SSHSA Speaker Series 2026 – Live at the Ship History Center or via Zoom
Join us at the Ship History Center near the airport in Warwick, Rhode Island. These events are open to members, the public, and are also available via Zoom, unless otherwise noted.
The D&C Lake Lines & the Fabulous Luxury Liners of the Great Lakes
May 21, 2026, Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET, Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. ET, Watch Party in person, featuring collections from the Great Lakes at the Ship History Center with light refreshments (we’ll be watching the presentation via Zoom hosted by the World Ship Society, Port of NY). Author Bruce Kopytek presents about his book The D&C Lake Lines & the Fabulous Luxury Liners of the Great Lakes.
Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in the Pursuit of Lincoln’s Killer
September 12, 2026, Doors open at 10 a.m. ET, Presentation begins at 10:30 a.m. ET, Author, historian, and curator Karen Stone presents about her book Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in the Pursuit of Lincoln’s Killer. Learn about the chaos and danger of the post-assassination period and the shipwreck event in the hunt for the killer.
Steamboats to Ferries: The Story of the Block Island Boat
October 3, 2026, Doors open at 10 a.m. ET, Presentation begins at 10:30 a.m. ET. Author, historian, SSHSA member, and former purser Gregory Abbott has been captivated by ships since his high school summer job aboard the Yankee that went to Block Island. Learn about the evolution of steamships and passenger travel, from the 1800s to the modern era of the ferries to Block Island.
Ida Lewis: The Legendary Lady Light Keeper of Lime Rock
October 24, 2026, Doors open at 10 a.m. ET, Presentation begins at 10:30 a.m. ET, local author and speaker Brian Wallin will present “Ida Lewis: The Legendary Lady Light Keeper of Lime Rock”, highlighting her life and 18 rescues on the anniversary of her death.
USS Cyclops
November 7, 2026, Via Zoom ONLY 10:30 a.m. ET, author & researcher Marvin Barrash will present about his book USS Cyclops. This is the story of a WWI Era ship lost in the Bermuda Triangle. The collier USS Cyclops was lost at sea during World War One. It was headed to Baltimore, Maryland with a massive cargo of war materiel. It never arrived at her destination. Barrash has been featured on the History Channel and National Geographic, among other documentaries.
The Stowaway: A Young Man’s Extraordinary Adventure to Antarctica
November 11, 6:30 p.m. ET, via Zoom ONLY, Best-selling Author, Laurie Gwen Shapiro, will present via Zoom about her book The Stowaway: A Young Man’s Extraordinary Adventure to Antarctica. Follow the journey from scrappy teen stowaway in the jazz age to a seasoned captain aboard a liberty ship in the Merchant Marines.
Open Houses – Open to Members and the General Public
Join us on June 19, 2026 & October 12, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. ET.
Tour our collections and learn about the history of steamships and engine-powered vessels. Explore hundreds of models, photos, maritime artworks, and other artifacts.
- Tour
- Selfie Station with Nautical Props
- Deck Games (games people used to play on ocean liners)
- Coloring station
- Scavenger hunt & more
Watch your emails for details and more events to come!