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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.
Baltimore Steam Packet Company Collection: 1924-1959 annual reports, financial statements (MS201)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)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)
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.
Irwin M. Berent Collection: 1862-present correspondence, manuscripts, pension records, reports, photographs (MS164)Franklin Buchanan Papers: 1860's military papers, photographs, publications (MS081)James D. Bulloch Collection: 1860-1907 contracts, newspaper articles, spy reports (MS283)Thomas F. Burpee Papers: 1863 correspondence (MS075)John Cary Letter: 1862 Virginia ; USS Monitor —correspondence (MS334)William R. Cheek Letter: 1862 correspondence (MS293)Henry Eaton Coleman Papers: 1862 Monitor ; CSS Virginia —correspondence (MS319)Berna Cook Papers: 1863-1865 military papers (MS078)Joseph Leland Cosby Papers: 1862-1897 correspondence (MS299)James Duncan Papers: 1860-1871 certificates, correspondence (MS079)Charles H. Eldredge Papers: 1861-1916 correspondence, military papers (MS098)Elwin M. Eldredge Collection: Notebooks: Blockade Runners: 1861-1865 notes (MS091)Charles Ellis Collection: 1870's-1880's scrapbooks (MS131)John Ericsson Letter: 1864 Monitor —correspondence (MS312)Admiral David G. Farragut Collection: 1861-1865 correspondence, military papers (MS313)Francis L. Galt Papers: undated Alabama —journal entries (photocopies) (MS328)George S. Geer Papers: 1862-1866 correspondence (MS010)Michael Guinan Papers: 1862-1864 correspondence (MS073)Benjamin F. Isherwood Letter: 1893 Virginia ; USS Monitor —correspondence (MS331)Charles K. Mallory Letters: 1863 correspondence (photocopies) (MS315)Matthew F. Maury Resignation Letter: 1861 correspondence (photocopies) (MS324)William McBlair Papers: 1850's-1860's correspondence, reports (MS018)William Moneghan Papers: 1861-1862 correspondence (MS014)USS Monitor Design and Construction Collection: 1861-1862 orrespondence, receipts, telegraphs (MS335)USS Monitor Patriotic Cover: 1862-1863 Monitor —envelope (MS071)John Morrison Papers: 1904-1911 correspondence, notes, reports (MS006)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)Isaac Newton Papers: 1840-1935 Monitor ; Peninsula Campaign; CSS Virginia —certificates, correspondence, ephemera, military papers, notes, photographs, publications, reports (MS013)Jacob Nicklis Papers: 1862-1863 Monitor; US Navy—correspondence (MS363)Northrop Grumman Newport News USS Monitor Photograph Collection: 2001-2002 photographs (color) (MS336)Aaron Oberly Papers: 1861-1865 correspondence (MS011)Robert B. Pegram Collection: 1830-1864 certificates, correspondence, ephemera (MS084)Lt. Commander S. L. Phelps Papers: 1856-1873 correspondence, crew lists, government papers, military papers (MS033)Henry W. Phillips Papers: 1863-1868 correspondence, military papers (MS074)William deRohan Papers: 1840's-1880's correspondence, drawings, newspaper articles, notes, publications (MS008)Thomas F. Rowland Collection: 1862-1910 Kaatskill ; USS Monitor —contracts, notes, patents, photograph albums, plans (MS376)August B. Sage Letter: 1862 Virginia ; USS Cumberland ; USS Monitor —correspondence (MS332)Dabney Minor Scales Letters: 1862 Arkansas —correspondence (photocopies) (MS318)Thomas H. Stevens Papers: 1862 Monitor; Charles Wilkes—correspondence, military papers (MS358)Austin D. Thompson Papers: 1863 correspondence (MS076)J. W. Tynan Papers: 1889-1890 Merrimac ; CSS Virginia —correspondence, photographs (MS077)Samuel G. Webber Papers: 1862 Monitor ; USS Rhode Island —correspondence, drawings (MS080)Robert Weir Papers: 1862-1864, 1868 Richmond —drawings, notes (MS007)Gideon Wells Collection: 1862 Monitor ; CSS Virginia —correspondence (photocopies), reports (photocopies) (MS311)John L. Worden Papers: 1850’s-1880’s Monitor —certificates, correspondence, ephemera, photographs, reports (MS016)Henry M. Wright Papers: 1861-1917 certificates, military papers, regulations (MS072)
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.
