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Major themes include maritime history, technology, art, commerce, and culture of the sea. Following is a list of our most significant collection topics:
Chesapeake Bay
Discover the largest inlet in the Atlantic Coastal Plain of the eastern United States. Find information on the history, settlement, exploration, culture, art, customs, commerce, recreation, navigation and seafaring life of the ports of Hampton Roads, of the Virginia portions of the Bay and of its tributaries. Search for material on Bay boats, as well as selected items on Maryland portions of the Bay, estuaries, marine resources, and the natural environment and stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay.
Alexander C. Brown Papers: 1940-1980 Juniper Waterway ; Lightships; RMS Lusitania ; Old Bay Line (Baltimore Steam Packet Company); US Coast Guard; US Navy; Virginia Pilots; World War II—correspondence, ephemera, manuscripts, notes, photographs (MS137)Baltimore Steam Packet Company Collection: 1924-1959 annual reports, financial statements (MS201)Captain F. W. Hershey Papers: 1921-1932 journals (MS037)E. Runk Kayan Collection: 1890's Menhaden Products Company Papers: 1920's-1930's correspondence (MS027) Records of the Virginia Pilot Association, 1866-1984 correspondence, photographs, ledgers (MS114)
Civil War Navies, USS Monitor and CSS Virginia
Relive the Battle of Hampton Roads through eye-witness accounts and contemporary interpretations. Examine archaeological discoveries and learn how the event was viewed by the 19th-century press. Delve into all aspects relating to the design, construction, and operation of the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia . Review material from the NOAA Monitor National Marine Sanctuary USS Monitor Collection and related material on Civil War naval history.
Aaron Oberly Letters: 1861, 1864-1865 correspondence (MS0011)Alexander Moor Letter: 1862 April Monitor—letter (MS0392)Anna Holloway Coffee Card Collection: 1889-1900 Monitor ; CSS Virginia ; Battle of Hampton Roads—post cards, coffee cards, cigarette cards (MS0438)August B. Sage Letter: 1862 Virginia ; USS Cumberland ; USS Monitor —correspondence (MS332)Austin D. Thompson Papers: 1863 correspondence (MS076)Barna Cook Papers: 1863-1865 military papers (MS078)Battle of Hampton Roads Cigarette Card: 1911 Monitor ; CSS Virginia —cigarette card (MS0360)Benjamin F. Isherwood Letter: 1893 Virginia ; USS Monitor —correspondence (MS331)Charles H. Eldredge Papers: 1861-1916 correspondence, military papers (MS098)Charles K. Mallory Letters: 1862-1866 correspondence (photocopies) (MS315)Civil War Sailor Tintype: 1860s photograph, union case (MS0431)Collection of David G. Farragut Documents:1861-1864 correspondence, military papers (MS313)Continental Iron Works Checks: 1860s checks (MS0351)CSS Virginia Postcard: 1907-1910 Virginia ; Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition—cancelled postcard (MS0429)Dabney Minor Scales Letters: 1862 Arkansas —correspondence (photocopies) (MS318)David Kent Collection: 1862-1865 photographs (MS0311)Elwin M. Eldredge Collection: Notebooks: Blockade Runners: 1861-1865 notes (MS091)Elwin Eldredge Collection on John H. Morrison: 1881-1921, 1958 correspondence, notes, reports (MS006)Fort Monroe Telegrams: 1862 telegrams (MS0413)Francis L. Galt Papers: undated Alabama —journal entries (photocopies) (MS328)Franklin Buchanan Papers: 1861-1873 military papers, photographs, (MS081)George S. Geer Family Papers, 1862-1995 Henry Eaton Coleman Papers: 1862 Monitor ; CSS Virginia —correspondence (MS319)Henry M. Wright Papers: 1861-1917 certificates, military papers, regulations (MS0072)Henry W. Phillips Papers: 1863-1868 correspondence, military papers (MS074)Irwin M. Berent Collection: 1862-present correspondence, manuscripts, pension records, reports, photographs (MS164)Isaac Newton Jr. Family Papers: 1829-1932 Monitor ; Peninsula Campaign; CSS Virginia —certificates, correspondence, ephemera, military papers, notes, photographs, publications, reports (MS013)J. W. Tynan Papers: 1889-1890 Merrimac ; CSS Virginia —correspondence, photographs (MS077)Jacob Nicklis Family Letters: 1862-1880 Monitor; US Navy—correspondence (MS363)James D. Bulloch Collection: 1860-1907 contracts, newspaper articles, spy reports (MS283)James M. Duncan Family Papers: 1860-1988 certificates, correspondence (MS079)John C. Beaumont Journal, 1862-1863 USS Sebago, USS Nantucket , Siege of Charleston, Fort Wagner—journal (MS409)John Cary Letter: 1862 Virginia ; USS Monitor —correspondence (MS334)John Ericsson and Samuel Taylor Letters: 1887 correspondence (MS0188)John Ericsson Letter: 1864 Monito r, John Ericsson—letter ( MS0312)John Ericsson Letter on Caloric Engines: 1858 January letter (MS0464)John