Steamship Historical Society

Collections - Steamship Historical Society Learn about SSHSA's archives, collections, and maritime reference library and how to conduct research with us.

Curious about other items in our collections? Visit shiphistory.org/collections/ to learn more.

Ship History Through recording, preserving, and educating, the mission of the Steamship Historical Society of America is to share the impact of engine-powered vessels, their crews, and their passengers with future...

You can find historic films from our collection on our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/@shiphistory. Subscribe to stay up to date on our #shiphistory films.

Originally broadcast on The Cavalcade of America, starring Ray Milland, in October, 1951. 33-1/3 RPM, 7" disk in jacket, within envelope including insert story by James H. Winchester.

We have more than just photographs in our collections! This recording of a story titled "The Ship the Nazis Had to Get" is about the transport SEATRAIN TEXAS that carried tanks and supplies for allied forces in Africa during World War II. SSHSA Audio / Visual Collection. #MaritimeHistory

The course is charted, but steady support is required to carry this campaign safely into harbor. Your contributions are crucial as we steam toward our $75,000 milestone. Every dollar you contribute does more than support the mission of SSHSA; it doubles the impact at a pivotal moment.

Ninety yrs ago, our founders established the SSHSA. Ninety years later, it's truly fascinating to see how their legacy has been carried forward by generous individuals like you, who believe in preserving & sharing this unique maritime history w/ future generations.

Your ongoing support for our mission is appreciated and vital to our success and existence as an organization. Your belief in our cause has been an anchor in the stormiest seas, enabling us to stay the course.

We are halfway to $75,000! With $37,549 raised, we're building momentum toward our goal. Your support is the power that will bring us to the finish line. Double your donation at shiphistory.org/fullahead/.

We extend our deepest gratitude to those who have already contributed.

Events - Steamship Historical Society SSHSA Speaker Series 2026 – Live at the Ship History Center or via Zoom Join us at the Ship History Center near the airport in Warwick, Rhode Island. These events are open to members, the public, and ...

Please join us for our next talk about the Larchmont sinking off Block Island, RI presented by Daniel Harrington on Saturday March 28. The tragedy has been dubbed 'the Titanic of New England.' Stay up to date at shiphistory.org/events/.

#MaritimeHistory

Thanks to everyone who joined in person and virtually. If you missed it, you can watch it on our website at shiphistory.org/past-events/.

#MaritimeHistory

Thank you to SSHSA VP Capt Eric Takakjian for kicking off our 2026 Distinguished Speaker Series at the Ship History Center & via Zoom! He presented about the book he co-authored with Randall Peffer, Yarmouth Castle Burning: The Deadliest Passenger Ship Disaster off the Coast of the US Since 1934.

Thank you!!!

During WWII, it became the US troopship WAKEFIELD. #OnThisDay in 1942, it was damaged by fire in the North Atlantic and abandoned, but later towed to Halifax. It was reconditioned at Boston as a permanent troopship and was eventually sold in 1964. It was scrapped the following year at Kearny, NJ.

The MANHATTAN was built in 1930 by the New York Shipbuilding Corp in Camden, NJ for the United States Lines. There was accommodation for 582 cabin class, 461 tourist class, and 196 third class passengers. Launched on May 12, 1931, MANHATTAN's maiden voyage from New York took place on Oct. 8, 1932.

Poster advertising the United States Lines' MANHATTAN with panels of color views of rooms aboard ship. Stephen Barrett Chase Collection, SSHSA Archives.

Find more posters from this collection at bit.ly/ChasePosters.

Image: Women engine builders pose in front of a completed engine at Hooven, Owens, Rentschler Co., an Ohio-based steam & diesel engine manufacturer. They built engines for various shipyards, including the Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. General Machinery Corporation Collection, SSHSA Archives.

Women and Minorities in Shipbuilding During the Second World War - Steamship Historical Society Students can learn about the role women and minorities played during World War II and how gender roles changed in society at the time.

In this standards-aligned lesson, you'll learn about the multiple ways women contributed to the war effort, including roles in the maritime industry that had never before been available to them, and how women’s work changed pre-war to post-war: shiphistory.org/2025/03/27/w....

#MaritimeHistory

Women served on the home front in wartime industries, in uniform, and at home. More women than ever entered the workforce with men off fighting as the United States entered World War II. This caused changes to societal roles for women, Black Americans, immigrants, and other minorities.

It's #WomensHistoryMonth! When people hear about women’s role in World War II, the image of Rosie the Riveter typically comes to mind; and while many did take industry jobs, American women and other minorities helped with the war effort during World War II in several ways. #MaritimeHistory

Newsletters - Steamship Historical Society Sign up for our e-newsletters today so you are always informed about all things Steamship Historical Society.

Be sure to join our email list at shiphistory.org/newsletter/ and stay tuned for more details on how to join via Zoom.

Our Speaker Series is live at the Ship History Center in Warwick, RI or via Zoom! VP Captain Eric Takakjian will present about the Yarmouth Castle Burning, the Deadliest Passenger Ship Disaster off the Coast of the US since 1934 on March 7 at 10:30 a.m. ET. Doors open at 10 a.m.

#MaritimeHistory

Menu for dinner aboard the Holland America Line ship ROTTERDAM #onthisday, during the Around the World Cruise of 1963. The cover art is a scene in color of a couple about to kiss on a deck, amidst streamers and a red balloon. Kenneth Gaulin Collection, SSHSA Archives.

#MaritimeHistory

SHIPS - The Elmo N. Pickerill Collection with Curator Jordan Berson YouTube video by Ship History

Watch the film about the fascinating Elmo N. Pickerill Collection at the SSHSA. Pickerill served as Chief Radio Operator aboard the SS LEVIATHAN for most of the ship’s career. He was also an early aviator, taught by the Wright brothers AND Marconi! www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKRG...

#MaritimeHistory

The Virtual Museum is made possible by the annual support from The Family of Helen and Henry Posner, Jr.

Image: SS Princess Royal by J. Beckett. Oil on canvas, 19” x 33”. Posner Maritime Art Collection, SSHSA Archives.

When entering each gallery, you can view the individual images and read a brief description of the artwork. Click on an image to see an enlarged screen view with additional up-close shots and a description of the object’s condition where available.

Have you visited our Virtual Museum? The works on display represent just a portion of SSHSA’s substantial collections. You can view materials from the Posner Maritime Art Collection and the Vincent M. Love Collection. Visit shiphistory.org/virtual_muse... to learn more! #MaritimeHistory

We are deeply grateful for your generosity and your renewed support will move this challenge closer to completion.

Your support now will power our engines and guide our course to the finish line. Please consider extending your impact today as every dollar doubles this challenge. For example, a gift of $3,000 will turn into $6,000 once we reach our $75,000 goal.

During our first Full Ahead Campaign, supporters helped us reach transformative milestones including:
- securing the Ship History Center where we showcase & safeguard countless maritime treasures
- expanding STEAM educational opportunities
- strengthening our dedicated crew
- and so much more!

We are thrilled to share that we have so far raised $35,894 of our $75,000 goal for the 2026 Posner Challenge. That's 48% of the way to our goal! What a powerful start. With your help we can get past the 50% mark together. Make a contribution online at shiphistory.org/fullahead/. #MaritimeHistory