[Event] Maritime Heritage Conference

The 10th Maritime Heritage Conference will be held in Norfolk, Virginia from September 17-20, 2014.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Daniel J. Basta, Director, NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries, Admiral Robert J. Papp, USCG (ret.), former Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, and Dr. Ray Ashley, President/CEO, San Diego Maritime Museum. Best-selling adventure author Clive Cussler will be the featured speaker at the National Maritime Alliance Dinner.

Last weekend, marked the 200^th anniversary of the burning of the Capitol Building and White House by British soldiers. American school children remember this event from the stories of First Lady Dolly Madison and her efforts to save the portrait of President Washington. Her rapid departure was preceded however by several naval engagements which will be discussed at the conference. Ralph Eshelman's presentation will focus on the Chesapeake and Atlantic theaters of war. The Canadian perspective will be shared by Martin Hubley from the Nova Scotia museum.

The Maritime Heritage Conference is recognizing the Chesapeake region's place in Civil War history with a lively discussion on the Battle of the Monitor and the Merrimack. In March 1862, the ironsides, with guns blazing, faced off in momentous naval battle that changed the course of warship construction forever. Joe Hoyt, Chuck Veit, and Anna Gibbon Holloway will speak about the Monitor's role in naval history and answer questions about her mission.

Attendees will also learn about adult oriented sailor art. Entitled “Twilight Tour”, the Battleship New Jersey premiered a new tour in the summer of 2013 featuring risque sailor art and ribald crew-member stories. Jason Hall will speak about the success of this tour and how it has increased revenue for the museum. Keep in mind that adult content will be discussed so attendees may have to close their eyes and cover their ears lest they be discomforted.

The banquet speaker on September 20^th will be best selling author Clive Cussler. Mr. Cussler's fans have followed Dirk Pitt's adventures in Sahara, Arctic Drift, and Atlantis Found. Despite constant adversity, Mr. Pitt has overcome all challenges and inspired many a young student to join the maritime industry.

Lastly, representatives from the Maritime Administration and the National Park Service will also be providing guidance on the new National Maritime Heritage Grant program. Over $1.5 million will be awarded to recipients this year. These grants are funded by the sale of obsolete government vessels and the grant application deadline is September 23, 2014. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the conference so that they can speak with the government representatives about the program.

Sponsors for this event include the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the Nauticus Foundation, the National Maritime Historical Society, the Naval Historical Foundation, the National Maritime Heritage Alliance, the Historic Naval Ships Association, Ship Index.org, the Steamship Historical Society of America, the Council of American Maritime Museums, the Hampton Roads Navy League, the Museum Small Craft Association, and the North American Society for Oceanic History.

More information can be found at http://nauticus.org/maritime/program.html.