Ericsson Letter on Engine Design: 1859 letter (MS0349)John L. Worden Papers: 1844-1896Monitor —certificates, correspondence, ephemera, photographs, reports (MS016)Joseph Leland Cosby Papers: 1862-1897 correspondence (MS299)Joseph R. Clark Letter, 1862 USS Monitor—correspondence (MS393)Seth Ledyard Phelps Papers, 1856-1873 (MS 0033) correspondence, crew lists, government papers, military papers (MS033)Matthew F. Maury Resignation Letter: 1861 correspondence (photocopies) (MS324)Michael Guinan Letters: 1862, 1864 correspondence (MS0073)Monitor Collection Associated Records Monitor , Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—correspondence, reports, memoranda, photographs, videotapes, audiotapes, motion picture films (MS0390)Monitor Design and Construction CollectionMonitor—correspondence, receipts, telegraphs (MS0335) NARA USS Monitor Collection: 1861-1862 Virginia ; John Dahlgren; Gustavus Fox; John Griswold; USS Monitor ; Gideon Welles; John Winslow—contracts, correspondence, drawings, reports, specifications (photocopies) (MS341)Northrop Grumman Newport News USS Monitor Photograph Collection: 2001-2002 photographs (color) (MS336)Quincy Holt Civil War Image Collection: 1861-1865 Passaic ; USS Monitor ; Virginia —stereographs (MS0384)Robert B. Pegram Collection: 1830-1864 certificates, correspondence, ephemera (MS084)Robert Weir Papers: 1862-1864, 1868 Richmond —drawings, notes (MS007)Samuel Gilbert Webber Letters and Sketch: 1862 December Monitor ; USS Rhode Island —correspondence, drawings (MS080)Susan Milhoan Collection: circa 1880-1950 correspondence, articles, obituaries, booklets (MS0398)Thomas F. Burpee Papers: 1863 correspondence (MS075)Thomas Kevill Confederate Veterans Certificate: 1890 Virginia ; CS Army -- membership certificate (MS0504)Thomas F. Rowland Collection: 1862-1910 Kaatskill ; USS Monitor —contracts, notes, patents, photograph albums, plans (MS376)Thomas H. Stevens Papers: 1862 Monitor; Charles Wilkes—correspondence, military papers (MS358)Union Soldier Letter Detailing Transport from Alexandria, VA to Fort Monroe: 1862 April Fort Monroe, Va.; USS Monitor —letter (MS0329)USS Monitor Design and Construction Collection: 1861-1862 orrespondence, receipts, telegraphs (MS335)USS Monitor Patriotic Cover: 1865 Monitor —envelope (MS071)USS Monitor Specification Book and Plans: 1862 Monitor ; Shipbuilding industry; USS Passaic —specification book, plans (MS0423)William Byrns Letter: 1862 May 15 letters, envelopes (MS0414)William deRohan Papers: 1840's-1880's correspondence, drawings, newspaper articles, notes, publications (MS008)William F. Keeler Letter: 1863 US Navy; USS Florida; USS Monitor -- correspondence (MS0457) William McBlair Papers: 1850's-1860's correspondence, reports (MS018)William Monegan Letters: 1861-1885 William R. Cheek Letter: 1862 correspondence (MS293)
Culture of the Sea
Become immersed in the ethnology, anthropology, religion, mythology, traditions, music, literary works, superstitions, and medical practices relating to the sea. Explore traditions and myths surrounding fishing rituals, crossing-the-line ceremonies, the lost city of Atlantis, sea monsters and tattoos. Survey maritime art including paintings, jewelry, printing, textiles, object d'art, scrimshaw, ship models, photographs, drawings, sculpture, rope work, knot work, furniture, figureheads, porcelain, pottery, folk art, woodcarving.
Ashley's Book of Knots Manuscript Collection: 1944 drawings, notes (MS166)Carl Everingham Collection: 1960's correspondence, ephemera, notes, photographs, publications (MS160)Charles M. Wright Collection: 1850's-1930's photographs (MS268)Edwin Tappan Adney Papers: 1897-1949 clippings, correspondence, drawings, manuscripts, notes, photographs (MS20)Elwin M. Eldredge Collection: 1800-1964 correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper and magazine articles, notes, photograph albums, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS091)R. S. Brenner Collection: 1970's photographs (MS307)Roux Research Collection: 1950's newspaper articles, note, photographs (MS297)Sheet Music Collection: 1850's-1950's sheet music (MS093)Sound Recording Collection: 1930's-present cassette tapes, compact discs, reel tapes, vinyl discs (MS019)
Exploration, Voyages of Discovery and Travel
Search primary and secondary sources on voyages and expeditions that occurred over the past two thousand years. Although the concentration is on the last four hundred years, this topic contains descriptions of all types of voyages: circum-navigational, trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific, Indian Ocean, and polar. Accounts contain geographic, navigational, political, economic, cultural, scientific, and natural history information, as well as personal narratives and biographical data.
