The Charles Point Council of the National Maritime Historical Society Will Present

The Genius of Naval Architect John W. Griffiths
& His Record-Setting Clipper Ships:

A Discussion Panel with NMHS Chairman Ronald Oswald,
Matthew Carmel and the John Willis Griffiths Gravesite Project

Saturday, 30 May 2015
Hendrick Hudson Free Library – 185 Kings Ferry Road, Montrose, NY 10548
Continental breakfast is at 10:30 AM. Presentation is at 11:00 AM.
Join us for another incredible seminar as an informative discussion panel explores the American naval architect John W. Griffiths (1809–1882), designer of the record-setting Rainbow and Sea Witch clipper ships and author of books on ship design and construction. Despite his reputation as a “naval architect genius,” Griffiths is buried in an unmarked grave in Queens, NY. Join NMHS in celebrating Griffiths and raising awareness to fund a well-earned headstone.

Steadily gathering momentum since the 25 October 2013 New York Post article “Grave Injustice for NY Ship Hero,” the John Willis Griffiths Gravesite Project seeks to honor this “maverick of American ship-building at a time when it was one of (New York) City’s most important industries.”  and Sea Witch set several remarkable records, and his innovations left a lasting impression on ship design. The New York Post article sums it up: “New York, and the nation, owe Griffiths an appropriate headstone.”

The public is invited. Please contact the National Maritime Historical Society at 914-737-7878, ext. 0, or email nmhs@seahistory.org if you plan to attend. A $5 to $10 donation is appreciated. If you would also like to join NMHS and the speaker for lunch following the presentation, it is $22 prepaid, with cash bar. Reservations required.