Interpreting Maritime History at Museums and Historic Sites

Interpreting Maritime History at Museums and Historic Sites does a good job of covering the wide ranging topic of maritime history and its many intersections within the broader cloth of general United States history. The authors represent a range of history practitioners who do an excellent job of reinforcing the notion that American maritime history is at once a global story covering not only our ocean coasts and communities, but much of the interior of the country as well – from the Great Lakes to the reaches of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. This book uses the lens of our great maritime traditions to look at topics ranging from historic preservation, material, and popular culture to environmental, racial, and social issues that museums and historic sites must confront in order to stay relevant today. -- Bill Peterson, Northern Division Director, Arizona Historical Society
With lively prose and striking examples, this book connects America’s rich maritime legacy to the present with a powerful argument: The sea has played an essential role in American history and demands interpretation at museums and historic sites. Joel Stone and other leading museum professionals and maritime experts provide crucial background on maritime history and engaging ‘how to’ case studies for representing the sea in museum installations and programs. The topics range widely, from lighthouses and shipwrecks to sea shanties and recreational boating. Together, the contributions elevate awareness about the significance of water to the human experience --- and why that relationship deserves greater attention in our cultural centers. -- Denver Brunsman, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of History, The George Washington University and author of "The Evil Necessity: British Naval Impressment in the Eighteenth-Century Atlantic World"
A great guide for the student, amateur, and seasoned professional; there is literally something for everyone interested in the interpretation of maritime history from pleasure boats to music and archaeology to vessel design. Joel Stone and his fellow authors present concrete examples of how to interpret maritime history through an examination of the field including history, theory, experienced- based programming, and hands-on learning both below the water and above. -- Ron Bloomfield, Museum of Cultural and Natural History, Central Michigan University and President, Association for Great Lakes Maritime History