News Archive

December 15, 2011

President's Column

A Holiday Celebration at the Aldrich Mansion

SSHSA Welcomes Jim Pennypacker and Jillian Fulda

Images from the ACBS International Boat Show

What Will Happen to the SS Badger?

November 1, 2011

Behind-the-Scenes Tour at SSHSA Headquarters

October 24, 2011

Fall 2011 PowerShips Now Available

September 20, 2011

The President's Column

From the Wheelhouse: A Note to Our Members

SSHSA is on the Move!

August 15, 2011

A Message from the President

An American Concept for the Future: NS Savannah

Newport New Shipbuilding Celebrates 125 Years

Bring Back the Steamboats!

Calling All Merchant Mariners and Travelers!

President's Column

December 15, 2011

Since the last Telegraph, I’ve had the opportunity and pleasure on behalf of SSHSA to visit Lake Geneva, WI; Providence, RI; Philadelphia, Baltimore, the San Francisco Bay area and back to Providence again.  Not that there’s anything wrong with hanging around San Diego, but it is very rewarding to meet our members and take part in activities elsewhere.

Our participation in the Antique and Classic Boat Society meeting in Lake Geneva was terrific. Matt Schulte and I gave good promotional exposure to SSHSA, and in turn we saw more than 200 beautiful motor boats as well as a half dozen 100-year-old lake steamers (one of which is still steam-powered).

I attended the Delaware Valley Chapter meeting in October at the Independence Seaport Museum, once again meeting more of our members and enjoying dinner aboard the 110-year-old sailing ship Gazela. My thanks to Chapter Chair Steve Loveless for the invitation and arrangements. As part of the same trip, I visited the NS Savannah in Baltimore to lay the groundwork for our 2012 ShiPosium and Annual Meeting in May. Then in early December I visited the San Francisco Bay area and was welcomed to the Golden Gate Chapter’s bi-monthly meeting in Alameda where we enjoyed a ship-in-a-bottle show and tell, and a slide presentation of an NCL cruise around the British Isles. My thanks to Chapter Chair Norman Freitag and his officers for this opportunity.

I have been in Providence for a few days and will return to California on Friday, 12/16, hopefully and apparently before any snow falls. But it’s been plenty cold (at least I think so). We have added an enormous amount of former warehouse archives to the new headquarters, and with the very welcome help of some volunteers we have begun to get our arms around the extent of our holdings. But I can see a full two years of effort before we have inventoried and assessed everything we have. From what I see, we could well have three to five million individual resources, including books, brochures, records, models, plans, posters, paintings, artifacts and even bars of soap!

As always, please feel free to contact me with your thoughts, questions and comments, at 7959 Eastridge Drive, La Mesa, CA 91914; 619-466-4854; or jfhamma@aol.com. I always enjoy communicating with our members. I wish all of you and all of our members a very happy holiday season and a most healthy and prosperous 2012.

CDR John F. Hamma

President

A Holiday Celebration at the Aldrich Mansion

On Saturday, December 10th,  SSHSA members, staff, volunteers and board members celebrated the holiday season at the Aldrich Mansion, located in Rhode Island and overlooking Narragansett Bay. Click here to read more and view photos from the party.

The Aldrich Mansion is rich with history, an appropriate venue for a historical society.  Construction took place over a 16 year period beginning in 1896, for Rhode Island Senator Nelson W. Aldrich. It was here that Senator Aldrich’s daughter, Abby Aldrich, married John D. Rockefeller, Jr., son to Nelson A. Rockefeller and heir to his oil fortune. The main foyer, where party attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour, is filled with paintings and wood carvings and an elaborately designed ceiling trimmed with gold.  The buffet style dinner in the Ivory Room was delicious, and surely no one left  hungry. Dessert was laid out in spectacular fashion in the library, on a table filled with several types of cakes and pies.

Later in the evening, guests could return to the main foyer to dance the night away, or remain at their tables to discuss what had brought us all together in the first place, steamship history! The night was a great success and fun was had by all. It was a great opportunity for members and board members as well as staff and volunteers to mingle and gather together in the holiday spirit.  Thank you to all who attended!

SSHSA Welcomes Jim Pennypacker and Jillian Fulda

We would like to welcome Jim Pennypacker of Pennypacker & Associates, the new Editor-in-Chief of PowerShips magazine. Jim brings with him a wealth of experience in the business world and we are thrilled to have him onboard.

Jim brings more than 30 years experience in marketing and publishing to lead an organization at the forefront of a rapidly changing business landscape. A highly entrepreneurial and creative information professional, Jim has spent his entire career helping firms use content to build and develop new markets, generate and nurture leads, and foster customer loyalty.

Jim was most recently Director of the Center for Business Practices, the research and publishing arm of the management consultancy PM Solutions.  There he led the development of an active thought leadership marketing program that positioned the company as a premier provider of management services.