Baldwin-Ziegler Collection: 1901 Frithjof; Polar Exploration—photograph albums (MS271)D. F. Welch Collection: 1910's photographs (MS264)Eclipse Expedition Photo Album: 1889 Pensacola (1859)—photograph albums (MS321)Edward Peirce Collection, 1848-1852 Andalusia ; California Gold Rush—correspondence, maps, drawing (MS12)George M. Parker Papers: 1843-1856 correspondence, ships' papers (MS214)Joseph Judge Papers: 1980's-1990's notes (MS025)Robert B. Pegram Collection: 1830-1864 certificates, correspondence, ephemera (MS084)Robert G. Skerrett Collection: 1880's-1940's Lusitania ; Naval Aviation; Naval Medicine; SS Normandie ; Robert Peary; Polar Exploration; Salvage; Ship Launchings; Steamships; Submarines; Torpedoes; US Navy; World War II—newspaper and magazine articles, correspondence, ephemera, government papers, manuscripts, patents, photographs, plans (MS163)Tim Severin Collection: 1992-1993 newspaper articles, correspondence, notes (MS085)USRC Bear Collection: 1890's photographs; negatives (MS145)
Geography and Cartography
Examine maps, charts, and atlases dating from the 16th century to the present. Investigate works on cartography, historical geography, global locations, islands, ports, coastal communities, astronomy, geography of the oceans, natural resources, migration, and selected items on oceanography. Gain knowledge of national borders, natural resources, the slave trade, growth of nations, military engagements and sea power.
Edward Peirce Collection, 1848-1852 Andalusia ; California Gold Rush—correspondence, maps, drawing (MS12)Stewart B. Nelson Collection: 1960's-1970's photographs, notes (MS143)William Sanger Collection: 1898-1903 charts, correspondence, journals, maps, photographs, survey books (MS136)
Harbors and Ports
Explore histories, port activities, papers, photographs and images of major seaport cities, harbors, and river and coastal towns. There is a strong focus on North America.
Atlantic Deeper Waterways Collection: 1909 photographs (MS245)Baltimore Port Authority Records: 1797-1805 government papers, ships' papers (MS141)Charles R. Patterson Collection: 1930's-1940's photographs (MS255)Dennis P. Meyers Stereoview Collection: 1860's-1910's stereoviews (MS308)John Bowen Collection: 1960's-1970's photographs (MS191)Milton H. Dickey Collection: 1921-1963 booklets, certificates, newspaper articles, photographs (MS244)Records of the Virginia Pilot Association, 1866-1984 correspondence, photographs, ledgers (MS114)Virginia Ferry Corporation Papers: 1941 correspondence, ephemera, photographs, publications (MS119)Virginia Pilots Association Papers: 1900's-1980's certificates, financial papers, journals, microfilms, minutes, photographs, publications (MS114)William B. Collier Collection: 1917-1949 certificates, correspondence, photographs (MS241)
Immigration and Slave Trade
Reconstruct the immigrant's maritime experience, and in particular, emigration to North America. View selected passenger lists and indexes, as well as books on immigrant ships, early trans-Atlantic migrations, and immigration law. Uncover information on forced migrations, such as the transatlantic and coastal slave trades, and the movement of indentured servants.
Inland Waterways and Canals
Peruse information on canals, inland waterways and watercraft. Review business papers, correspondence and photographs of waterways, including the Great Dismal Swamp.
Alexander C. Brown Papers: 1940-1980 correspondence, ephemera, manuscripts, notes, photographs, research material (MS137)Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Company Papers: 1836-1843 business papers (MS211)Clinton Havill Papers: 1915 Ohio ; Panama Canal—correspondence (MS243)W. W. Old Collection: 1930's photographs (MS251)
Lighthouses and Lifesaving
Search lighthouse reports, histories, personal narratives, architectural drawings, and correspondence. Examine photographs of lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, lifeboats and the US Lifesaving Service.
Captain H. A. Burns Papers: 1909-1934 certificates, correspondence, journals, logbooks, ships' papers (MS028)John Bowen Collection: 1960's-1970's photographs (MS191)Joseph Francis Papers: 1849-1851 correspondence (MS304)Nancy H. Marshall Lighthouse Photograph Collection, 1950s-2000 photographs, postcards, stamps, ephemera (MS340)Ralph Smith Collection: 1930's photographs (MS190)William Sanger Collection: 1898-1903 charts, correspondence, journals, maps, photographs, survey books (MS136)
The Mariners’ Museum and Huntington Family
Learn about the history of The Mariners' Museum, founded by Archer and Anna Huntington in Newport News, Virginia in 1930.
Anna H. Huntington Sculpture Collection: 1930s photographs (MS259)Brookgreen Gardens Collection: 1930s photographs (MS252)Cerinda Evans Papers: 1880's-1960's business papers, certificates, correspondence, ephemera, microfilm, notes (MS004)Frederick F. Hill Collection: 1935-1937 photographs (MS157)Iconography of Ships Collections: 1932 photographs (MS284)
Maritime Commerce, Merchant Marine and Work Boats
Study international harbors, port authorities, marine terminals, and major trade routes. Research merchant companies and steamship lines that shaped history. Browse information on fisheries, whaling, the seafood industry, ocean mining, maritime shipping law and the trade of particular goods.