Edwin Tappan Adney Papers: 1897-1949 clippings, correspondence, drawings, manuscripts, notes, photographs (MS20)Ashley's Book of Knots Manuscript Collection: 1944 drawings, notes (MS166)R. S. Brenner Collection: 1970's photographs (MS307)Elwin M. Eldredge Collection: 1800-1964 correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper and magazine articles, notes, photograph albums, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS091)Carl Everingham Collection: 1960's correspondence, ephemera, notes, photographs, publications (MS160)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)Charles M. Wright Collection: 1850's-1930's photographs (MS268)
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)USRC Bear Collection: 1890's photographs; negatives (MS145)Eclipse Expedition Photo Album: 1889 Pensacola (1859)—photograph albums (MS321)Joseph Judge Papers: 1980's-1990's notes (MS025)George M. Parker Papers: 1843-1856 correspondence, ships' papers (MS214)Robert B. Pegram Collection: 1830-1864 certificates, correspondence, ephemera (MS084)Tim Severin Collection: 1992-1993 newspaper articles, correspondence, notes (MS085)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)D. F. Welch Collection: 1910's photographs (MS264)
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.
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)John Bowen Collection: 1960's-1970's photographs (MS191)William B. Collier Collection: 1917-1949 certificates, correspondence, photographs (MS241)Milton H. Dickey Collection: 1921-1963 booklets, certificates, newspaper articles, photographs (MS244)Dennis P. Meyers Stereoview Collection: 1860's-1910's stereoviews (MS308)Charles R. Patterson Collection: 1930's-1940's photographs (MS255)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)
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.
John Bowen Collection: 1960's-1970's photographs (MS191)Captain H. A. Burns Papers: 1909-1934 certificates, correspondence, journals, logbooks, ships' papers (MS028)Joseph Francis Papers: 1849-1851 correspondence (MS304)William Sanger Collection: 1898-1903 charts, correspondence, journals, maps, photographs, survey books (MS136)Ralph Smith Collection: 1930's photographs (MS190)
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.
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)Anna H. Huntington Sculpture Collection: 1930s photographs (MS259)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.
Agents of Virginia Collection: 1772-1802 correspondence (MS242)Baltimore Steam Packet Company Collection: 1924-1959 annual reports, financial papers (MS201)Albert Barnes Collection: 1820-1968 correspondence, drawings, ephemera, newspaper and magazine articles, notes, photographs (MS198)D. F. Barry Collection: 1900's-1920's photographs (MS263)Calvin W. Becker Papers: 1870's-1890's certificates, correspondence (MS082)Jerry Bielicki Collection: 1970's-1980's photographs (MS173)Captain H. A. Burns Papers: 1909-1934 certificates, correspondence, journals, logbooks, ships' papers (MS028)A. P. Burruss Collection: 1918-1945 postcards, shore passes (MSS248)William Dennett Papers: 1830's-1850's business papers (MS026)Thomas Downing Papers: 1950's-1970's bills, correspondence, ephemera, notes, photographs, reports (MS138)Henry Eagleton Papers: 1870's-1920's certificates, correspondence, journals, maps, newspaper articles, photographs, postcards, tables (MS029)Elwin M. Eldredge Collection: 1800-1964 correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper articles, notes, photograph albums, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS091)John Frye Collection: 1920's-1980's photographs (MS199)William Hagey Papers: 1909-1950 certificates, ephemera, notes, plans, postcards (MS087)Isaac Harris Papers: 1845-1863 business papers, correspondence, legal papers, newspaper articles, ships' papers (MS036)Samuel H. Harrison Collection: 1950's-1960's business records, correspondence, ephemera, handbooks, photograph albums, reports (MS126)Ken and Jean Haviland Collection: 1900-1986 clippings, photographs, notes, subject files (MS342)Hendricks Brothers Collection: 1847-1886 accounts, bills of lading, receipts (MS210)William C. Hoffman Shipping Agents Papers: 1795-1934 insurance papers, ships' papers (MS039)J. M. Hood Company Papers: 1849-1860 business papers, correspondence (MS103)Horne Brothers Collection: 1940's-1950's financial papers, photographs, plans (MS222)George H. Howland Papers: 1849-1856 correspondence, ledger books (MS106)William Hunt & Company Papers: 1829-1872 business papers, correspondence, ships' papers (MS127)Ed Kacyinski Papers: 1940's-1950's Merchant Marine—certificates, scrapbooks (MS148)Charles P. Leverick Collection: 1850's-1860's correspondence, ships' papers (MS069)William Barthold Lamont Lieste Papers: 1918-1957 certificates, correspondence, ephemera, ships' papers (MS046)Nathan Long Papers: 1793-1815 business papers, correspondence (MS101)Seth Low Papers: 1830-1835 ships' papers (MS070)Alan A. Lynn Collection: 1948-1949 certificates, photographs, postcards (MS183)Massachusetts Fishing Voyages Collection: 1798-1814 logbooks (MS051)Thomas McKnight Papers: 1879-1903 certificates, correspondence (MS107)Menhaden Products Company Papers: 1920's-1930's correspondence (MS027)Merchant Marine Collection: 1930's-1960's correspondence, ephemera, legal papers, manuscripts, photographs (MS112)Phil Meyers Collection: 1940's-1970's photographs (MS 178)Newport News US Customs Collection: 1900-1950 government papers, legal papers, ships' papers (MS040)Pennsylvania Railroad Vessels in Hampton Roads: 1930's 1950's business papers, correspondence, photographs (MS128)Reanie, Neafie & Company Papers: 1844-1861 business papers, correspondence, journals (MS102)John P. Reeder Collection: 1880's-1960's notes, photographs (MS147)Thomas Reynolds Collection: 1920's-1930's photographs (MS172)Roanes General Store Collection: 1870's-1890's business papers (MS060)Sail Card Collection: 1840's-1870's advertisements, schedules (MS009)Securities Collection: 1840's-present certificates, legal papers (MS053)Frederick J. Sedgewick Collection: 1890’s-1930’s correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper articles, notes, photographs, postcards (MS095)William H. Sivan & Sons, Inc. Papers: 1830's business papers, ships' papers (MS115)H. B. Smith Collection: 1910's photograph album s (MS279)Olive S. Southard Papers: 1870's-1880's business papers, correspondence, ships' papers (MS124)Stewart & Nesbitt Papers: 1782-1790 business papers, correspondence (MS001)Swift & Allen Papers: 1839-1863 correspondence (MS257)Townsend & Stanton Collection: 1758-1836 bills of lading (MS109)Whalemen's Shipping List Collections: Robert J. Williams: 1944-1946 certificates, identification cards, photographs (MS218)Thomas W. Williams Papers: 1850-1880 booklets, correspondence, crew lists, deeds, ships' papers (MS044)Witherle Shipping Collection: 1790's-1860's ships' papers (MS061)Dudley Woodbridge Papers: 1780's business papers (MS100)
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.
W. R. Akers Papers: 1912 Texas —notes (MS186)Fred Archer Collection Papers: 1940's-1970's certificates, ephemera, newspaper articles, notes (MS086)Lorraine M. Bartlett Papers: 1943-1945 correspondence, ephemera, military papers, newspaper articles, photographs (MS041)Lester Beardslee Collections: 1890's-1900's invitations, newspaper articles, photographs, programs (MS260)USS Bon Homme Richard Collection: 1940's-1960's photographs (MS177)Captain H. A. Burns Papers: 1909-1934 certificates, correspondence, journals, logbooks, ships' papers (MS028)Andrew Calligeris Papers: 1934-1966 certificates, journals, notes (MS113)Carlton Chapman Collection: 1898-1899 scrapbooks (MS042)Cigarette Card Collection: 1910's-1950's cards (MS204)USS Constellation: 1910's-1920's Constellation ; US Navy Vessels—newspaper articles, photographs (MS253)William Culver: 1941-1945 correspondence, manuscripts, notes (MS129)T. B. DeNegre, Jr. Papers: 1898 photographs, scrapbooks (MS151)Milton H. Dickey Collection: 1921-1963 booklets, certificates, newspaper articles, photographs (MS244)J. G. Dugdale Collection: 1914-1916 Royal Navy; Gallipoli Campaign; HMS Prince of Wales; World War I—photograph album (MS196)Elwin M. Eldredge Collection: 1800-1964 correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper and magazine articles, notes, photograph albums, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS091)E. L. Elliot Papers: 1940's-1980's certificates, ephemera, negatives, photographs, reports (MS088)English Ordnance Manual: 1843 Royal Navy; Gunnery—drawings; manuscripts (MS265)Admiral David G. Farragut Collection: 