Our Mission & History

Kaiulani, 1941-1942

From its beginnings as a small group of maritime preservationists determined to save an 1899 merchant bark, the Kaiulani, the last American-built square rigger, the National Maritime Historical Society has become the national voice for America's maritime heritage. As a result of this effort, the group recognized a broad need for an organization to raise awareness of our nation's maritime history and the role seafaring has played in shaping civilization.

The National Maritime Historical Society's headquarters are located on the banks of the scenic Hudson River, a waterway rich in American history. Founded in 1963, NMHS is a not-for-profit membership organization endeavoring to raise awareness of our nation's maritime heritage through publications, educational programs, sail training, and the preservation of historic ships.

The Society communicates with its members through its quarterly publication, Sea History, recognized as the pre-eminent journal of advocacy and education in the field. Sea History covers the world of maritime museums, shipping history, and the art, literature, adventure, lore, and learning of the sea.

NMHS carries out the work of the National Maritime Education Initiative, chaired by Walter Cronkite, this year recognizing the Captain John Smith 400 Project, part of America's 400 Anniversary Celebration of Jamestown, VA, for excellence in maritime education. NMHS educational programs also encompass Teacher-at-Sea training, educational cruises and land excursions, and partners with national and state maritime academies.

The Society fosters academic involvement in maritime heritage and is honored to be a sponsor of The 8th Maritime Heritage Conference in San Diego in October 2007.  The Maritime Heritage Conference is a triennial event designed specifically for those from all walks of life interested in maritime culture, history, and heritage.  It gives the opportunity for researchers in the manifold aspects of the story of human interaction with oceans, seas, and waterways, to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for this integral part of our history.   Specialists in maritime history, education, the preservation of historic vessels, marine sanctuaries, underwater archaeology, as well as interested amateurs will have the opportunity to socialize, exchange experiences and ideas, and learn from each other.  This will occur through formal receptions, keynote addresses, and close to 200 individual papers to be delivered at more than seventy panels.

We also offer stimulating member events, filled with new maritime experiences. NMHS members will gather in May 2008 for our Annual Meeting at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels,  MD. We also offer opportunities to take exciting cruises on the four-masted barquetine Star Clipper from St. Maarten, the Corinthian II in Antarctica, and the Queen Mary II in the Caribbean.

The National Maritime Historical Society has diligently supported groups endeavoring to rescue historic ships. We have helped to save numerous ships including the bark Elissa, the Liberty ship John W. Brown, and the Pacific schooner Wapama.

Sea History Press publishes reference works on historic ships and the historic ships movement, maritime museums, and classics of sail training. Sea History Press publications include Norman J. Brouwer's International Register of Historic Ships, Irving Johnson's classic, The Peking Battles Cape Horn, Gordon McGowan's The Skipper and the Eagle, and Sea History's Guide to Maritime Programs and Cultural Sites: New York Region.

The National Maritime Historical Society is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization with a Board of Trustees whose elected officials are the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary. The officers and the respective Committee Chairs comprise the Executive Committee. The Overseers, Advisors, and Honorary Trustees are composed of prominent persons from the maritime world who lend their names, expertise, and guidance to the operation of the Society.

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