Office of the Commandant/Division of Professional Development/Department of Seamanship and Navigation: Records of the Department of Seamanship and Navigation, 1866-1995: Finding Aid
Published in October 2019
Summary Information
- Publisher: United States Naval Academy. Special Collections & Archives.
- Publisher Address:
589 McNair Road
Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5029, USA
Phone: 410-293-6922
https://www.usna.edu/Library/sca/index.php - Call number: RG 405.3.2 Entry 180c
- National Archives Identifier:
- Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Archives
- Title: Office of the Commandant/Division of Professional Development/Department of Seamanship and Navigation: Records of the Department of Seamanship and Navigation
- Dates: 1866-1995
- Size: 9 linear feet
- Container Summary: 5 manuscript boxes, 4 half-manuscript boxes, 2 flat boxes, 3 records center cartons
- Creator: United States Naval Academy. Department of Seamanship and Navigation
- Language(s) of material: English
- Abstract: The Records of the Department of Seamanship and Navigation, comprising 9 linear feet of documentation, span from 1866 to 1995. The collection is divided into four series. The first series consists of correspondence from the Department of Astronomy, Navigation and Surveying spanning 1872 to 1901. Making up the second series are academic materials spanning 1866 to 1937 that contain monthly class reports and grades, examination questions, navigation workbooks and lesson assignments, an instruction and event journal, and station bills for Academy training ships. The third series contains the department's supply ledgers from 1863 to 1876. The fourth series includes Standard Subject Identification Code (SSIC) Subject Files for the Department spanning 1971 to 1995.
History of the Department of Seamanship and Navigation
Seamanship and Navigation are subjects that have been taught at the Academy since its founding in 1845. Initially, Practical Seamanship instruction was conducted at sea on board ships of the line under the direction of the Commandant of Midshipmen. In 1850 the Naval Academy was reorganized, with the Commandant of Midshipman assigned as the head of the Department of Seamanship, Naval Tactics and Naval Gunnery, thus bringing seamanship into the academic curriculum. The Department of Seamanship continued to remain under the Commandant of Midshipmen until 1875 when it became a separate Department. Navigation originally fell under the auspices of the Department of Mathematics, Astronomy, and Navigation. In 1853 the subject was moved into the new Department of Astronomy, Navigation, and Surveying, with Professor William Chauvenet as Department Head until his departure in 1859. Professor J. H. C. Coffin led the Department through the Academy's time at Newport Rhode Island during the Civil War. With the rise of massive naval fleets during the first quarter of the twentieth century, the need for more accurate methods to fix a ship's position drove innovation of new concepts and devices, including radio waves. Staff of the Navigation Department in part drove this innovation through the publishing of key texts in the field. In 1933 the need for integration of the major professional subjects at the Naval Academy resulted in the establishment of the Department of Seamanship and Navigation. In 1959 the Department of Seamanship and Navigation was integrated into the Division of Naval Science. In 1964 the department was again reorganized into the Naval Science Department. In 1970 the department became the Division of Naval Command and Management, consisting of the Departments of Seamanship and Tactics, Navigation, and Management Science. In 1976 the Department of Seamanship and Navigation and the Department of Leadership and Law were moved under the auspices of the Division of Professional Development. Today, the Division of Professional Development comprises five departments, Officer Accessions and Talent Organization, Seamanship and Navigation, the Naval Academy Sailing Center, Training, and Naval Academy Waterfront.
Description of Contents
The Records of the Department of Seamanship and Navigation, comprising 9 linear feet of documentation, span from 1866 to 1995. Included are a series of correspondence from the Department of Astronomy, Navigation and Surveying spanning 1872 to 1901, and a series of academic materials spanning 1866 to 1937 containing monthly class reports and grades, examination questions, navigation workbooks and lesson assignments, an instruction and event journal, and station bills for Academy training ships. Also included is a series of SSIC Subject Files for the Department spanning 1971 to 1995.
