Steamship Historical Society
@shiphistory.bsky.social
Through recording, preserving, and educating, our mission is to share the impact of engine-powered vessels, their crews, and their passengers with future generations. Find out about programs, membership, and free educational materials at sshsa.org.
Happy Birthday, Robert Fulton! He was born #OnThisDay in 1765. Fulton was an American inventor, engineer, and artist. He brought steamboating from experimentation to commercial success.
Image: Robert Fulton, portrait by Elizabeth Emmet, 1815.
Image: Robert Fulton, portrait by Elizabeth Emmet, 1815.
November 14, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Happy Birthday, Robert Fulton! He was born #OnThisDay in 1765. Fulton was an American inventor, engineer, and artist. He brought steamboating from experimentation to commercial success.
Image: Robert Fulton, portrait by Elizabeth Emmet, 1815.
Image: Robert Fulton, portrait by Elizabeth Emmet, 1815.
With our 90th anniversary and Veteran's Day landing in the same week, we wanted to highlight a founding member who also served in World War II. R. Loren Graham was fascinated with steamboats from an early age, living in Boston and on the North Shore.
#shiphistory #VeteransDay
#shiphistory #VeteransDay
November 12, 2025 at 3:27 PM
With our 90th anniversary and Veteran's Day landing in the same week, we wanted to highlight a founding member who also served in World War II. R. Loren Graham was fascinated with steamboats from an early age, living in Boston and on the North Shore.
#shiphistory #VeteransDay
#shiphistory #VeteransDay
On #VeteransDay, we honor those served our country, as well as those in service today. It used to be common to personally know folks from our Greatest Generation. Most of us had friends and family who served the country during the Second World War.
November 11, 2025 at 5:17 PM
On #VeteransDay, we honor those served our country, as well as those in service today. It used to be common to personally know folks from our Greatest Generation. Most of us had friends and family who served the country during the Second World War.
#OnThisDay, 90 years ago, the Steamship Historical Society of America was established. We are celebrating by giving away 90 free issues of PowerShips (Fall 2025, No. 335). We hope you love it and join us as we steam forward into the next 90 years, but there’s no obligation.
November 10, 2025 at 7:05 PM
#OnThisDay, 90 years ago, the Steamship Historical Society of America was established. We are celebrating by giving away 90 free issues of PowerShips (Fall 2025, No. 335). We hope you love it and join us as we steam forward into the next 90 years, but there’s no obligation.
We remember the 29 men that were lost when the "Big Fitz" went down on #OnThisDay in 1975, just on Lake Superior. Join SSHSA's Aimee Bachari & Archivist for the Historical Collections of the Great Lakes Mark Sprang to reflect on the #50thanniversary of the sinking of the EDMUND FITZGERALD.
November 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
We remember the 29 men that were lost when the "Big Fitz" went down on #OnThisDay in 1975, just on Lake Superior. Join SSHSA's Aimee Bachari & Archivist for the Historical Collections of the Great Lakes Mark Sprang to reflect on the #50thanniversary of the sinking of the EDMUND FITZGERALD.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the EDMUND FITZGERALD, Education Director Aimee Bachari spoke with Mark Sprang, the archivist for the Historical Collections of the Great Lakes at Bowling Green State University. ...
November 7, 2025 at 4:25 PM
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the EDMUND FITZGERALD, Education Director Aimee Bachari spoke with Mark Sprang, the archivist for the Historical Collections of the Great Lakes at Bowling Green State University. ...
It's almost the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the EDMUND FITZGERALD. There are many events happening over the coming days. Here are a few of note, but remember to check locally! ....
November 6, 2025 at 2:11 PM
It's almost the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the EDMUND FITZGERALD. There are many events happening over the coming days. Here are a few of note, but remember to check locally! ....
This print clipping from Holiday Magazine, dated November 1958, shows an elaborate smorgasbord on deck of a Grace Liner, possibly SANTA MAGDALENA or a sister ship. Stephen Barrett Chase Collection, SSHSA Archives.
Explore our collections at shiphistory.org/collections/.
Explore our collections at shiphistory.org/collections/.
November 5, 2025 at 4:32 PM
This print clipping from Holiday Magazine, dated November 1958, shows an elaborate smorgasbord on deck of a Grace Liner, possibly SANTA MAGDALENA or a sister ship. Stephen Barrett Chase Collection, SSHSA Archives.
Explore our collections at shiphistory.org/collections/.
Explore our collections at shiphistory.org/collections/.
With the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the EDMUND FITZGERALD coming up on November 10, 2025, let's revisit this historic documentary "The Mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald" from the SSHSA archives at youtu.be/9qOMVqtl6zk?....
Don't forget to subscribe to our channel.
Don't forget to subscribe to our channel.
The Mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald
YouTube video by Ship History
youtu.be
November 4, 2025 at 5:26 PM
With the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the EDMUND FITZGERALD coming up on November 10, 2025, let's revisit this historic documentary "The Mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald" from the SSHSA archives at youtu.be/9qOMVqtl6zk?....
