her trips, the U.S. Navy leased Delta Queen as a troops barracks and then a shuttle for a servicemen traveling to and from ships in San Francisco Bay.
