The American Maritime People

FAIN: EH-50211-09

Mystic Seaport Museum (Mystic, CT 06355-1946)
Eric Paul Roorda (Project Director: March 2009 to June 2011)

A six-week college and university teacher institute for twenty participants on American maritime history from the colonial era to the present.

The Munson Institute of American Maritime Studies at Mystic Seaport requests $166,094 to underwrite a six-week institute for college/university teachers, "The American Maritime People," in summer 2010. The Institute builds on the Museum's successful record of two previous NEH institutes. The American people, as a population descended largely from ocean-going immigrants, have strong historical connections to the sea; the U.S. citizenry continues to be deeply dependent on these maritime activities. Through seminars led by ten visiting scholars and co-directors, Roorda and Gordinier, "The American Maritime People" will employ interdisciplinary perspectives on American maritime studies, with an emphasis on recent social, cultural and ecological approaches and current research. Participants will enhance their course offerings through studies, dialog and reflection on the influence of maritime activities on U.S. history and culture.