A. P. Burruss Collection: 1918-1945 postcards, shore passes (MSS248)Agents of Virginia Collection: 1772-1802 correspondence (MS242)Alan A. Lynn Collection: 1948-1949 certificates, photographs, postcards (MS183)Albert Barnes Collection: 1820-1968 correspondence, drawings, ephemera, newspaper and magazine articles, notes, photographs (MS198)Baltimore Steam Packet Company Collection: 1924-1959 annual reports, financial papers (MS201)Calvin W. Becker Papers: 1870's-1890's certificates, correspondence (MS082)Captain H. A. Burns Papers: 1909-1934 certificates, correspondence, journals, logbooks, ships' papers (MS028)Charles P. Leverick Collection: 1850's-1860's correspondence, ships' papers (MS069)D. F. Barry Collection: 1900's-1920's photographs (MS263)Dudley Woodbridge Papers: 1780's business papers (MS100)Ed Kacyinski Papers: 1940's-1950's Merchant Marine—certificates, scrapbooks (MS148)Elwin M. Eldredge Collection: 1800-1964 correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper articles, notes, photograph albums, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS091)Frederick J. Sedgewick Collection: 1890’s-1930’s correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper articles, notes, photographs, postcards (MS095)George H. Howland Papers: 1849-1856 correspondence, ledger books (MS106)H. B. Smith Collection: 1910's photograph album s (MS279)Hendricks Brothers Collection: 1847-1886 accounts, bills of lading, receipts (MS210)Henry Eagleton Papers: 1870's-1920's certificates, correspondence, journals, maps, newspaper articles, photographs, postcards, tables (MS029)Horne Brothers Collection: 1940's-1950's financial papers, photographs, plans (MS222)Isaac Harris Papers: 1845-1863 business papers, correspondence, legal papers, newspaper articles, ships' papers (MS036)J. M. Hood Company Papers: 1849-1860 business papers, correspondence (MS103)Jerry Bielicki Collection: 1970's-1980's photographs (MS173)John Frye Collection: 1920's-1980's photographs (MS199)John P. Reeder Collection: 1880's-1960's notes, photographs (MS147)Ken and Jean Haviland Collection: 1900-1986 clippings, photographs, notes, subject files (MS342)Massachusetts Fishing Voyages Collection: 1798-1814 logbooks (MS051)Menhaden Products Company Papers: 1920's-1930's correspondence (MS027)Merchant Marine Collection: 1930's-1960's correspondence, ephemera, legal papers, manuscripts, photographs (MS112)Nathan Long Papers: 1793-1815 business papers, correspondence (MS101)Newport News US Customs Collection: 1900-1950 government papers, legal papers, ships' papers (MS040)Olive S. Southard Papers: 1870's-1880's business papers, correspondence, ships' papers (MS124)Pennsylvania Railroad Vessels in Hampton Roads: 1930's 1950's business papers, correspondence, photographs (MS128)Phil Meyers Collection: 1940's-1970's photographs (MS 178)Reanie, Neafie & Company Papers: 1844-1861 business papers, correspondence, journals (MS102)Roanes General Store Collection: 1870's-1890's business papers (MS060)Robert J. Williams: 1944-1946 certificates, identification cards, photographs (MS218)Sail Card Collection: 1840's-1870's advertisements, schedules (MS009)Sailing Card Collection, 1850 sail cards (MS9) Samuel H. Harrison Collection: 1950's-1960's business records, correspondence, ephemera, handbooks, photograph albums, reports (MS126)Securities Collection: 1840's-present certificates, legal papers (MS053)Seth Low Papers: 1830-1835 ships' papers (MS070)Stewart & Nesbitt Papers: 1782-1790 business papers, correspondence (MS001)Swift & Allen Papers: 1839-1863 correspondence (MS257)Thomas Downing Papers: 1950's-1970's bills, correspondence, ephemera, notes, photographs, reports (MS138)Thomas McKnight Papers: 1879-1903 certificates, correspondence (MS107)Thomas Reynolds Collection: 1920's-1930's photographs (MS172)Thomas W. Williams Papers: 1850-1880 booklets, correspondence, crew lists, deeds, ships' papers (MS044)Townsend & Stanton Collection: 1758-1836 bills of lading (MS109)Whalemen's Shipping List Collections: William Barthold Lamont Lieste Papers: 1918-1957 certificates, correspondence, ephemera, ships' papers (MS046)William C. Hoffman Shipping Agents Papers: 1795-1934 insurance papers, ships' papers (MS039)William Dennett Papers: 1830's-1850's business papers (MS026)William H. Sivan & Sons, Inc. Papers: 1830's business papers, ships' papers (MS115)William Hagey Papers: 1909-1950 certificates, ephemera, notes, plans, postcards (MS087)William Hunt & Company Papers: 1829-1872 business papers, correspondence, ships' papers (MS127)Witherle Shipping Collection: 1790's-1860's ships' papers (MS061)
Naval History and Naval Vessels
Become engaged in the development, growth, technological advances, and use of naval power. This material is international in scope, with an emphasis on North American and European navies and ranges from ancient eras to recent conflicts. Review vessel histories and firsthand, press and photographic accounts of naval campaigns. Analyze naval strategies, ordnance, the rise of the defense industries, and the development of submersible craft, steam powered craft, iron clad ships, air power, and battleships. Study the flags, manuals, prisons, customs, ceremonies, and medicine related to naval life.
