Sometimes you find hidden treasures in places that you least expect them and even better, 20 minutes from where you live.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit the Rhode Island Steamship Historical Society of America in Warwick, Rhode Island. I read the November 2015 article about the Steamship Historical Society of America museum in the Providence Journal.
As I arrived, I was greeted warmly by Matthew Schulte, the Executive Director, who is very passionate about the society and the museum. I had the pleasure of getting a private tour from him of the museum.
The museum is using the old library building that used to be a technical school. I was allowed to see first - hand how they transformed the building into a marvelous place, that host treasures and troves of memories about steam ships and what all it entails. From cruise ships to tug boats, from dining menus on cruise ships, to technical details of steam engine drawings. (see photo of drawings that were drawn in the 1800's).
I also had the pleasure of meeting Astrid Drew, Research and New Media, and see how she restored old marine books.
In summary, if you are interested in marine steam ship boat building, don't miss the opportunity to visit the museum. www.sshsa.org It is not opened every day, so try to contact the museum before attempting to visit.
Matthew Schulte, Executive Director and Avi Nevel
Matthew Schulte and Astrid Drew
Drawing of the STR "New York" from 1897
