Our Mission & History

National Maritime Historical Society:
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
From its beginnings as a small group of maritime preservationists that came together determined to save an 1899 merchant bark, the Kaiulani, the last American-built square rigger, the National Maritime Historical Society has become the standard bearer for America's maritime history and heritage.

Founded in 1963, the Society is a not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to raise awareness of our nation's maritime heritage and the role seafaring has played in shaping civilization, through publications, educational programs, sail training and the preservation of historic ships.

Today, the Society is supported by a large and active membership, and all who cherish our seafaring heritage are invited to join.

NMHS 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, sail training, shipping history, and the art, literature, adventure, lore and learning of the sea. "Historic Ships on a Lee Shore", a regular feature in Sea History, supports historic ship preservation by bringing national attention to the plight of ships of every variety. Sea History Press publishes reference works on maritime museums and historic ships and classics of the sail training and historic ship movement.

NMHS has helped establish many of our leading maritime institutions, such as the Council of American Maritime Museums, the American Society of Marine Artists, the American Ship Trust and the National Maritime Alliance.

The Society's prestigious awards bring recognition to the outstanding work in the maritime field.

NMHS events are offered around the country a various maritime venues, providing a forum for maritime historians, authors, members of the sea services, or those who simply love the sea and history to gather for programming, receptions, cruises, tours, and to share in the maritime heritage.

NMHS also carries out the work of the National Maritime Education Initiative, chaired by Walter Cronkite, and NMHS educational programs encompass Teacher-at-Sea training, conferences, lecture series, and partners with national and state maritime academies.

The National Maritime Historical Society has diligently supported groups endeavoring to rescue historic ships. NMHS has played a vital role in saving numerous ships including the bark Elissa, the Liberty ship John W. Brown, and Ernestina.

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.