Jim was formerly the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Project Management Institute.  Prior to that, Jim was the founder and publisher of Fox Pond Communications, a publishing services organization that was on the cutting edge of microcomputer-based publishing. Jim began his career as Assistant to the President and Marketing Director of Transaction Publishers, a social science publishing house based at Rutgers University.

Jim has been a thought leader himself over the years, author and editor of more than twenty books and research reports on a variety of business issues. He presents regularly at conferences and his articles on business issues appear in numerous professional journals. Jim holds an M.B.A./Technology and Electronic Commerce from West Chester University

We also want to welcome Jillian Fulda, Development Office Assistant, to the SSHSA staff. Jillian hails from Rocky Hill, CT and graduated in May 2011 from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.  She plans to attend graduate school next year to study library science.  Jillian has been working part-time with SSHSA President John Hamma and Executive Director Matt Schulte on SSHSA's Annual Fund.

Images from ACBS' 36th Annual International Boat Show

Photos by SSHSA Executive Director Matt Schulte

What Will Happen to the SS Badger?

The SS Badger recently cleared a hurdle in its efforts to gain National Historic Landmark status.  A federal advisory committee to the National Park Service approved the Landmark nomination of the historic steam-powered car ferry, though the final decision to designate landmark status will come from Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, and most likley will not be decided until next yearThe Badger is the last coal-powered steamship in the country. Supporters of the Badger promote the vessel's historic significance as the primary reason why it should be allowed to continue operations under coal-power. Others worry about the environmental effects of the 4 tons of ash dumped by the ferry each time she sails, and are pushing for the vessel to convert to another propulsion system such as diesel engines.  U.S. Representatives from Wisconsin and Michigan have proposed an amendment to the Coast Guard budget which would prevent the EPA from imposing environmental regulations upon any vessel that is either a National Historic Landmark or even just qualifies as one - with the Badger being the only vessel to fit these criteria.

In 2008 the EPA allotted four years for the owners of the Badger  to convert the vessel to a more environmentally-friendly fuel source.  The vessel's owners attempted to secure a $14 million federal grant to convert the engines to diesel power, however the grant was not awarded to the Badger.  The owners have until the end of 2012 to either alter the propulsion system or potentially be rescued by National Historic Landmark status. 

In 2002 the SS Badger was named SSHSA's Ship of the Year.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour at SSHSA Headquarters

Wednesday November 9, 2011, 5:00-7:00 pm: Join SSHSA Executive Director Matthew Schulte for a behind-the-scenes tour of our office in Cranston, RI.  Come see our collections "warehouse," recently brought together under one roof for the first time in SSHSA's history, and get a sneak peak at some of the items we've been uncovering.  Refreshments will be served.  A $5.00 donation at the door will be appreciated.  Please RSVP by November 8th at (401) 463-3570 or email Diana at dsheil@sshsa.org.  For GPS directions use the address of 30 Kenney Drive, Cranston, Rhode Island. 

Fall 2011 PowerShips Now Available

Over the next couple of weeks members can expect to receive the Fall 2011 issue of PowerShips magazine.  To get a sneak peek at what's in the latest issue, click here.

The Fall 2011 issue is available for sale in SSHSA's Ship Store. 

The President's Column

September 20, 2011

Summer has come and gone ever so quickly.  Despite natural disasters such as the floods in the Midwest and a hurricane along the East Coast, summer remains a special season.  Trivial in comparison to those phenomena, the traditional “Gray May” and “June Gloom” out here in Southern California lasted through July and into August.  We get spoiled by perfect weather, and boy do we like to complain when it doesn’t quite live up to expectations. 

SSHSA’s fall season is off to a quick start with two events.  First, our move to a new, temporary location in Cranston, Rhode Island will officially occur on September 30, although we will be moving some of our furniture and collections into the building prior to that. Be sure to see the rest of the Telegraph for more details on our new address and contact information. Second is the Board of Directors’ Meeting at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, which will take place on Sunday, September 25.  We are holding this meeting in conjunction with the Antique and Classic Boat Society’s International Boat Show.  I always thought of destroyers and frigates as “small boats,” so I guess I will learn a thing or two.  I am looking forward to this event, as well as visiting our new Cranston office for several days during the week or two after the meeting and assisting with the move and getting settled in.

The major ongoing events of the season continue to be our membership drive and fund-raising initiatives, both of which I am happy to report are showing very positive results thus far.  However, we still have major work ahead of us in order to reach our year-end goals.  To all who have responded to our Annual Fund appeal or who have increased their level of membership, I thank you for your support, and I look forward to enthusiastic support from those who have yet to respond.

