Archives Center, National Museum of American History

Guide to the Historic American Merchant Marine Survey Records

Summary

Collection ID:
NMAH.AC.0240
Creators:
United States. Works Progress Administration
Dates:
1936-1937.
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
18.5 Cubic feet
79 volumes, 10 rolls
Repository:

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
This collection is comprised of over 18 cubic feet of material generated during the course of the Historic American Merchant Marine Survey. The bulk of the collection consists of survey books and measured drawings. Other records include administrative papers relating to the project, an index and catalogue, and a listing of the names of vessels surveyed.

Arrangement

Arrangement
The collection is divided into five series.
Series 1: H.A.M.M.S. Index
Series 2: H.A.M.M.S. Catalogue
Series 3: Names of Vessels, 1789-
Series 4: Field Notes
Series 5: Drawings

Biographical / Historical

Biographical / Historical
The Historic American Merchant Marine Survey (HAMMS) was one of six projects created by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to provide work for unemployed skilled or "white collar" workers. These projects were intended to provide work which was both useful and appropriate to the skills and experience of workers who were not suited for more traditional work programs involving manual or outdoor labor. The specific goal of HAMMS was to undertake a national survey of watercraft, in order to document the design and technical evolution of vessel types significant in America's commercial maritime history. This was to be accomplished by making measured drawings of existing vessels, ship models, and builders' half models; by making a photographic record of significant vessels; and by compiling written data about vessels.
The HAMMS program was in existence from January 1, 1936 to October 15, 1937. The Smithsonian Institution served as the official sponsor of the Survey and received all the documentation produced, thus augmenting its already significant National Watercraft Collection. Unlike other WPA projects, HAMMS was administered directly from Washington by its Director, Eric J. Steinlein, who coordinated the survey work of six regional directors. Despite its national mandate, the Survey actually was limited to the eastern seaboard, the Great Lakes, and California. Furthermore, the types of craft surveyed and the level of documentation varied considerably within the six regions. During the course of its existence, the HAMMS program conducted over 166 surveys and produced over 400 sheets of line drawings of ship's hulls, rigging, and details.

Administration

Author
NMAH Staff
Custodial History
Collection transferred to the Archives Center from the Division of Transportation (now Division of Work and Industry), October 20, 1986.
Processing Information
Collection processed by NMAH Staff, undated
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The materials in this collection were turned over to the Smithsonian soon after the completion of the project in 1937.

Using the Collection

Preferred Citation
Historic American Merchant Marine Survey, 1936-1937, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.

Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Records Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Tracings Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Naval architecture -- Designs and plans Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Notes Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Drawings -- 1930-1940 Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Great Lakes (North America) Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Jackson, Melvin H. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Historic American Merchant Marine Survey Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
United States. Work Projects Administration Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Transportation Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Archives Center, National Museum of American History
P.O. Box 37012
Suite 1100, MRC 601
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
Business Number: Phone: 202-633-3270
Fax Number: Fax: 202-786-2453
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