A. A. Hoehling "Great War at Sea" Collection: 1950's manuscripts, notes (MS047)A. A. Hoehling Photograph Collection: 1914-1919 photographs (MS258)Admiral David G. Farragut Collection: 1861-1865 correspondence, military papers (MS313)Andrew Calligeris Papers: 1934-1966 certificates, journals, notes (MS113)Arthur K. Thompson Papers: 1917-1939 correspondence, manuals, notes, photographs (MS133)Barna Cook Papers: 1863-1865 military papers (MS078)Captain H. A. Burns Papers: 1909-1934 certificates, correspondence, journals, logbooks, ships' papers (MS028)Carlton Chapman Collection: 1898-1899 scrapbooks (MS042)Chester A. Lozier Papers: 1917-1918 Cumberland ; US Navy; World War I—correspondence (MS038)Cigarette Card Collection: 1910's-1950's cards (MS204)Coleman Kent Papers: 1944-1945 correspondence, photographs (MS043)Don E. Gammon Collection: 1920's-1980's correspondence, ephemera, photographs, plans, notes (MS168)E. L. Elliot Papers: 1940's-1980's certificates, ephemera, negatives, photographs, reports (MS088)Elwin M. Eldredge Collection: 1800-1964 correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper and magazine articles, notes, photograph albums, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS091)English Ordnance Manual: 1843 Royal Navy; Gunnery—drawings; manuscripts (MS265)Erastus W. Smith Papers: 1840-1880 Ernest W. Stirling Collection: 1923 Mississippi ; US Navy—photograph albums (MS231)Ernest Peterkin Collection: 1914-1919 photographs (MS181)Fred Archer Collection Papers: 1940's-1970's certificates, ephemera, newspaper articles, notes (MS086)Frigate Virginia Research Collection: 1778-1780 logbooks, manuscripts, notes (MS130)George F. Pushan Collection: 1917-1919, 1992 Henderson ; US Navy; USS Virginia ; World War I—photographs (MS174)George Masters, Jr. Collection: 1944-1946 accounts, newsletters, photographs, postcards (MS182)George S. Geer Papers: 1862-1866 USS Monitor—correspondence (MS010)George Warming Collection: 1915-1917 ephemera, photographs, postcards (MS189)Harold Sniffen Collection: 1942-1945 Harry S. Taylor Papers: 1910's-1920's certificates, correspondence, notes, photographs, scrapbooks (MS059)Henry D. Wilson Collection: 1880's-1910's scrapbooks (MS161)Henry M. Wright Papers: 1861-1917 certificates, military papers, regulations (MS072) Henry W. Phillips Papers: 1863-1868 correspondence, military papers (MS074)Isaac Newton Papers: 1840-1935 Monitor ; Peninsula Campaign; CSS Virginia —certificates, correspondence, ephemera, military papers, notes, photographs, publications, reports (MS013)J. G. Dugdale Collection: 1914-1916 Royal Navy; Gallipoli Campaign; HMS Prince of Wales; World War I—photograph album (MS196)Jacob Nicklis Papers: 1862-1863 Monitor; US Navy—correspondence (MS363)Jay Warren Collection: 1920's-1930's photographs (MS170)John B. Huhn Collection: 1920's-1940's ephemera, photographs (MS171)John C. Beaumont Journal, 1862-1863 USS Sebago, USS Nantucket , Siege of Charleston, Fort Wagner—journal (MS409)John Ericsson Letter: 1864 Monitor —correspondence (MS312)John L. Worden Papers: 1850’s-1880’s Monitor —certificates, correspondence, ephemera, photographs, reports (MS016)John O. Sands Papers: 1960's-1970's Joseph D. Legere Papers: 1944-1946 Gherardi ; World War II—correspondence (MS066)Lester Beardslee Collections: 1890's-1900's invitations, newspaper articles, photographs, programs (MS260)Lily McCarthy Collection: 1780's-1950's maps, photographs, plans, stamps (MS285)Lorraine M. Bartlett Papers: 1943-1945 correspondence, ephemera, military papers, newspaper articles, photographs (MS041)Mclwane Naval Career Collection: 1920's scrapbooks (MS150)Milton H. Dickey Collection: 1921-1963 booklets, certificates, newspaper articles, photographs (MS244)P. Shepard/Stephen Donelly Papers: 1885-1891 journal (MS291)Postal Stamp and Cover Collection: 1840-present envelopes, stamps (MS002)Rezin H. Gist Papers: 1813 correspondence (MS292)Robert G. Skerrett Collection: 1880's-1940's Robert Loder Papers: 1917-1918 correspondence, photographs (MS065)T. B. DeNegre, Jr. Papers: 1898 photographs, scrapbooks (MS151)Thomas F. Rowland Collection: 1862-1910 Kaatskill ; USS Monitor —contracts, notes, patents, photograph albums, plans (MS376)Thomas H. Stevens Papers: 1862 Monitor; Charles Wilkes—correspondence, military papers (MS358)USS Bon Homme Richard Collection: 1940's-1960's photographs (MS177)USS Constellation: 1910's-1920's Constellation ; US Navy Vessels—newspaper articles, photographs (MS253)USS Hampton Collection: 1993-present correspondence, ephemera, minutes, photographs, plans (MS035)USS Java Outfitting Papers: 1815 ships' papers (MS215)USS Monitor Design and Construction Collection: 1861-1862 orrespondence, receipts, telegraphs (MS335)Virgil N. Respess Papers: 1942-1955 certificates (MS301)Virginia Ferguson Papers: 1910-1914 newspaper articles, photographs (MS235)W. R. Akers Papers: 1912 Texas —notes (MS186)William Culver: 1941-1945 correspondence, manuscripts, notes (MS129)William Moneghan Papers: 1861-1862 correspondence (MS014)William Pinkney Papers: 1807-1808 correspondence (MS097)William S. Wheeler Papers: 1856 World War II US Navy Ship History Collection: 1930's-1950's ephemera, manuscripts, notes, photographs (MS200)
Navigation and Seamanship
Explore information on coastal, inland and ocean navigation. Study material on seamanship, including skills necessary to operate vessels, such as celestial navigation and the use of navigational instruments, including horological instruments. Seek out works on navigational aids, such as buoys, nautical tables, pilot's guides and sailing directories. Find selected items on maritime weather and safety at sea.