1861-1865 correspondence, military papers (MS313)Virginia Ferguson Papers: 1910-1914 newspaper articles, photographs (MS235)Don E. Gammon Collection: 1920's-1980's correspondence, ephemera, photographs, plans, notes (MS168)Rezin H. Gist Papers: 1813 correspondence (MS292)USS Hampton Collection: 1993-present correspondence, ephemera, minutes, photographs, plans (MS035)A. A. Hoehling "Great War at Sea" Collection: 1950's manuscripts, notes (MS047)A. A. Hoehling Photograph Collection: 1914-1919 photographs (MS258)John B. Huhn Collection: 1920's-1940's ephemera, photographs (MS171)USS Java Outfitting Papers: 1815 ships' papers (MS215)Coleman Kent Papers: 1944-1945 correspondence, photographs (MS043)Joseph D. Legere Papers: 1944-1946 Gherardi ; World War II—correspondence (MS066)Robert Loder Papers: 1917-1918 correspondence, photographs (MS065)Chester A. Lozier Papers: 1917-1918 Cumberland ; US Navy; World War I—correspondence (MS038)George Masters, Jr. Collection: 1944-1946 accounts, newsletters, photographs, postcards (MS182)Lily McCarthy Collection: 1780's-1950's maps, photographs, plans, stamps (MS285)Mclwane Naval Career Collection: 1920's scrapbooks (MS150)Ernest Peterkin Collection: 1914-1919 photographs (MS181)William Pinkney Papers: 1807-1808 correspondence (MS097)Postal Stamp and Cover Collection: 1840-present envelopes, stamps (MS002)George F. Pushan Collection: 1917-1919, 1992 Henderson ; US Navy; USS Virginia ; World War I—photographs (MS174)Virgil N. Respess Papers: 1942-1955 certificates (MS301)John O. Sands Papers: 1960's-1970's Robert G. Skerrett Collection: 1880's-1940's P. Shepard/Stephen Donelly Papers: 1885-1891 journal (MS291)Erastus W. Smith Papers: 1840-1880 Harold Sniffen Collection: 1942-1945 Ernest W. Stirling Collection: 1923 Mississippi ; US Navy—photograph albums (MS231)Harry S. Taylor Papers: 1910's-1920's certificates, correspondence, notes, photographs, scrapbooks (MS059)Arthur K. Thompson Papers: 1917-1939 correspondence, manuals, notes, photographs (MS133)Frigate Virginia Research Collection: 1778-1780 logbooks, manuscripts, notes (MS130)George Warming Collection: 1915-1917 ephemera, photographs, postcards (MS189)Jay Warren Collection: 1920's-1930's photographs (MS170)William S. Wheeler Papers: 1856 Henry D. Wilson Collection: 1880's-1910's scrapbooks (MS161)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.
John Bowen Collection: 1960's-1970's photographs (MS191)R. S. Brenner Collection: 1970's photographs (MS307)Charles H. B. Caldwell Collection: 1865 correspondence, drawings (MS238)Werner Caskel: 1930's manuscripts, notes (MS295)English Ordnance Manual: 1843 drawings; manuscripts (MS265)Addington D. Frye Papers: 1865-1868 correspondence (MS208)Matthew F. Maury Manuscript: 1848 manuscript (photocopies) (MS326)Edward J. Willis Collection: 1932-1936 patents (MS108)Edward J. Willis Collection: 1920's-1930's charts, correspondence, newspaper articles, manuscripts, reports (MS162)
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.
Basnight Boat Works Collection: 1947-1968 certificates, newspaper articles, notes, photographs, lists (MS142)Chris-Craft Boat Company Collection: 1922-1980 Horace E. Dodge Boat Company Collection: 1930's-1940's Lewis R. Gardner Collection: 1903-1959 ephemera, invoices, logbooks, newspaper articles, photographs P. J. Grant Collection: 1870's-1880's photograph albums (MS267)John L. Hacker Collection: 1935-1961 correspondence, ephemera, photographs, plans (MS310)Hampton-One Design Papers: 1950's-1970's correspondence, newspaper and magazine articles, photographs (MS022)T. T. Holder Papers: 1910's photographs (MS221)Barney M. Kerstine Collection: 1942-1947 newspaper articles, photographs (MS184)Richard Mitchell Collection: 1930's-1980's correspondence, ephemera, manuscripts photographs, postcards (MS139)R. R. Moore Collection: 1880's-1960's photographs, plans (MS205)Yacht Nourmahl Collection: 1910-1914 correspondence, plans, boat specifications (MS052)Arthur Piver Collection: 1950's-1960's correspondence, drawings, notes, photographs, plans, publications (MS232)Robert Speltz Small Craft Collection: 1910's-1990's advertisements, catalogs, ephemera, newspaper and magazine articles (MS146)Glenville S. Tremaine Collection: 1930's-1940's catalogs, photographs, plans (MS278)
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.
