HMS Belfast - LondonUSS Bowfin WWIIHMCS SACKVILLE (K-181)Educators on USS NJ

NEW ISSUE OF ANCHOR WATCH NOW AVAILABLE! CLICK HERE: Anchor Watch

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MARITIME HERITAGE CONFERENCE/SYMPOSIUM 

September 24-27 in BUFFALO

 

 

REGISTER FOR THE SYMPOSIUM HERE 

This year, we are conducting a joint conference/symposium with the National Maritime Historical Society in Buffalo, NY, co-hosted by the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park (home of the destroyer USS The Sullivans, cruiser USS Little Rock, and submarine USS Croaker). 

NMHS are running the "admin" for the gathering, INCLUDING REGISTRATION, so much information will be posted on their website.

  • POTENTIAL CORPORATE SPONSORS should contact the Executive Director (phone ‭(877) 446-9261‬, ext 712) for more information about sponsoring our 2025 Joint Symposium
  • HOTEL INFO: Check out the National Maritime Historical Society's website for available hotels and conference discount rate (if you book by Aug. 1).
  •  WE'RE STILL LOOKING FOR TOPICS - SEND YOUR IDEAS NOW!! What's going on with your ship? Maybe it's something about which the rest of us would love to hear! We love suggestions for topics to cover, papers to present or activities to enhance the interactive purpose of the symposium.

 Send your ideas to [email protected]. BUT DO IT QUICK!

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ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET
Sept. 26, 2025

AWARDS BANQUET RESERVATIONS (not included in regular registration): 2025 HNSA Symposium BANQUET-ONLY Registration

 

   

 APPLY TODAY. Applications accepted until AUGUST 1, 2025.

 

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   Welcome Aboard New Executive Director Mike Getscher

 

Mike Getscher head shot  

Many of you know our Ryan Szimanksi, our Executive Director for the past four years, resigned recently from that position to focus on his responsibilities as the Battleship New Jersey curator. Ryan brought fresh perspectives and energy to HNSA’s leadership team and we will miss him, both for his contributions and because he’s a great guy.

 It is our pleasure to announce the hiring of Mike Getscher to be Ryan’s successor. Mike is someone many of you know for his work on the Battleship Iowa as Chief Engineer and Chief Operating Officer. Other candidates were equally qualified and talented, but Mike’s breadth of experience and strong ideas for the future of HNSA were compelling to the search committee and to the Board of Directors in making the hiring decision. 

 See "What's On for Today" on the right for more info.

 Contact Mike at [email protected] or by phone at (877) 446-9261, ext 712

 Welcome Aboard, Mike! We’re delighted to have you!

 

Join Today!

The Benefits of Membership

Being a part of HNSA helps us to preserve historic Navy, Coast Guard and other vessels that have participated in the defense of their nations.

Individuals, Fleet Members and Industry Affiliates have access to member-only content, like our documents and drawings library and past conference presentations.

Members may network with colleagues and enthusiasts through our website social community. Other benefits include an invitation to attend our annual symposium and to receive our quarterly e-newsletter, Anchor Watch.

What is HNSA? 

Since our first meeting in 1966 the Historic Naval Ships Association (HNSA) has connected the public with historic ships from around the world. These ships are living memorials to those who served and are being lovingly preserved to educate and inspire future generations.
HNSA is a non-profit organization whose goals are to:

1. Support the preservation of historic naval vessels by advocating for and promoting our member organizations,

2. Identify best practices and resources, and

3. Serve as a networking and information hub to link our members.

HNSA's members include naval ship museums and memorials around the world as well as individuals, businesses and organizations that support the rich culture of significant historic naval vessels.