Addington D. Frye Papers: 1865-1868 correspondence (MS208)Charles H. B. Caldwell Collection: 1865 correspondence, drawings (MS238)Edward J. Willis Collection: 1920's-1930's charts, correspondence, newspaper articles, manuscripts, reports (MS162)Edward J. Willis Collection: 1932-1936 patents (MS108)English Ordnance Manual: 1843 drawings; manuscripts (MS265)John Bowen Collection: 1960's-1970's photographs (MS191)Matthew F. Maury Manuscript: 1848 manuscript (photocopies) (MS326)R. S. Brenner Collection: 1970's photographs (MS307)Werner Caskel: 1930's manuscripts, notes (MS295)
Recreation and Recreational Watercraft
Follow your recreational interests into boating, sailing, cruising, water sports, races and the history of Chris-Craft industries and antique classic boats. Trace histories of the Gold Cup Races, water skiing, surfboarding, wakeboarding, swimming, beaches, boat shows, yacht clubs, recreational fishing, diving, rafting, rowing, tubing and other water sports.
Arthur Piver Collection: 1950's-1960's correspondence, drawings, notes, photographs, plans, publications (MS232)Barney M. Kerstine Collection: 1942-1947 newspaper articles, photographs (MS184)Basnight Boat Works Collection: 1947-1968 certificates, newspaper articles, notes, photographs, lists (MS142)Chris-Craft Boat Company Collection: 1922-1980 Glenville S. Tremaine Collection: 1930's-1940's catalogs, photographs, plans (MS278)Hampton-One Design Papers: 1950's-1970's correspondence, newspaper and magazine articles, photographs (MS022)Horace E. Dodge Boat Company Collection: 1930's-1940's John L. Hacker Collection: 1935-1961 correspondence, ephemera, photographs, plans (MS310)Lewis R. Gardner Collection: 1903-1959 ephemera, invoices, logbooks, newspaper articles, photographs P. J. Grant Collection: 1870's-1880's photograph albums (MS267)R. R. Moore Collection: 1880's-1960's photographs, plans (MS205)Richard Mitchell Collection: 1930's-1980's correspondence, ephemera, manuscripts photographs, postcards (MS139)Robert Speltz Small Craft Collection: 1910's-1990's advertisements, catalogs, ephemera, newspaper and magazine articles (MS146)T. T. Holder Papers: 1910's photographs (MS221)Yacht Nourmahl Collection: 1910-1914 correspondence, plans, boat specifications (MS052)
Sailing Vessels
Discover sailing vessel design, construction and activities from around the world. Analyze historical treatments, commercial and recreational perspectives, using correspondence, plans, and photographs. Strengths include yachting, especially The America's Cup, along with selected coverage of noteworthy sailing vessels.
Adrian C. Nuzzo Collection: 1856-1860 ships' papers (MS296)Bottomry Case Collection: 1806-1814 correspondence, legal papers, ships' papers (MS049)C. C. Carts Papers: 1920's-1930's correspondence, drawings, newspaper articles, notes (MS058)Charles M. Wright Collection: 1850's-1930's photographs (MS268)Charles W. DeVoe Papers: 1902-1903 manuscripts, photographs (MS116)Edward Peirce Collection, 1848-1852 Andalusia ; California Gold Rush—correspondence, maps, drawing (MS12)James Newton Collection: 1930's photographs (MS227)Joe Evangelista Collection: 1980-1889 photographs (MS236)M. Brewington Papers: 1920's-1940's correspondence, newspaper articles, photographs, notes (MS063)Martin C. Malone Collection: 1920's photographs (MS149)Noah Schovill Papers: 1785-1786 ships' papers (MS110)Sailing Card Collection, 1850 sail cards (MS9) Scharpenburg Papers: 1860's-1870's bills of lading, ships' paper s (MS230)
Shipbuilding, Ship Design and Ship Models
Examine an extensive collection on shipbuilding, naval architecture, marine engineering, shipyards, navy yards, and boatbuilding, especially Northrop Grumman Newport News, formerly Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. Study materials on marine machinery, marine engines, ship and boatbuilding materials, hydraulic engineering, hydraulic structures, ship model making, ship decoration including figureheads, and shipbuilding apprentice schools. Learn how to conduct maintenance and repair on ships, yachts and boats.