M. Brewington Papers: 1920's-1940's correspondence, newspaper articles, photographs, notes (MS063)C. C. Carts Papers: 1920's-1930's correspondence, drawings, newspaper articles, notes (MS058)Bottomry Case Collection: 1806-1814 correspondence, legal papers, ships' papers (MS049)Charles W. DeVoe Papers: 1902-1903 manuscripts, photographs (MS116)Joe Evangelista Collection: 1980-1889 photographs (MS236)Martin C. Malone Collection: 1920's photographs (MS149)James Newton Collection: 1930's photographs (MS227)Adrian C. Nuzzo Collection: 1856-1860 ships' papers (MS296)Scharpenburg Papers: 1860's-1870's bills of lading, ships' paper s (MS230)Noah Schovill Papers: 1785-1786 ships' papers (MS110)Charles M. Wright Collection: 1850's-1930's photographs (MS268)
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.
Edwin Tappan Adney Papers: 1897-1949 clippings, correspondence, drawings, manuscripts, notes, photographs (MS20)William Angas Papers: 1936-1940 correspondence, notes, photographs, plans (MS134)Charles Bailey Collection: 1903-1905 photographs (MS270)Baker Manufacturing Company Papers: 1955-1967 ephemera, film, newspaper articles, photographs, publications, reports (MS021)Herbert L. Broadbelt Collection: 1920's photographs (MS249)C. C. Carts Papers: 1920's-1930's correspondence, drawings, newspaper articles, notes (MS058)Edwin S. Cramp Papers: 1900's-1910's correspondence, financial papers (MS226)Donnell Brass Foundry Papers: 1860's-1890's business papers, correspondence, journals (MS089)Elwin M. Eldredge Collection: 1800-1964 correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper and magazine articles, notes, photograph albums, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS091)Charles E. Emery Papers: 1890 correspondence (MS266)Homer Ferguson Notebook Collection: 1890's notes (MS280)W. M. A. Fletcher Papers: 1880's-1930's New York, NY; Shipbuilding; Shipyards—business papers, correspondence (MS123)Floating Dry Dock Camouflage Design Sheets: 1941-1945 diagrams, plans (MS056)William F. Gibbs Collection: 1910's-1960's business records, correspondence, ephemera, journals, manuscripts, notes, patents, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS179)Samuel H. Harrison Collection: 1950's-1960's business records, correspondence, ephemera, handbooks, photograph albums, reports (MS126)William C. Hoffman Shipping Agents Papers: 1795-1934 insurance papers, ships' papers (MS039)Henry A. Leigh Papers: 1880's-1940's ephemera, journals, notes, photographs (MS030)John Morrison Papers: 1904-1911 Monitor ; New York Shipyards; CSS Virginia —correspondence, notes, reports (MS006)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 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 Launching Collection: 1931-1946 photographs (MS155)Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company Views and Apartments Collection: 1917-1919 photographs (MS156)Isaac Newton Papers: 1840-1935 Monitor ; Peninsula Campaign; CSS Virginia —certificates, correspondence, ephemera, notes, orders, photographs, publications, reports (MS013)North Carolina Shipping Papers: 1941-1946 charts, correspondence, photographs, plans, publications, reports (MS032)John Oxford Collection: 1730 manuscripts (MS302)J. V. Patterson Papers: 1904-1928 business papers, correspondence, drawings, photographs, plans (MS152)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)Thomas F. Rowland Collection: 1862-1910 Kaatskill ; USS Monitor —contracts, notes, (MS376)James Rumsey Papers: 1789 correspondence (MS048)Sea Legs Collection: 1950's-1960's photographs, notes, publications, reports (MS090)Erastus W. Smith Papers: 1840-1880 correspondence, government papers, plans, ships' papers (MS067)Henry A. Swanton Collection: 1895-1903 photograph albums (MS197)Abbott H. Thayer Papers: 1910's SS United States Construction Photos: 1951-1952 photographs (MS240)Sydney L. Wood Collection: 1930's-1950's booklets, manuals (MS309)G. Guy Via Collection: 1930's-1940's correspondence, handbooks (MS269)
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.