Visiting the MARAD Reserve Fleet

I had the opportunity to take a quick but very enjoyable weekend trip to visit the Maritime Administration (MARAD) Reserve Fleet (also known as “the ghost fleet”) in Suisun Bay, California.  It’s one of three remaining Reserve Fleets, the other two being in the James River in Virginia, and in Beaumont, Texas.  Bay View Charters runs an hour-and-a-half cruise to the fleet from the Martinez, CA Marina on Saturday and Sunday of the last week of each month.  We boarded the 1967 40-foot Hatteras cabin cruiser Journey, that has been specially outfitted with comfortable inside and outside seating, and eating and bar service areas.  Captain Howard Williams expertly guided us within 500 feet of the laid-up ships.  Les Rich, who is associated with Historic Ships Memorial at Pacific Square, a group dedicated to bringing the battleship IOWA to Vallejo as a museum ship, gave an excellent narration and description of the various commercial and military ships in the fleet.  Historic Ships has cleared all the Navy hurdles save raising the necessary money.  We at SSHSA can identify with that!  As an aside, Captain Williams donates his profits from these cruises to the Historic Ships’ IOWA cause.  Should such an outing be within your reach, I would highly recommend doing it while the fleet still exists.  One or two ships are lost to scrapping each month, and the goal is to eradicate the fleet within the next several years.  Visit Bay View Charters’ website at www.bayviewcharters.com, and Historic Ships’ at www.battleshipiowa.org.  Both sites are well worth a look.

As always, please feel free to contact me with your thoughts, questions and comments, at 7959 Eastridge Drive, La Mesa, CA 91914; 619-466-4854; or jfhamma@aol.com.  I always enjoy communicating with our members.

Sincerely,
 

John Hamma
President, SSHSA

From the Wheelhouse: A Note to Our Members

September 20, 2011

How exciting the last several months has been for me personally, and for the Society collectively. I’d like to share with you some of the wonderful happenings. I have had the opportunity to speak with, meet, and in many cases, spend several hours with a great cross-section of our membership. With leadership from our National President John Hamma, support from our Board of Directors, and with guidance from our consultant Henry Young, I have been “On the Road.”

I had the privilege to travel the West Coast up to the Pacific Northwest, sections of the Northeast, and also the Midwest calling upon members and friends along the way. The purpose of my travels continues to this day in that I am charged with meeting and connecting with as many of our members as possible. You see, a significant study was completed by Henry Young and presented to our Board this past May, and the findings dictated the need for this action. I found 100% confirmation of the findings of the study in my meetings with members, and most importantly, I personally experienced renewed desire for members to be able to identify and socialize with each other!

As part of my position as executive director, I have the unique opportunity to present our Board-developed Plan and Vision for SSHSA for the 21st century. It has been quite an interesting experience for me to hear from our friends, colleagues, and members their thoughts on our direction, publications, and overall mission. I have received constructive criticism, suggestions from the heart, and an awful lot of people excited about the progress we are making. In all cases, I have seen genuine support for the direction of SSHSA, and a reinvigorated spirit for the future of SSHSA.

Look for much more of this networking as we move forward because we are truly going back to our roots of why the Society was originally formed back in 1935. I will continue to be on the road in the coming months, and you will always find me available via the communication tools at our fingertips. Feel free to call, write, tweet, or e-mail so that we may reconnect and continue to develop our kinship within this growing, vibrant and relevant organization. Full Steam Ahead!

Matt

SSHSA is on the Move!

SSHSA's offices are relocating to Cranston, Rhode Island, a move that will help to not only consolidate costs, but which will give us the opportunity to bring our collections and library together under one roof along with our administrative office.  Relocating is in accord with the organization's Vision, which promotes assessing and digitizing collections, facilitating new research and writing on ship history, establishing educational outreach programs.  The new location will serve as a temporary base at which SSHSA staff, volunteers, and board members can work assertively to carry out these significant goals. 

After in-depth research that involved searching the Providence County area for a space large enough to accomodate all SSHSA's collections, library, and office, SSHSA selected a location in Cranston, Rhode Island.  A diligent cost analysis revealed that moving to this location will save SSHSA money, contrary to having an office location with separate storage locations across the area.   The office is also located close to the airport and train station.

Although consolidating costs is a great reason for moving to a new location, one of the greatest advantages will be having collections together in a single location, which will give staff and volunteers the opportunity to assess and catalog collections.  This opportunity will open us up to grant funding - something we were often not often eligible for due to our collections being inaccessible - and the opportunity to pursue additional digitization projects, re-establish the SSHSA Library, and pursue educational outreach.

Important Notes to Members

As SSHSA undergoes the relocation, certain services will be unavailable to members during this time frame. Research requests and photo search services received from now through October 3, 2011 will be postponed until after that date.  Please also note that SSHSA responses to email or phone comments and questions may be delayed due to the logistics of the office relocation.  Thank you for your patience and understanding of these situations.

Please note new Contact Information

Beginning September 30, 2011 please send all written correspondence to:

Steamship Historical Society of America  (or SSHSA)
30-C Kenney Drive
Cranston, RI 02920

The current phone number will remain in effect, however new phone numbers will be phased in over time, and members will be promptly notified.

A Message from the President

August 15, 2011

To any and all who may not have seen my column in the June 15th issue of The Telegraph, I wish to reiterate that is an honor and privilege to have been elected to the office of President of the Steamship Historical Society of America. As with all non-profit historical associations, we have some significant challenges ahead of us. But, we have put into place a long-range plan for growth, prosperity, and increased relevance, and I am both enthused and certain that we will succeed.

