Anchored in History - Stories of America's Navy

For this episode, we speak with NHHC Historian Tyler Bamford about his work on the NHHC monograph "Best Beloved: The Wartime Letters of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz to His Wife, Catherine." The book presents all of the surviving World War II–era correspondence that Fleet Admiral Nimitz wrote to his wife, Catherine, in his own words and his feelings as he prepared to assume command of the devast...

Recognizing the importance of a professional Navy, President John Adams sent a letter on March 31, 1800, to the first Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddart, directing the establishment of a library containing "It ought to consist of all the best writings...upon the theory and practice of naval architecture, navigation, gunnery, hydraulics, hydrostatics, and all branches of mathematics subservie...

In the summer of 1900, foreign diplomats living in Beijing's Legation Quarter were besieged by Chinese imperial soldiers and "Boxers," members of a secret society determined to rid China of foreign influence. Defending the Legation Quarter was a small international guard that included 56 American Sailors and Marines. To survive, the Americans communicated with their foreign allies via hand signals...

Whether it is twenty thousand leagues under the sea or buried where a river once flowed, the NHHC Underwater Archaeology Branch is responsible for managing, researching, preserving, and interpreting the U.S. Navy's sunken military craft. In this latest podcast, we speak with Underwater Archaeologist Ivor Mollema about how the dedicated archaeologists, conservationists, and curators of this branch...

The history of aviation is filled with the trials and tribulations of humanity's ambition to fly amongst the clouds. In this latest podcast, in recognition of November being National Aviation History Month and to honor all who have contributed to it, the Deputy Director of the National Naval Aviation Museum, Hill Goodspeed, discusses the Navy's path to flight by highlighting the establishment and...

Part II of the discussion on Navy Innovator Ray Montague. The conversation continues with Dr. David Montague and Dr. Regina Akers, discussing Raye's unique overnight ship design of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class ship design in a record 18 hours and 26 minutes, listening to Raye discuss obstacles she overcame and the mentorship provided to others, Dr. Akers' contribution to the new NHHC publication...

For this multi-part episode, we highlight naval innovator Raye Montague, featured in the new NHHC publication "U.S. Navy and Innovation, 20th Century Case Studies." Raye Montague's path to becoming an engineer was not without its challenges. Inspired by a submarine tour with her grandfather, she knew from a young age that this was her calling. However, growing up in the segregated South during the...

On this episode, Gordon Calhoun, a Curator at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, and Thomas Frezza, a Public Affairs Specialist with NHHC, discuss the animals who have served throughout U.S. Naval History. Whether they were being used as a source of nourishment for Sailors out on long journeys, as mascots for various ships, commands and institutions, or as beloved pets and crewmates, animals ha...

Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Operation Neptune, the naval component of Operation Overlord - more formally known as D-Day, Small Arms and Ordnance Curator of the NHHC Curation Branch Dave Manning and Museum Specialist Jennie Ashton, discuss several historical artifacts within the Navy's collection that play a pivotal roll in storytelling about the largest amphibious invasion in history. Se...

The Director of Naval History and Heritage Command, Sam Cox, discusses his latest "H-Gram" titled: "USS Asheville's Defiance and the "Dancing Mouse." This episode covers the heroic actions of Lieutenant Commander Jacob Britt, the commanding officer of USS Asheville (PG 21), and Lieutenant Joshua Nix, the commanding officer of USS Edsall (DD 219), who chose to fight against overwhelming odds rather...

Part II of the discussion with one of NHHC's most invaluable resources - our museum volunteers. Hear from these dedicated men and women who come from diverse backgrounds - some with no previous ties to the Navy, to one with a unique connection and being best friends with Admiral Grace Hopper! Listen to what drives them to volunteer, how their diversity makes our volunteer community so vibrant, and...

For this multi-part episode, we will discuss "An Invaluable Resource" to the 10 Navy museums strategically located throughout the United States - our large group of volunteers. These dedicated men and women selflessly give their free time to help be greeters, docents, curators and subject matter experts with their current or previous naval service and so much more. Listen to their backgrounds, why...

Naval History and Heritage Command Historian Heather Haley, Ph. D., Petty Officer First Class Abigayle Lutz, and host Cliff Davis discuss the many roles and responsibilities women have had throughout the history of women serving in the U.S. Navy, from the Revolutionary War to Admiral Lisa Franchetti's newest appointment as Chief of Naval Operations in 2023.

Naval History and Heritage Command Archivist Alexis Van Pool and Fleet Historian Anna Holloway discuss the Navy's use of deck logs, command operations reports (CORs), and how Sailors have had a unique opportunity to express themselves while standing the New Year's Eve watch, writing the first watch of the year in poetic verse. Also discussed is the history of the Navy Deck Log Poetry Contest, its...