Stay Tuned for Info on the 2025 HNSA Symposium in Buffalo, NY

Hosted by the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park (USS The Sullivans) 

Held in conjunction with the quadrennial National Maritime Historical Society (https://seahistory.org/)

Past Conferences 

2024 - San Diego, California (USS Midway)

We were excited to hold the 2024 Historic Naval Ships Association (HNSA) Conference in San Diego, California, hosted by the USS MIDWAY from Monday, September 16 through Thursday, September 19.CLICK for MIDWAY 2024 Presentations
 
VIEW THE HNSA 2024 FINAL PROGRAM

2023 - Albany, New York (USS Slater)

The 2023 Historic Naval Ships Association (HNSA) Conference was in Albany, New York, hosted by the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum (USS Slater) from Monday, September 18 through Thursday, September 21

CLICK for Albany 2023 Presentations

2022 - Honolulu, Hawaii (USS Missouri

Hosted by the Battleship Missouri Memorial Tuesday, September 13 through Friday, September 16 in the heart of Waikiki at the Hilton Waikiki Beach. To access the conference presentations for Members, go to this link 

Hawaii 2022 Presentations

2021 - Mobile, Alabama (USS Alabama

Hosted by the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park from 22-25 September. To access the conference presentations for Members, go to this link: 

Alabama 2021 Presentations

2020 - Not held for COVID

2019 - Manitowoc, Wisconsin (USS Cobia at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum)

2018 - Puget Sound, Washington (USS Turner Joy

 

 Frequently Asked Questions about Symposia/Conferences

 

 Is HNSA Symposium for people who do my job? 

 

Yes! Everyone from executive directors and board presidents to volunteers and even folks not associated with a museum ship have fun at HNSA. The symposium is a great place to network and meet experts in the field. There is a trade show for our industry affiliates to show off the products they have that support running a museum ship. Folks have come to HNSA meetings to pass their resumes around, to meet their peers, discuss best practices, and to learn what's happening in the field. 

 

Is there a dress code? 

 

The banquet is an informal event (business informal); however, the rest of the symposium is casual. Many of us wear our work polos or other clothes that represent our ships. 

 

Are meals provided? 

 

Yes, we will provide light breakfast and lunch Tues-Thurs. We will offer heavy appetizers Mon. Tuesday is an off-site dinner, Wednesday is dinner on your own, and Thursday is our Closing Ceremony Dinner. All (except Wed dinner) are included in the general registration fee. 

 

What if I have dietary concerns? 

 

Please share your dietary needs in the registration process or by emailing [email protected] and we will do everything we can to accommodate you. 

 

Who is eligible for a scholarship? 

 

Anyone can apply! We want the Symposium and the information we share to be as accessible as possible. Preference will be given to emerging professionals, people who have never been before, and people who would not otherwise be able to attend. In past years, we have been able to provide scholarships for the majority of applicants.

 

Can I bring my spouse/partner? 

 

Yes. There is a guest rate that assumes your partner will not attend the working sessions but allows them to attend all the evening meals and after-hours events (included in the full registration fee). You can also purchase an extra ticket for the after-hours events if they have other plans for most of the time.

 

Do I have to be a member to register? 

 

No. Anyone is welcome to attend.

 

What if my ship/museum/job isn't a member, what if I'm not in the field? 

 

You are still more than welcome to attend and see what HNSA has to offer.