Arrangement
The Records of the Department of Seamanship and Navigation are organized into the following four series:
- Series 1: MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY, NAVIGATION, AND SURVEYING, 1872-1901
- Series 2: ACADEMIC COURSE MATERIALS, 1866-1937
- Subseries 2a: MONTHLY CLASS REPORTS AND GRADES, 1866-1872, 1874, 1896-1904, 1925-1937
- Subseries 2b: EXAMINATION QUESTIONS, 1873-1880, 1891-1894
- Subseries 2c: NAVIGATION WORK BOOKS, 1880-1892, 1920-1923, 1926-1935
- Subseries 2d: DEPARTMENT OF NAVIGATION LESSON ASSIGNMENTS, 1911-1918
- Subseries 2e: DEPARTMENT OF SEAMANSHIP INSTRUCTION AND EVENT JOURNAL, 1897-1899
- Subseries 2f: WATCH, QUARTER, FIRE BOAT, BATTALION, STATION BILLS OF ACADEMY TRAINING SHIPS, 1887-1896
- Series 3: DEPARTMENT OF NAVIGATION SUPPLY LEDGERS, 1863-1876
- Series 4: DEPARTMENT OF SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION SSIC SUBJECT FILES, 1971-1995 (Bulk 1987-1994)
Access and Use
Access
Restricted - Partly. These records must be screened for personal privacy and law enforcement information under 5 U.S.C. 552(b) prior to public release. Per review, select records may be withheld or redacted in accordance with FOIA (b)(6) Personal Information, and FOIA (b)(7) Law Enforcement.
Copyright and Permission
Generally, materials produced by Federal agencies are in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission. Any non-government publications held herein may still be subject to copyright. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.
Acquisition and Appraisal
Custodial History
RG 405 Records of the United States Naval Academy is the property of the National Archives and Records Administration. The materials are housed at the United States Naval Academy, William W. Jeffries Memorial Archives, an affiliated archive, as per a Memorandum of Agreement between the National Archives and Records Administration and the United States Naval Academy.
Related Materials
Related Archival Material
For records originating out of the Division of Professional Development, see entries 165 through 180a. For records originating out of the Department of Naval Science, see entry 180b.
Materials Cataloged Separately
No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.
Processing and Other Information
Preferred Citation
Office of the Commandant/Division of Professional Development/Department of Seamanship and Navigation: Records of the Department of Seamanship and Navigation, RG 405.3.2 Entry 180c
Special Collections & Archives Department
Nimitz Library
United States Naval Academy
Selected Bibliography
The following sources were consulted during preparation of the historical note:
CDR Charles M. Thomas, USN, Head of Department of Seamanship 11/1/1897. "History of the Department of Seamanship."
United States Naval Academy. 150th Anniversary History of the Department of Seamanship and Navigation. Annapolis, Maryland: United States Naval Academy, 1995.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Samuel Limneos in September 2019. Finding aid written by Samuel Limneos in September 2019.
Subject Headings
Name and Subject Terms
- Astronomy
- Constellation (Sloop-of-war)
- Monongahela (Screw sloop)
- Naval education -- United States
- Naval tactics
- Seamanship
- United States Naval Academy
- United States Naval Academy -- Curricula
- United States Naval Academy -- History -- 19th century
- United States Naval Academy -- History -- 20th century
- United States Naval Academy -- Midshipmen -- Cruises
- United States Naval Academy -- School ships
- United States Naval Academy. Department of Seamanship and Navigation
- United States Naval Academy. Division of Professional Development
Genre Terms
- Correspondence
- Journals (accounts)
- Memorandums
- Orders (military records)
- Plans (reports)
- Reports
- Schedules
- Ships' logs
Contents List
Series 1: MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY, NAVIGATION, AND SURVEYING, 1872-1901 Boxes 1-2
Series DescriptionSeries 1: MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY, NAVIGATION, AND SURVEYING consists of letters and memoranda addressed to the Superintendent, civilian and military faculty of the department, the U.S. Naval Observatory, and various others. Subjects discussed in the correspondence pertain to purchase and delivery of books and other academic and general stationary materials; transport of unique items to the Academy from scientific expeditions; astronomical observances and equipment; use of deep sea sounding machinery and other hydrographic and navigational equipment; academic grades and retention of midshipmen; faculty and other naval officer publications; navigational experiments; methods for determining latitude and longitude; curricula and instructional methods; ascertaining standard time; and inventories of department equipment. The correspondence in the volume documenting from 1892 to 1901 are press copies, often illegible and in fragile condition.
