Frank C. Munson Institute of American Maritime History facts for kids
The Frank C. Munson Institute of Maritime Studies is a special place at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. It was started in 1955 to teach people about the history of ships and the sea. At first, it was called the Frank C. Munson Institute of American Maritime History. Later, its name changed to include more topics like sea stories and other parts of maritime life.
The Institute was named after Frank C. Munson. His wife, Mrs. Cora Mallory Munson, gave money to help start it. Frank C. Munson was a very important person in the American shipping business during the First and Second World Wars. He was also the president of the Munson Steamship Line.
The idea for the Institute came from Edouard A. Stackpole, who was a curator at Mystic Seaport. He worked with Professor Robert G. Albion from Harvard University to create it. Professor Albion became the first director.
Since it began, the Munson Institute has been a top place for learning about maritime history in the United States. Many leading experts in this field have taught there. The National Endowment for the Humanities has given the Institute grants several times, including in 1996, 2006, 2010, 2012, and 2014. These grants helped them teach maritime history to college and university teachers across the country. In 1998, the Institute's teachers wrote an important book called America and The Sea: A Maritime History. This book tells the story of America's connection to the sea.
The Institute also gives out an award each year called the Hardin Craig Memorial Prize. This prize is for students who show great academic excellence.
Leaders of the Institute
The Munson Institute has had several important leaders over the years:
- 1955 - 1974: Professor Robert G. Albion
- 1974 - 1996: Professor Benjamin Woods Labaree
- 1996 - 2001: Professor John Hattendorf
- 2001 - Present: Dr. Eric Roorda and Dr. Glenn Gordinier
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