The Board of Directors has developed a long-range vision statement that illuminates our goals. We will grow the Society in terms of members. We will continue digitizing our collections so they will be more accessible and more relevant to our members. We will embark on educational programs to bring the history of engine-powered vessels to more of our population, particularly the younger generation. And in the course of achieving these goals, we will become more effective in communication with our members and our peers. It will be a busy and challenging, but very rewarding time. Read our full vision here.

Cruising Aboard SS Lane Victory

I recently had the pleasure of taking a one-day cruise aboard SS Lane Victory, a restored World War II Victory ship homeported in San Pedro (Los Angeles Harbor), California. Built in Los Angeles in 1945, Lane Victory served with distinction during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as in times of peace as part of the merchant fleet. After years of deterioration in mothballs, it took countless hours of restoration to put her back into her original condition by volunteers of the United States Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II. Now a nationally recognized historic landmark, Lane Victory serves as a living museum and memorial to the service and sacrifices of all Merchant Marine sailors and Navy Armed Guardsmen. Several times each summer she sails into the past on one of her "Victory At Sea" cruises where “old salts” can reminisce about adventures past and younger generations can catch a glimpse of bygone times.

We left San Pedro at 0900 on 23 July. It was a perfect Southern California day, sunny and warm, but not hot, with calm seas and a gentle breeze. We transited the Los Angeles channel with its assorted container ships, work boats, and shoreside attractions. After a short open sea transit of the Catalina Channel, we cruised past the Catalina Island shoreline where we were attacked by World War II German Luftwaffe aircraft. Fortunately, the US Navy and the US Army Air Corps came to the rescue, and guess who won?

The ship served a most welcome continental breakfast upon boarding and a delicious lunch while underway. If anyone went hungry, it was by his or her choice. Engine Room tours, narrated by well-informed and down-to-earth tour guides, were offered. There are two museum areas on the ship with well-documented histories of the War and the Lane Victory, as well as other facets of maritime interest. And, an absolutely fabulous collection of ship models.

Lane Victory is offering two more cruises this summer on August 27 and September 23. If you are in the area, or if you are not and would make a special trip, this is an event that you will enjoy and remember for a long, long time. My special thanks to the Lane Victory all-volunteer crew that has restored and maintained this spectacular ship and that has made it possible for all of us to experience a historic event and an enjoyable outing.

A Quick Note on Future Meetings

Our 2012 Annual Meeting will be aboard the NS Savannah, the weekend of 18-20 May 2012. Aside from the opportunity to board this one-of-a-kind historic vessel, we will be offering unique events, and the Port of Baltimore itself has a number of notable maritime institutions. Mark a “SAVE THE DATE” on your 2012 calendars. Also see page 6 of the Summer issue of PowerShips for more information on this and other future meetings.

John Hamma, President, SSHSA

An American Concept for the Future: NS Savannah

Astrid Drew, SSHSA Research Assistant

It is well known by now that SSHSA will be holding its next annual meeting in May 2012 aboard the nuclear ship Savannah, the first and only nuclear-powered cargo and passenger ship built in the United States. 

Completed in 1961 and named after the first vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean under steam power in 1819, the Savannah was designed as a demonstration of the positive uses of nuclear power, as part of President Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” initiative.  The vessel was not meant to be a profit-making commodity, but rather intended to show the capabilities of nuclear-powered cargo and passenger ships.  Savannah's fuel economy was efficient, she performed well at sea, and had a sleek and clean appearance.  Accommodations included 30 air-conditioned staterooms, a swimming pool and library, and fashionable decor. She traveled the world between 1962 and 1965, attracting thousands of visitors and royalty.

The Savannah had a short life at sea, in part due to a relatively small cargo capacity of 8,500 tons and the need for a large, specially trained crew and specialized shipyard for maintenance and repairs. However, her significance has been greatly acknowledged.  Between 1981 and 1991, the vessel received a number of distinctions including being named an International Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service She was decommissioned in 1972, eventually arriving at her current berth at Pier 13 in Baltimore.

The NS Savannah is still regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and currently has a technical staff that stewards the vessel.  She does not have regular touring hours, but you may schedule a visit by contacting MARAD at (410) 633-4973 or by email savannah@dot.gov.  SSHSA is excited to be hosting its next Annual Meeting aboard this great vessel.

Newport News Celebrates 125 Years of Shipbuilding

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Newport News Shipbuilding company.  Established in 1886 as the Chesapeake Dry Dock and Construction Company, Newport News Shipbuilding has constructed more than 800 vessels for both Navy and non-Navy clients.  In honor of this anniversary, The Mariners' Museum will be hosting an exhibit entitled, "Always Good Ships." The exhibit opened on August 6th and is scheduled to run through October 31.

