Our latest exhibit is now open in the Library. American Classics: The First Half Century of Chris-Craft will be on display through May, 2014.

The legacy of Chris-Craft is rich in both tradition and innovation—the glossy mahogany hulls they built remain instantly recognizable as the epitome of classic pleasure boats. And with additional model lines that eventually included aluminum, plywood, steel, and fiberglass hulls—as well as kit boats and sailboats—there was a Chris-Craft designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of buyers around the world.

The story of Chris-Craft is one of originality, of business and industry acumen; it speaks to meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to craftsmanship. Using photographs, advertisements, and other materials drawn from our extensive Chris-Craft Collection, American Classics follows the trajectory of this unique corporation during its first decades—the evolution of a small-town, family-owned business which became the world’s largest builders of pleasure boats and drastically changed the industry.

The Library is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 12:00 pm-5:00 pm; Thursday, 12:00 pm-7:00 p.m.

We hope you’ll stop by to check it out!