The American Maritime People

FAIN: EH-50368-13

Mystic Seaport Museum (Mystic, CT 06355-1946)
Glenn Gordinier (Project Director: March 2013 to July 2015)

A five-week summer institute for twenty college and university faculty to examine recent social, cultural, and ecological approaches to American maritime studies.

Mystic Seaport's Frank C. Munson institute of American Maritime Studies seeks NEH funding to host a five-week summer 2014 institute for college/university faculty titled "The American Maritime People." The Institute builds on the Museum's successful record of four previous NEH institutes. As a population descended largely from ocean-going immigrants, the American people have strong historical connections to the sea; the U.S. citizenry continues to be deeply dependent on maritime activities. Through a series of seminars led by 12 visiting scholars and co-directors Gordinier and Roorda, "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 intensive studies, dialog, and reflection on the influence of maritime activities on U.S. history and culture.