Newport News Shipbuilding has a lengthy and well-known history of shipbuilding in the United States.  Ships constructed at the shipyard include the SS United States and SS America, as well as USS Intrepid, USS Midway, and USS John F. Kennedy. 

Above: SS Santa Paula of the Grace Line, built at Newport News in 1958. SSHSA Archives, Image Porthole.

Bring Back the Steamboats!

The days of Steamboatin' are looking to make a comeback.  The Great American Steamboat Company has been given the go-ahead to purchase the American Queen from the U.S. Maritime Adminstration, and can now move forward with plans to begin service aboard the vessel in the spring of 2012.  Originally launched in 1995 and powered by steam, the American Queen operated until 2008 when its most recent owner, Majestic America Line, ceased operations.  Plans for the steamboat include a $5 million dollar renovation plus the creation of 300 jobs.  The vessel will call Memphis home.

A New Sternwheeler on the Way
In August 2012 American Cruise Lines will begin service aboard Queen of the Mississippi, a 140-passenger, brand new sternwheel-style vessel aimed at recreating the travel experience and atmosphere of steamboats of the bygone era (the vessel will not be powered by steam).  During the first season, cruises aboard the steamboat will focus on Civil War-themed trips, with stops at Civil War battlefields and monuments included in the itinerary.  Even the dining and entertainment aboard Queen of the Mississippi will reflect the Civil-War era. The sternwheeler was launched on July 17 at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland.

*Right: American Queen, Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives, Image Porthole.

Calling All Merchant Mariners and Travelers

SSHSA has been receiving great feedback on the recent article, "Cargo Liners to Remember," by John Fostik, in the summer issue of PowerShips.  Its obvious that cargo liners have a very special place in the hearts of mariners and history fans all over the country.

So, we'd like to hear from you!  If you've served aboard a "cargo liner to remember," or traveled frequently aboard them during their day, let us know.  We welcome crew and travelers from lines such as (but not limited to):

American President Line                   
Farrell Line
American Export Line
Delta Lines
Lykes Line
Alcoa Line
Moore-McCormack Line
Panama Line
Pacific Far East Line
United States Line
Furness-Warren Line
Holland America Line
French Line
American Pioneer Line
Manchester Liners, Ltd.

PowerShips, Summer 2011 Issue

Over the next couple of weeks members can expect to receive the Summer 2011 issue of PowerShips magazine.  To get a sneak peek at what's in the latest issue, view the preview.

The Summer 2011 issue is available for sale by contacting us at info@sshsa.org or calling the SSHSA office at (401) 274-0805, and will soon be available online through the Ship Store. 

July 1, 2011

Contact: Matthew Schulte, Executive Director

(401) 274-0805

CDR. JOHN F. HAMMA, USN (Ret.)

Elected President of Steamship Historical Society of America

Providence, RI - Commander John F. Hamma of La Mesa, California has been elected as president of Steamship Historical Society of America (SSHSA).  CDR. Hamma joined SSHSA in 1968 and was first elected to the SSHSA Board of Directors in 2009.  CDR. Hamma is challenged with continuing to move the 76 year old venerable SSHSA into a sustainable position for the 21st century.

“CDR. Hamma is the right person for the job now,” states Immediate Past President Robert Cleasby. “John brings with him a 20 year Navy Officer career, as well as 25 years in the maritime engineering industry. This will help SSHSA connect with merchant mariners as well as those with military background who are interested in maritime heritage.”

CDR. Hamma grew up in New York City.  He received his undergraduate degree in Naval Architecture from The University of Michigan. As a teenager he spent a summer working at the iconic firm Gibbs & Cox, and later went on to work at the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard. During his tour in the Navy, CDR. Hamma attended graduate school at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received a Masters of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as earning the distinction of Naval Engineer. While a commissioned officer in the Navy, CDR. Hamma served on three ships; USS Dixie (AD 14), USS Columbus (CG 12), and USS Newport News (CA 148). He shares his passion for ship history with his interests in other modes of transportation, most notably automobiles and railroads.

The Providence, Rhode Island based SSHSA is the largest and oldest organization of its kind in the country, dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing information about the history of engine powered vessels, and is a recognized 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit organization.

President's Column

by CDR. John F. Hamma, USN (Ret.)

As the newly-elected President of the Steamship Historical Society of America, I am looking forward to furthering the goals of the Society in many ways. I appreciate the vote of confidence by our members in electing our current slate of Directors, and the vote of the Directors in trusting me to be the president who leads us forward from here.

But first, a word of appreciation to the Immediate Past President, Bob Cleasby, who held the position for the previous nine years. His dedication and his skills resulted in many notable achievements, perhaps most significantly the transition from a mostly all-volunteer Society to bringing on our most excellent Executive Director, Matt Schulte.  Bob also guided us through the evolution of Steamboat Bill, our flagship journal since 1940, to the current full-color, professional appearing magazine that it is today.

