Winter Lecture: USS Constellation, Flagship of the African Squadron

Scope of Presentation:

Captain Rowsom will explore the USS Constellation’s role as flagship of the US African Squadron from 1859 to 1861 including the history of the squadron, reasons for it coming into being, and its outcomes. He will also examine life aboard a Navy warship at that time through excerpts from the journal of Landsman William Leonard. The history of the ships named Constellation from the Baltimore-built frigate of 1797 to the aircraft carrier CV-64 will also be discussed.

Presenter

A lifelong sailor, Captain Christopher Rowsom grew up on Long Island, NY, surrounded by water. His maritime connection with Baltimore and Maryland include sailing on the first Pride of Baltimore, the famous replica 1812 era topsail schooner. He helped build and skippered the pungy schooner Lady Maryland, flagship of the Living Classrooms Foundation, which has educated thousands on marine and nautical sciences, history, and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay. In 1999, Chris “came ashore” as Living Classroom’s Executive Director of Historic Ships in Baltimore, overseeing the USS Constellation, the Submarine Torsk, the Lightship Chesapeake, the USCGC Taney, and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, installed in 1856, which marks the entrance to the Patapsco River.

Presented by BB&T Wealth

Price: $10; free for First Mate members and above