Don't forget to subscribe to our channel.
Don't forget to subscribe to our channel.
United Fruit Company freight steamship PLATANO b) EL TORO. She was built at Birkenhead, England in 1930. Acores Collection, SSHSA Archives.
Learn more about our archives and collections at shiphistory.org/collections/.
Learn more about our archives and collections at shiphistory.org/collections/.
November 3, 2025 at 5:09 PM
United Fruit Company freight steamship PLATANO b) EL TORO. She was built at Birkenhead, England in 1930. Acores Collection, SSHSA Archives.
Learn more about our archives and collections at shiphistory.org/collections/.
Learn more about our archives and collections at shiphistory.org/collections/.
Happy Halloween from our crew to yours! These images were taken aboard the Italian Line's LEONARDO DA VINCI, December 1966. It was a Christmas cruise from NYC with one of the stops being Venezuela. SSHSA Archives.
#halloweencostume #halloween
#halloweencostume #halloween
October 31, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Happy Halloween from our crew to yours! These images were taken aboard the Italian Line's LEONARDO DA VINCI, December 1966. It was a Christmas cruise from NYC with one of the stops being Venezuela. SSHSA Archives.
#halloweencostume #halloween
#halloweencostume #halloween
This black flat lid suitcase with leather straps and two metal clasps with locks, and a single leather handle, c. 1930, is from the SSHSA Artifact Collection. Monogrammed initials "HOY" are on the sides.
#AmericanArchivesMonth
#AmericanArchivesMonth
October 30, 2025 at 3:03 PM
This black flat lid suitcase with leather straps and two metal clasps with locks, and a single leather handle, c. 1930, is from the SSHSA Artifact Collection. Monogrammed initials "HOY" are on the sides.
#AmericanArchivesMonth
#AmericanArchivesMonth
#OnThisDay in 1932, the French Line's NORMANDIE was launched.
Image: French Line poster with a stylized image of the NORMANDIE on a background of the French flag colors. The poster, advertises service on the Atlantic, Pacific & Mediterranean seas. Stephen Barrett Chase Collection, SSHSA Archives.
Image: French Line poster with a stylized image of the NORMANDIE on a background of the French flag colors. The poster, advertises service on the Atlantic, Pacific & Mediterranean seas. Stephen Barrett Chase Collection, SSHSA Archives.
October 29, 2025 at 2:52 PM
#OnThisDay in 1932, the French Line's NORMANDIE was launched.
Image: French Line poster with a stylized image of the NORMANDIE on a background of the French flag colors. The poster, advertises service on the Atlantic, Pacific & Mediterranean seas. Stephen Barrett Chase Collection, SSHSA Archives.
Image: French Line poster with a stylized image of the NORMANDIE on a background of the French flag colors. The poster, advertises service on the Atlantic, Pacific & Mediterranean seas. Stephen Barrett Chase Collection, SSHSA Archives.
It's #NationalCatDay! Here's an image by Joseph F. Braun of the excursion motorboat COPY CAT. She was built in Dubuque, Iowa, and designed by marine architect Dennis Trone. Her sister vessels were JONATHAN PADELFORD and BONNIE BELLE. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.
October 29, 2025 at 1:24 PM
It's #NationalCatDay! Here's an image by Joseph F. Braun of the excursion motorboat COPY CAT. She was built in Dubuque, Iowa, and designed by marine architect Dennis Trone. Her sister vessels were JONATHAN PADELFORD and BONNIE BELLE. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.
#OnThisDay in 1940, the RMS Empress of Britain was torpedoed in the Atlantic by U-32 and sank about 70 miles off County Donegal, Ireland. This attack came after German planes had bombed the ship on October 26, and most of the passengers and crew had been safely evacuated.
October 28, 2025 at 1:29 PM
#OnThisDay in 1940, the RMS Empress of Britain was torpedoed in the Atlantic by U-32 and sank about 70 miles off County Donegal, Ireland. This attack came after German planes had bombed the ship on October 26, and most of the passengers and crew had been safely evacuated.
Check out our list of spooky maritime events here conta.cc/4pSVKT2. Make sure you sign up for our free newsletters to stay up to date on all things #shiphistory!
Join our list at shiphistory.org/newsletter/.
Join our list at shiphistory.org/newsletter/.
October 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Check out our list of spooky maritime events here conta.cc/4pSVKT2. Make sure you sign up for our free newsletters to stay up to date on all things #shiphistory!
Join our list at shiphistory.org/newsletter/.
Join our list at shiphistory.org/newsletter/.
It's starting to feel like fall. Who's ready to take an autumn cruise? This Royal Mail Line poster is advertising for autumn cruises on the ship ATLANTIS, c. 1935. It features a colorful scene w/ a small sailing vessel & gondolas. Stephen Barrett Chase Collection, SSHSA Archives.