Abbott H. Thayer Papers: 1910's Baker Manufacturing Company Papers: 1955-1967 ephemera, film, newspaper articles, photographs, publications, reports (MS021)C. C. Carts Papers: 1920's-1930's correspondence, drawings, newspaper articles, notes (MS058)Charles Bailey Collection: 1903-1905 photographs (MS270)Charles E. Emery Papers: 1890 correspondence (MS266)Donnell Brass Foundry Papers: 1860's-1890's business papers, correspondence, journals (MS089)Edwin S. Cramp Papers: 1900's-1910's correspondence, financial papers (MS226)Edwin Tappan Adney Papers: 1897-1949 clippings, correspondence, drawings, manuscripts, notes, photographs (MS20)Elwin M. Eldredge Collection: 1800-1964 correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper and magazine articles, notes, photograph albums, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS091)Erastus W. Smith Papers: 1840-1880 correspondence, government papers, plans, ships' papers (MS067)Floating Dry Dock Camouflage Design Sheets: 1941-1945 diagrams, plans (MS056)G. Guy Via Collection: 1930's-1940's correspondence, handbooks (MS269)Henry A. Leigh Papers: 1880's-1940's ephemera, journals, notes, photographs (MS030)Henry A. Swanton Collection: 1895-1903 photograph albums (MS197)Herbert L. Broadbelt Collection: 1920's photographs (MS249)Homer Ferguson Notebook Collection: 1890's notes (MS280)Isaac Newton Papers: 1840-1935 Monitor ; Peninsula Campaign; CSS Virginia —certificates, correspondence, ephemera, notes, orders, photographs, publications, reports (MS013)J. V. Patterson Papers: 1904-1928 business papers, correspondence, drawings, photographs, plans (MS152)James Rumsey Papers: 1789 correspondence (MS048)John Ericsson Letter, 1859 correspondence (MS349)John Morrison Papers: 1904-1911 Monitor ; New York Shipyards; CSS Virginia —correspondence, notes, reports (MS006)John Oxford Collection: 1730 manuscripts (MS302)Marcus F. Ritger, Jr. Collection: 1940's-1950's Forrestal ; The Mariners' Museum; Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company; Norfolk, VA; USS Ranger; Skipjacks; US Navy—photographs (MS192)NARA USS Monitor Collection: 1861-1862 Virginia ; John Dahlgren; Gustavus Fox; John Griswold; USS Monitor ; Gideon Welles; John Winslow—contracts, correspondence, drawings, reports, specifications (photocopies) (MS341)Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company Launching Collection: 1931-1946 photographs (MS155)Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company Record Prints Collection: 1882-1938 photographs (MS153)Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company Ship Repair Collection: 1943-1962 photographs (MS154)Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company Views and Apartments Collection: 1917-1919 photographs (MS156)North Carolina Shipping Papers: 1941-1946 charts, correspondence, photographs, plans, publications, reports (MS032)Samuel H. Harrison Collection: 1950's-1960's business records, correspondence, ephemera, handbooks, photograph albums, reports (MS126)Sea Legs Collection: 1950's-1960's photographs, notes, publications, reports (MS090)SS United States Construction Photos: 1951-1952 photographs (MS240)Sydney L. Wood Collection: 1930's-1950's booklets, manuals (MS309)Thomas F. Rowland Collection: 1862-1910 Kaatskill ; USS Monitor —contracts, notes, (MS376)USS Monitor Design and Construction Collection: 1861-1862 orrespondence, receipts, telegraphs (MS335)W. M. A. Fletcher Papers: 1880's-1930's New York, NY; Shipbuilding; Shipyards—business papers, correspondence (MS123)William Angas Papers: 1936-1940 correspondence, notes, photographs, plans (MS134)William C. Hoffman Shipping Agents Papers: 1795-1934 insurance papers, ships' papers (MS039)William F. Gibbs Collection: 1910's-1960's business records, correspondence, ephemera, journals, manuscripts, notes, patents, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS179)
Shipwrecks, Collisions, Salvage and Underwater Archaeology
Immerse yourself in the study of underwater archaeology, marine salvage, shipwrecks, treasure and wreck sites, especially the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. Examine materials on salvage standards and practices, excavations, legal issues, and deep diving.
