Using exclusive oral histories and primary resources straight from our extensive archives, we focus on the vessels, crew, and passengers that revolutionized the way that we traveled, traded, and immigrated. Steam ahead with us as we navigate the waters of America’s rich maritime heritage.
This program is generously funded by Ted Scull who also helps source interviews, research, and provides visual materials.You can view films, podcasts, primary sources, and accompanying lessons below. You can see videos for all three themes here.
Manhattan’s Changing Waterfront and Harbor
Following on our episodes with Doug Tilden about the move from breakbulk cargo to the container revolution, now you’ll hear from Ted Scull. You will learn about his time working for Holland America Line from 1964 – 1966 in Sales Promotion. It was here that he witnessed the major changes to Manhattan’s waterfront. The Container Revolution was taking over from the breakbulk ships that were loaded and unloaded along the city’s waterfront. Increases in air travel took over from point-to-point passenger ship travel and ocean liners were replaced by leisure travel aboard cruise ships. You will also hear from Stuart Gewirtzman who shares photographs he took of Manhattan’s waterfront and the ships you may see in the harbor today.
You can read the transcript of the film here.
Women in Commercial Fishing: Perspectives from Point Judith, RI
Join us on this segment of SHIPS where we team up with Rhode Island-based documentarian Mark Starr whose interviews and film help us learn women in the commercial fishing industry at Point Judith. Background about the port is provided by Dan Costa. You’ll hear from Jenn Fish, Mary O’Rourke, and Stesha Campbell about their experiences working in the fishing industry. This film was produced by the Steamship Historical Society of America and edited by Education Director Aimee Bachari.
You can read the transcript of the film here.
Teach with Local Fishing Examples Blog Post
Find out how you can incorporate the topic of commercial fishing into your classrooms. Ideas for math, science, and social studies are provided.
Ocean Shipping and the Rise of Containerization with Doug Tilden, Part I
Join us for a chat with Doug Tilden, former VP of United States Lines, South America, and later CEO of Marine Terminals. Doug spent the last five decades in the shipping industry, working his way up from being a dock clerk to serving as the top executive within a Global Fortune 100 corporation. In Part I of this series, you will learn about the move from breakbulk cargo to the rise of containerization. Stay tuned for Part II, which will explain cost reduction in ocean shipping and the evolution of container ships.
Read the transcript of this film here.
Ocean Shipping and the Rise of Containerization with Doug Tilden, Part II
In Part II of this series, you will learn about cost reduction in ocean shipping because of containerization and the evolution of container ships.
Read the transcript of the film here.
Climate Change and Great Lakes Shipping Lesson Plan
Students will learn how to describe the historical context around ocean shipping. They will then explain how Great Lakes shipping differs and how climate change affects how much cargo a ship can carry. (Grades 5 – 8 and 9 -12)