One hundred years ago, the USS Delaware set sail. In its almost 15-year stint at sea, the battleship protected Americans during political upheaval in Mexico, evaded a torpedo attack, and was part of the fleet escorting King George V during his coronation. The details not always disclosed are the on-ship happenings at the time. The lives of men onboard the battleship as told through artifacts and photos is the focus of “USS Delaware: An American Battleship,” a new exhibit opening Saturday, Jan. 30, at the First State Heritage Park Visitor Center and Galleries, located at the Delaware Public Archives building at 121 Duke of York St., Dover.
“It’s basically kind of a snapshot of the ship and the living, breathing people that were on the crew of it,” said Jim Yurasek, press contact and information lead, Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.
A large part of the collection will be the sterling silver service presented to the ship by the people of Delaware. The 22-piece set includes gravy boats, coffee urns and serving utensils, and some less common items such as an electrolier, or electric candelabra.
The standout piece is a 45-pound punchbowl with an eagle on the pedestal.
The service was used for ceremonies when dignitaries would visit in foreign ports. It usually rests in a state collections facility but is coming out to celebrate its 100th birthday with the exhibit. There also will be information on the company that made the silver.
Raising money for the silver set was part of the people’s patriotic duty at the time, according to Yurasek.
“It was almost to the point where we were becoming the major world power. It was a time of pride in the nation and the things we have accomplished,” Yurasek said.
The silver set is only one component of the exhibition.
Guests also will see an oil painting of Rear Admiral Samuel Francis DuPont presented to the ship’s captain, photos of the crew and an account of the ship’s launch by Anna Cahall, the woman who christened the ship and niece of then-governor Simeon S. Pennewill.
A pictorial log put together by Louis Ashton Drexler Jr., a midshipman, also will be a highlight, said Edward McWilliams, curator of exhibits, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. The log has photos and journal entries that shed light onto the ship’s everyday activities, from baseball games to peeling potatoes on the deck.
“You look at these guys and you think, ‘Wow, these could have been anyone today. These young, 18-year-old guys.’” Yurasek said.
IF YOU GO
WHAT “USS Delaware: An American Battleship”
WHEN 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday; exhibit opens Saturday, Jan. 30, and has no set closing date
WHERE First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Duke of York St., Dover
ADMISSION Free; group tour reservations required
MORE INFO Call 744-5055