Barque Kobenhaven Collection: 1938-1944 correspondence, ephemera, manuscripts, newspaper articles, notes, photography (MS121)Captain J. Johnson Papers: 1900-1928 business papers, correspondence, legal papers (MS111)Cowley Diving Serving Collection: 1930's-1940's photographs (MS194)Elliot Snow Papers: 1930's-1950's correspondence, ephemera, invitations, manuscripts, notes (MS023)Frank Aks Collection: 1912-1980's correspondence, ephemera, legal papers, newspaper articles, photographs (MS140)George E. Ashby Papers: 1856-1883 certificates, correspondence, manuscripts, military papers, newspaper articles, notes (MS122)Grant S. Taylor Collection: 1880's-1950's drawings, ephemera, notes, photographs (MS064)John E. Williamson Collection: 1913-1914 photographs (MS175)Ken and Jean Haviland Collection: 1900-1986 clippings, photographs, notes, subject files (MS342)Mary Lines Letter, 1912 Titanic; Carpathia; shipwrecks—correspondence (MS435)Northrop Grumman Newport News USS Monitor Photograph Collection: 2001-2002 Monitor ; NOAA; Salvage—photographs (MS336)R. W. Orrell Papers: 1914-1974 Cyclops —certificates, correspondence, newspaper articles, reports (MS068)RMS Lusitania Collection: 1915-1957 correspondence, manuscripts, newspaper articles (MS045)Robert G. Skerrett Collection: 1880's-1940's correspondence, ephemera, government papers, manuscripts, newspaper articles, patents, photographs, plans (MS163)Samuel W. Stanton Collection: 1870's-1910's correspondence, drawings, ephemera, journals, notes, photographs (MS094)Virginia Ferguson Papers: 1910-1914 newspaper articles, photographs (MS235)
Steamships and Passenger Liners
Explore all aspects of the design, construction, and history of steam, nuclear and diesel powered ships. Trace the history of steamships from transportation to a means of recreation. Browse through photographic images, steamship line histories, scrapbooks, newspaper articles and business correspondence.
Airfoto Collection: 1970’s photographs (MS165)Alexander C. Brown Papers: 1940-1980 correspondence, ephemera, manuscripts, notes, photographs, research material (MS137)Baltimore Steam Packet Company and Chesapeake Steamship Company Merger Records: 1939-1940 business papers; legal papers; reports (MS132)Baltimore Steam Packet Company Collection: 1924-1959 annual reports, financial papers (MS201)C. R. Suter Collection: 1870's-1910's photographs (MS180)Captain H. A. Burns Papers: 1909-1934 certificates, correspondence, journals, logbooks, ships' papers (MS028)Cecil Spanton Ashdown Collection: 1940-1981 newspaper articles, photographs, scrapbooks (MS234)Cecil Spanton Ashdown Papers: 1950's-1980's booklets, calculations, correspondence, ephemera, plans (MS220)Charles Krcilek Papers: 1931-1932 correspondence (MS117)Christian Bjornson Papers: 1936-1940 correspondence, ephemera, notes (MS118)Cigarette Card Collection: 1910's-1950's cards (MS204)Denys P. Meyers Stereoview Collection: 1860's-1910's photographs (MS308)E. J. Timmons Collection: 1939 photographs (MS158)Elliot Snow Papers: 1930's-1950's correspondence, ephemera, invitations, manuscripts, notes (MS023)Elwin M. Eldredge Collection: 1800-1964 correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper and magazine articles, notes, photograph albums, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS091)Erastus W. Smith Papers: 1840-1880 correspondence, government papers, plans, ships' papers (MS067)Ernest A. Maier Collection: 1930-1983 photographs (MS206)Frederick J. Sedgewick Collection: 1890’s-1930’s correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper articles, notes, photographs, postcards (MS095)Frederick Parker Collection: 1910's-1930's Grant S. Taylor Collection: 1880's-1950's drawings, ephemera, notes, photographs (MS064)Harry C. Armstrong Collection: 1960's photographs (MS193)Ken and Jean Haviland Collection: 1900-1986 clippings, photographs, notes, subject files (MS342)Kowalchie Collection: 1968-1969 ephemera, maps, plans (MS239)Leo E. Ullman Jr. Collection: 1937-1967 newspaper articles, menus, passenger, postcards, tickets (MS256)Marcus F. Ritger, Jr. Collection: 1940's-1950's Forrestal ; The Mariners' Museum; Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company; Norfolk, VA; USS Ranger ; Skipjacks; US Navy—photographs (MS192)Mary Lines Letter, 1912 Titanic; Carpathia; shipwrecks—correspondence (MS435)Nieuw Amsterdam Menus, 1953-1954 Nieuw Amsterdam—menus (MS417)Phil Meyers Collection: 1940's-1970's photographs Postal Stamp and Cover Collection: 1840-present envelopes, stamp s (MS002)Rolf Bjornson Papers: 1980's-1990's ephemera, newsletters (MS017)Samuel W. Stanton Collection: 1870's-1910's correspondence, drawings, ephemera, journals, notes, photographs (MS094)SS Ephemera Box List SS Ephemera Folder Listing: 1840’s-present ephemera (MS015)SS United States Construction Photos: 1951-1952 photographs (MS240)SS United States Scrapbook: 1951-1960 correspondence, ephemera, newspaper and magazine articles, photographs (MS096)William F. Gibbs Collection: 1910's-1960's business records, correspondence, ephemera, journals, manuscripts, notes, patents, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS179)William Tippitt Collection: 1865-1888 manuscripts, newspaper articles, photographs (MS120)
The Special Collections area of The Mariners' Museum Library at Christopher Newport University collects manuscripts, maps and charts, and log books and journals on the history of humankind’s relationship to the sea and its tributaries. 