The Society has been struggling in recent years, as have most non-profit organizations, to maintain a positive balance sheet without cutting needed and desired services. We are in the process of developing a long-term program to increase revenue, and we are also engaging in a short-term “interim solutions” to enhance this year’s cash flow.  In that vein, we will continue our Annual Appeal in July.  We hope those who have not contributed in the past will consider an Appeal gift this year. We are also launching our first ever membership drive, targeted, in a comprehensive manner, to dramatically increase our membership base. Additionally, we will be reaching out to members more, to go back again to our social roots of old fashioned friendship, gatherings and kinship which is the basis for our foundation.

Another goal is to improve the communication and increase the interaction of our members with the Society and with the Board and Staff. Should you have any questions or comments, at any time, feel free to email me at jfhamma@aol.com or mail me at the SSHSA headquarters at 1029 Waterman Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914.  Likewise, feel free to call Headquarters at 401-274-0805 and talk to Matt Schulte or any one of his wonderful staff members.

Last, but certainly not least, it’s not too early to start planning for our 2012 Annual Meeting. We are planning the meeting for Baltimore, aboard the N/S SAVANNAH, the United States’ nuclear-powered passenger-cargo ship that entered service fifty years ago in 1962. In addition to the SAVANNAH, Baltimore hosts a wealth of maritime history, and it is also home to the very excellent Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad Museum. Washington, DC, with its overwhelming list of attractions and the opportunity to see our government in action, is barely an hour away from Baltimore. We are still finalizing the dates, but it will be mid-May or mid-June, 2012. Pencil in the time frame and plan a vacation to the East Coast or to the mid-Atlantic Coast as the case may be. It will be a fun and rewarding time.

John

CDR. John F. Hamma, USN (RET)

MV Prudence Turns 100!

by Alissa Cafferky, Research Assistant

On May 28th, Membership Coordinator Diana Sheil, Research Assistant Alissa Cafferky, and SSHSA Member and Volunteer Ed Spinney  traveled to Hyannis, Massachusetts to attend the 100th birthday celebration for the MV Prudence.  The coastal steamer was built in 1911 in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and in 1962 was purchased by Hy-Line Cruises to run sightseeing tours past the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. Prudence is one of the oldest continuous merchant vessels documented and still runs one-hour sightseeing tours to this day.

Celebration guests included town and state representatives, past and present employees of Hy-Line Cruises, and past and present captains of the Prudence. Proclamations from Senator John Kerry and the Hon. William R. Keating of the Massachusetts House of Representatives were presented to the Prudence and Hy-Line Cruises, as were congratulatory speeches reminiscing fond memories of the MVPrudence.  SSHSA presented a congratulatory certificate for 100 years of continuous service.  After enjoying cake and refreshments, guests were treated to the Prudence’s rechristening ceremony by Richard Scudder of Hy-Line Cruises. 

This 100th birthday celebration coincided with the opening of the Cape Cod Maritime Museum's latest exhibit, "MV Prudence: 100 Years," which features memorabilia, photos (some from SSHSA's own collection!), newspaper articles, and a film documentary discussing the vessel and sharing stories about the captains, passengers, and voyages of the Prudence.  The exhibit is open through September 25, 2011. For more information, please visit the Cape Cod Maritime Museum's website here. Thank you to SSHSA member Sheila Scudder for her support of SSHSA, and to the Scudder family for their ongoing, successful efforts to maintain the historic Prudence and keep her in service.

SSHSA Summer Membership Drive Underway

SSHSA's summer membership drive is in full swing!

The drive is intended to introduce our organization to new audiences whose interests lie in maritime history and recreation; and to encourage current members to upgrade to a higher membership level.  The drive offers SSHSA the opportunity to not only grow its membership, but to also generate much needed revenue.

The backbone of the membership drive begins with SSHSA's postcard series entitled "History and Culture of Fine Motor Yachts," designed by Cornerstone Media and featuring SSHSA research and images from the Image Porthole. A 16-page, full-color invitational booklet introducing our newest membership category, the Captains' Circle, also designed by Cornerstone Media, is being mailed to prospective members.  View the brochure online and learn more about the Captains' Circle, or call our office at (401) 274-0805 to request a copy!

We encourage existing members to provide additional support by upgrading their membership to the Captains' Circle.  This is a very significant part of the membership drive!  The standard membership level of $50 pays only for the production and distribution of PowerShips magazine.  With the majority of our members participating at the $50 level, most of the membership dues we receive do not cover any operating costs.  Increasing our membership and receiving dues upgrades from current members is critical in order for SSHSA to sustain its daily operations. We've initiated new terms for the member levels, as a fun, updated way to associate your membership level with maritime history. If you'd like to help, please upgrade your membership today and receive new benefits while knowing that your membership is providing vital support to SSHSA. 

Click here to see the new benefits!

Help Us Drive Membership!

Do you have friends or family interested in maritime history? We invite you to refer friends or family for membership to SSHSA.  For every new member we receive from your referral, receive $5.00 off of your next membership renewal!  That means if you refer two friends, take $10 off your renewal.  You must act now! Referrals must be received before October 2011 in order for us to process your discount.

