Interpreting Maritime History at Museums and Historic Sites

Edited by Joel Stone

Publication date:

28 March 2017

Length of book:

176 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781442279070

Interpreting Maritime History at Museums and Historic Sites lays the groundwork for keeping this heritage alive in museums and historic sites. It provides the broadest spectrum of discussion and direction for those approaching new installations, projects and programming. Highlights of its wide-range include:

•Historic vessels and shipbuilding
•Freshwater maritime history, including a focus on regionalism
•Maritime archaeology, including shipwrecks
•Scientific history, including the environment
•Recreational history, including rowing, fishing, racing, and cruising
•Lighthouses and lifesaving stations
Interpreting Maritime History at Museums and Historic Sites does a good job of covering the wide ranging topic of maritime history and its many intersections within the broader cloth of general United States history. The authors represent a range of history practitioners who do an excellent job of reinforcing the notion that American maritime history is at once a global story covering not only our ocean coasts and communities, but much of the interior of the country as well – from the Great Lakes to the reaches of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. This book uses the lens of our great maritime traditions to look at topics ranging from historic preservation, material, and popular culture to environmental, racial, and social issues that museums and historic sites must confront in order to stay relevant today.