Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry: Father of the Steam Navy

Presenter: John V. Quarstein, Director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center

About the lecture: Known as the “Father of the Steam Navy,” Matthew Calbraith Perry fought during both the War of 1812 and the Mexican War. He pushed to modernize the US Navy using improved gunnery and steampower. He was most famous for The Perry Expedition, 1852-1854, which opened Japanese ports to American trade, ending that nation’s isolationism.

Advance registration is required whether you attend the lecture in person or online.