From the Wheelhouse: Highlights from the Executive Director's Report

By Matthew S. Schulte

Staff, interns, and volunteers have been hard at work.  Part-time Researcher & Social Media Coordinator Astrid Drew has been accepted into the graduate program in Library Science at Simmons College in Boston.  Astrid will continue her work at SSHSA but may have fewer hours available as she adjusts to her school schedule this Fall.  Alissa Cafferky, part-time researcher, has already surpassed last year’s projects in research and is on her way to surpassing last year’s photo sales. She also recently graduated from University of Rhode Island with a double-major in English and Writing. Congratulations to Astrid and Alissa!

Our volunteers have been a tremendous help over the past few months.  We have enjoyed the return of our twice weekly volunteer Bob Enos.  Bob has been working for several months on sorting various “loose” postcards and organizing them by shipping line and ship.  Volunteer Ed Spinney has recently helped out by traveling to Newport to pick up a donation of books from the Armchair Sailor Bookstore, and by taking on the hefty job of tallying member ballots for the 2011 Board of Directors vote.  Ed also joined staff at the recent 100^th Birthday Celebration event for the MV Prudence in Hyannis, Massachusetts. New volunteer John O’Connor will be getting started on projects with SSHSA such as helping to identify ships in the Image Porthole.

SSHSA’s Dibner Intern Jillian Fulda recently completed her internship and graduated from the University of Rhode Island in May.  Jillian most recently created electronic documents on our unique collections and about the SSHSA Founders for the new website.

We welcome new Board Member Captain James McNamara back to the BOD of SSHSA!  New officers were elected as well at the meeting in Norfolk, including CDR. John Hamma, President; Dr. Bill Flayhart, Vice President, Ms. Mary Payne, Vice President, and Mr. Bob Hughes, Treasurer.  We are seeking a candidate to fill the open position of Secretary. 

SSHSA’s collaboration with the American Heritage online National Museum Portal continues to grow as our banner, logo, and images are now populating their site.

We are seeking new story submissions and articles from our members and friends on various topics under the three themes of Ships, Passengers, & Crew -- such as RMS Titanic related articles, highlighting yachts, and stories about launches. Much more of this will be developed as planning gets underway for 2012.

The 2011 NASOH Meeting was held May 12-14, 2011 in Norfolk, VA.  CDR. John Hamma and I attended and met up with several other SSHSA members. All meeting participants received promotional materials as well as a complimentary issue of PowerShips.

I also traveled to California to meet with CDR. John Hamma at the end of April, as well as Regional Vice President and SoCal Chapter Chair Bruce Vancil.  We also attended the CAMM Conference.  A generous SSHSA member, who would like to remain anonymous, underwrote the costs associated with the entire trip!

Upcoming Board Meetings

September 23-25, 2011 Board Meeting at ACBS International Boat Show in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.  Visit www.grandandglorious2011.com for details.

January 29, 2012 Board Meeting in New Orleans, LA.  Board Member John Williams is helping coordinate along with the Steamboat Celebration Symposium scheduled for January 28, 2012.  Details to follow.

Please continue to monitor our website www.sshsa.org and click on the "links" button for the latest updates on events, and current and new key strategic partnerships underway.

Get Involved this Summer at SSHSA

SSHSA is initiating a large-scale project dedicated to classifying and identifying unknown vessels in the Image Porthole.  Currently, the Image Porthole hosts more than 60,000 digital images, though many of the vessels depicted remain unidentified.

SSHSA is looking for member volunteers to help us identify these vessels.  Whether you have a general knowledge of ships, or your hobby or expertise pertains to one type of vessel, we'd love to have your help!  Please email info@sshsa.org or call (401) 274-0805 to learn more about this project.

Unique Career Opportunity Aboard the SY Cangarda

Steam Engineer

The steam yacht Cangarda is looking for an engineer.  Work aboard the vessel will begin in July 2011.  If interested and qualified, please email your resume to mschulte@sshsa.org.

This position will take some training and there is a sophisticated training manual and hands on work with Chief Engineer available.  Interested persons should have a high respect for the nature of work aboard a vessel and should meet the following criteria and be prepared to perform the following duties:

• Must have pleasant disposition and must work well as a member of a ship’s crew
• Must demonstrate cleanliness
• Ability to be at sea for a month or more per year
• Ability to be flexible in engine room maintenance (paint as well as keep machinery running)
• Must have an interest in steam engine operation
• Reasonable knowledge of ships systems
• Water maker
• Grey and black water storage and disposal
• Use and maintenance of oily water separator, generators, and stabilizers
• A reasonable knowledge of ships computer/electronic system, navigational electronics, communication electronics

Cangarda is likely to be winter stored in Mystic, Connecticut and will be sailed out of Islesboro, Maine in the summer.  There is a possibility of a cruise to Honduras next March/April.

Please send a resume to Matthew Schulte at mschulte@sshsa.org.