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)Cowley Diving Serving Collection: 1930's-1940's photographs (MS194)Virginia Ferguson Papers: 1910-1914 newspaper articles, photographs (MS235)Ken and Jean Haviland Collection: 1900-1986 clippings, photographs, notes, subject files (MS342)Captain J. Johnson Papers: 1900-1928 business papers, correspondence, legal papers (MS111)Barque Kobenhaven Collection: 1938-1944 correspondence, ephemera, manuscripts, newspaper articles, notes, photography (MS121)RMS Lusitania Collection: 1915-1957 correspondence, manuscripts, newspaper articles (MS045)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)Robert G. Skerrett Collection: 1880's-1940's correspondence, ephemera, government papers, manuscripts, newspaper articles, patents, photographs, plans (MS163)Elliot Snow Papers: 1930's-1950's correspondence, ephemera, invitations, manuscripts, notes (MS023)Samuel W. Stanton Collection: 1870's-1910's correspondence, drawings, ephemera, journals, notes, photographs (MS094)Grant S. Taylor Collection: 1880's-1950's drawings, ephemera, notes, photographs (MS064)John E. Williamson Collection: 1913-1914 photographs (MS175)
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)Harry C. Armstrong Collection: 1960's photographs (MS193)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)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)Christian Bjornson Papers: 1936-1940 correspondence, ephemera, notes (MS118)Rolf Bjornson Papers: 1980's-1990's ephemera, newsletters (MS017)Alexander C. Brown Papers: 1940-1980 correspondence, ephemera, manuscripts, notes, photographs, research material (MS137)Captain H. A. Burns Papers: 1909-1934 certificates, correspondence, journals, logbooks, ships' papers (MS028)Cigarette Card Collection: 1910's-1950's cards (MS204)Elwin M. Eldredge Collection: 1800-1964 correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper and magazine articles, notes, photograph albums, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS091)William F. Gibbs Collection: 1910's-1960's business records, correspondence, ephemera, journals, manuscripts, notes, patents, photographs, plans, scrapbooks (MS179)Ken and Jean Haviland Collection: 1900-1986 clippings, photographs, notes, subject files (MS342)Kowalchie Collection: 1968-1969 ephemera, maps, plans (MS239)Charles Krcilek Papers: 1931-1932 correspondence (MS117)Ernest A. Maier Collection: 1930-1983 photographs (MS206)Denys P. Meyers Stereoview Collection: 1860's-1910's photographs (MS308)Phil Meyers Collection: 1940's-1970's photographs Frederick Parker Collection: 1910's-1930's Postal Stamp and Cover Collection: 1840-present envelopes, stamp s (MS002)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)Frederick J. Sedgewick Collection: 1890’s-1930’s correspondence, ephemera, maps, newspaper articles, notes, photographs, postcards (MS095)Erastus W. Smith Papers: 1840-1880 correspondence, government papers, plans, ships' papers (MS067)Elliot Snow Papers: 1930's-1950's correspondence, ephemera, invitations, manuscripts, notes (MS023)Samuel W. Stanton Collection: 1870's-1910's correspondence, drawings, ephemera, journals, notes, photographs (MS094)The Steamship Ephemera Collection: 1840’s-present ephemera (MS015)C. R. Suter Collection: 1870's-1910's photographs (MS180)Grant S. Taylor Collection: 1880's-1950's drawings, ephemera, notes, photographs (MS064)E. J. Timmons Collection: 1939 photographs (MS158)William Tippitt Collection: 1865-1888 manuscripts, newspaper articles, photographs (MS120)Leo E. Ullman Jr. Collection: 1937-1967 newspaper articles, menus, passenger, postcards, tickets (MS256)SS United States Construction Photos: 1951-1952 photographs (MS240)SS United States Scrapbook: 1951-1960 correspondence, ephemera, newspaper and magazine articles, photographs (MS096)
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. 