October 27, 2025 at 1:29 PM
It's starting to feel like fall. Who's ready to take an autumn cruise? This Royal Mail Line poster is advertising for autumn cruises on the ship ATLANTIS, c. 1935. It features a colorful scene w/ a small sailing vessel & gondolas. Stephen Barrett Chase Collection, SSHSA Archives.
#OnThisDay in 1970, the Holland America Line's NIEUW AMSTERDAM was pictured leaving New York, accompanied by tugs. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.
October 24, 2025 at 1:16 PM
#OnThisDay in 1970, the Holland America Line's NIEUW AMSTERDAM was pictured leaving New York, accompanied by tugs. Braun Brothers Collection, SSHSA Archives.
This large print on particle board with a glossy lacquer topcoat is a reproduced William James Aylward (1875-1956) painting of the cargo freighter PIONEER GEM of the American Pioneer Line (a subsidiary of United States Lines). SSHSA Art Collection.
#AmericanArchivesMonth #shipping #trade
#AmericanArchivesMonth #shipping #trade
October 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM
This large print on particle board with a glossy lacquer topcoat is a reproduced William James Aylward (1875-1956) painting of the cargo freighter PIONEER GEM of the American Pioneer Line (a subsidiary of United States Lines). SSHSA Art Collection.
#AmericanArchivesMonth #shipping #trade
#AmericanArchivesMonth #shipping #trade
It's groovy baby! Who wants to take a Caribbean trip? Check out this bright quatrefoil pamphlet listing Beachcomber Caribbean Cruise schedules for the 1968 season on INDEPENDENCE and CONSTITUTION.
#AmericanArchivesMonth #Ephemera
#AmericanArchivesMonth #Ephemera
October 22, 2025 at 3:16 PM
It's groovy baby! Who wants to take a Caribbean trip? Check out this bright quatrefoil pamphlet listing Beachcomber Caribbean Cruise schedules for the 1968 season on INDEPENDENCE and CONSTITUTION.
#AmericanArchivesMonth #Ephemera
#AmericanArchivesMonth #Ephemera
Watch The Deadliest American Hurricane: Ships Impacted in the Caribbean, Galveston, and Great Lakes at www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8dW....
Learn about the worst natural disaster in American history when a Category 4 storm surge hit Galveston killing between 6,000 and 12,000 people.
Learn about the worst natural disaster in American history when a Category 4 storm surge hit Galveston killing between 6,000 and 12,000 people.
The Deadliest American Hurricane: Ships Impacted in the Caribbean, Galveston, and Great Lakes
YouTube video by Ship History
www.youtube.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Watch The Deadliest American Hurricane: Ships Impacted in the Caribbean, Galveston, and Great Lakes at www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8dW....
Learn about the worst natural disaster in American history when a Category 4 storm surge hit Galveston killing between 6,000 and 12,000 people.
Learn about the worst natural disaster in American history when a Category 4 storm surge hit Galveston killing between 6,000 and 12,000 people.
#OnThisDay in 1910, the RMS OLYMPIC was launched.
Image: Artist signed and numbered print of original painting by William G. Muller showing OLYMPIC, #105/950. : "Olympic Steams Out of New York Harbor in 1930." SSHSA Archives.
Image: Artist signed and numbered print of original painting by William G. Muller showing OLYMPIC, #105/950. : "Olympic Steams Out of New York Harbor in 1930." SSHSA Archives.
October 20, 2025 at 2:40 PM
#OnThisDay in 1910, the RMS OLYMPIC was launched.
Image: Artist signed and numbered print of original painting by William G. Muller showing OLYMPIC, #105/950. : "Olympic Steams Out of New York Harbor in 1930." SSHSA Archives.
Image: Artist signed and numbered print of original painting by William G. Muller showing OLYMPIC, #105/950. : "Olympic Steams Out of New York Harbor in 1930." SSHSA Archives.
It pays to be a shipster! SSHSA members and World Ship Society members are pictured here at the Tom Ragan sponsored tour of The Wolfsonian Museum in Miami Beach, Florida, before boarding the Celebrity Summit to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the World Ship Society.
October 17, 2025 at 3:49 PM
It pays to be a shipster! SSHSA members and World Ship Society members are pictured here at the Tom Ragan sponsored tour of The Wolfsonian Museum in Miami Beach, Florida, before boarding the Celebrity Summit to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the World Ship Society.
Today is #AskAnArchivistDay for #AmericanArchivesMonth. Share your questions in the comments!
October 16, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Today is #AskAnArchivistDay for #AmericanArchivesMonth. Share your questions in the comments!
A huge thank you, especially to our young shipster Logan holding the Titanic drawing, and to all those who braved the weather on Monday to join us for a tour and some fun and games at the Ship History Center for our Open House. Our staff enjoyed meeting each and every one of you!
October 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
A huge thank you, especially to our young shipster Logan holding the Titanic drawing, and to all those who braved the weather on Monday to join us for a tour and some fun and games at the Ship History Center for our Open House. Our staff enjoyed meeting each and every one of you!