Sail to Alaska & British Columbia with SSHSA members on Celebrity Infinity July 1 to July 8, 2011
Join SSHSA July 4th Holiday Week as we sail to Alaska and Victoria, British Columbia aboard Celebrity Cruises magnificent Celebrity Infinity. This 90,000 ton deluxe cruise ship debuted in 2001 and is one of the finest in service. Her specialty, extra tariff restaurant and adjoining lounge are dedicated to SSHSA's Co-2010 Ship of the Year, the SS United States, boasting artifacts from our beloved flagship and incorporating some of her works into the decor. Cick here for more information!

SSHSA Initiates Summer Membership Drive

In early June, SSHSA officially launched a large-scale membership drive that will last through the end of the year.  The drive is intended to primarily introduce our organization to new audiences whose interests lie in maritime history and recreation.  Reaching out to potential new members will offer SSHSA the opportunity to not only grow its membership, but to also generate much needed revenue.

SSHSA and our marketing representatives at Cornerstone Media have designed a series of postcards to encourage recipients to learn more about the organization. Following the postcard series, prospective members will receive a 16-page, full-color invitational booklet encouraging them to join SSHSA. This booklet is currently in production by Cornerstone Media.

Our membership drive is not only for new members! We encourage existing members to provide additional support by upgrading their membership to a level that will help sustain our non-profit organization. This is a very significant part of the membership drive!  The standard membership level of $50 pays only for the production and distribution of PowerShips magazine.  With the majority of our members participating at the $50 level, most of the membership dues we receive do not cover any operating costs.  Increasing our membership and receiving dues upgrades from current members is critical in order for SSHSA to sustain its daily operations. We've initiated new terms for the member levels, as a fun, updated way to associate your membership level with maritime history. If you'd like to help, please upgrade your membership today and receive new benefits while knowing that your membership is providing vital support to SSHSA. 

New Benefits include but are not limited to:

•     Complimentary subscription to American Heritage magazine.
•     Published recognition of in The Telegraph and PowerShips magazine.
•     Specially-selected historic photographic prints from the Image Porthole
•     And more!

Help Us Drive Membership!

Do you have friends or family interested in maritime history? We invite you to refer friends or family for membership to SSHSA.  For every new member we receive from your referral, receive $5.00 off of your next membership renewal!  That means if you refer two friends, take $10 off your renewal level.  You must act now! Referrals must be received before October 2011 in order for us to process your discount.

President Robert Cleasby Delivers Farewell Speech

May 15, 2011 - Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

So the Steamship Historical Society of America has just celebrated its 75th birthday. Looking back to 1935 it is easy to see how we’ve matured, how we’ve grown. My, how we’ve survived…. My, how we are turning the corner… We are preparing ourselves for the next 75 years in an exciting, dynamic, state-of-the-art way.

All of this hasn’t come easily or quickly though. It has been at times, wrenchingly difficult and tasks seemed daunting but here we are and we are moving ahead.

We’ve sandblasted and repainted our hull. Gone are the barnacles that have slowed us down and made us ugly. New paint that sparkles in the sunlight has been applied. Our superstructure has been completely rebuilt, and redesigned to take into account all of the needs of the next several decades. We have hired a great new commander who has settled into leading us into brand new ports of call.

Our public spaces are exciting. We hear about them everyday, and for the first time they are all linked, for the efficient use of both our passengers and the general public.

Our power-plant is state of the art, we are leaders in the use of new technology. Others are consulting with us as to how to apply our ideas to their old 20th century operations.

We have rebuilt that which was good, and beefed up the operation in order to move full speed ahead into the future. Whereas the phones rang little in the past, they ring off the hooks now.

We are, and have charted, our courses for the future using the best of state of the art radar, and GPS. We can see at least seven years into the future with a great deal of clarity and a sense of certainty. We factor in long range weather reports so as to be prepared for any unusual blows. And we have had a great deal of experience in battening down the hatches and hoving-to when things get tough. We know what headwinds are.

Our passenger manifests are growing and passenger requests for services are really taking off, in one instance, already exceeding our income estimates for this entire year.

The Board that manages the whole operation is stronger today than any time in recent history, maybe than in our 75 year history. Commitment grows all around.

The crew is united and enthusiastic and is using the latest state of the art social tools to connect us to our passengers of the future. There is a feeling of excitement and innovation at the Company Offices, which now are completely inadequate for the amount of activity they must bear.

Advertising and Marketing is now state of the art. Products are clear and well defined. The company journal is rated first class by all who read it in this country and beyond.

Our partnering grows monthly and we are reaching out to vast numbers of new people and many new people are reaching out to us. We now hold a very public presence nationwide and are respected in all circles of the maritime world. People’s heads are turning.

In short, we are ready to cast off, ready to embark upon the greatest adventure yet to face the SSHSA.

We are ready to take some well thought out calculated risks in order to bring the great ship which is the Steamship Historical Society of America, into full fruition. We do not ask for tasks equal to our powers; but powers