Series ArrangementArranged chronologically.
Subseries 2a: MONTHLY CLASS REPORTS AND GRADES, 1866-1872, 1874, 1896-1904, 1925-1937 Box 3
Subseries DescriptionSubseries 2a: MONTHLY CLASS REPORTS AND GRADES consists of six volumes documenting the Department of Seamanship grade averages for classes of midshipmen. The journals document the specific month, the class number being graded, and the last names of midshipmen in the class, their grade point averages for each week of the month, and their final grade point averages for the month. There is also a remarks column for each midshipman that is filled out when warranted. The volume documenting the years 1896 to 1904 contains additional grade point averages "for the examination," and "final." The volume for the years 1925 to 1937 is divided into class sections and contain a variety of information, including academic period schedules, practical work (P.W.), exam, week, and final grade point averages, number of midshipmen marked unsatisfactory, name of the instructor, and the course name or subject.
Subseries ArrangementArranged chronologically.
Volume 2: Naval Tactics and Naval Architecture Monthly Class Report: 1st Class, 1868 November-1869 December, 1870 October-1871 May, 1872 March-May
Entries in this volume from 1871 to 1872 are for the Department of Seamanship, Naval Architecture Branch, sometimes written as Naval Construction Branch.
Volume 3: Class Reports, 1874
Many of the entries in this volume are undated. Many of the pages contain grades for the categories of aptitude for the service, habits of study, and general conduct. Some entries are labeled seamanship and naval tactics, while others are labeled ordnance and gunnery, and some apparently athletics-related: boxing and fencing.
Volume 3a: Department of Navigation and Department of Astronomy Weekly and Monthly Class Reports, 1900 February 24-June 2
Contains columns documenting section, name, and weekly and monthly averages and examination grades of 3rd Class midshipmen. The pages alternate between the Department of Astronomy and the Department of Navigation.
Volume 5: Class Reports, 1925 October-1937 October
Beginning in 1932 the entries document individual classes and subjects including sailing, deviation and surveying, piloting, sextant and compass use, azimuths and lines of position, latitude sights, sunrise and sunset, star identification, tides and currents.
Subseries 2b: EXAMINATION QUESTIONS, 1873-1880, 1891-1894 Boxes 3-3a
Subseries DescriptionSubseries 2b: EXAMINATION QUESTIONS consists of two volumes documenting the questions on navigation examinations. Each entry contains a separate page for the practical exam, and the theory exam. Each page documents the type of exam (semi-annual, monthly, re-examination of individual midshipmen for specific reasons, etc.), date of the exam, the class number, the amount of time allotted for the exam, and the exam questions, usually written in narrative format. The volume for academic years 1891 through 1894 contains copies of examination questions from various branches in the Department of Seamanship including naval tactics, ship building, naval architecture, and naval construction.
Subseries ArrangementArranged chronologically.
Subseries 2c: NAVIGATION WORK BOOKS, 1880-1892, 1920-1923, 1926-1935 Boxes 4-8
Subseries DescriptionSubseries 2c: NAVIGATION WORK BOOKS consists of 17 volumes documenting mostly practical, and some theoretical navigation work completed daily by classes. Each entry typically begins with the date, the class number, and list of academic sources and materials consulted. Occasionally, the name of the school ship on which the work was completed is listed. The entries pose problems resulting from conceptual cruises, and list navigational and astronomical data such as latitude and longitude, meridians, and the position of the moon and stars. Other subjects include electromagnetic radiation, meteorology, and air navigation. The entries also document questions and problems for the day; often there is an accompanying page of solutions to problems. The volumes also contain copies of examination questions and solutions. The volumes begin with documentation of work completed by the Class of 1878 in April, 1880.
Subseries ArrangementArranged chronologically.
Subseries 2d: DEPARTMENT OF NAVIGATION LESSON ASSIGNMENTS, 1911-1918 Box 8
Subseries DescriptionSubseries 2d: DEPARTMENT OF NAVIGATION LESSON ASSIGNMENTS contains daily lesson curricula and course events assigned to the Department of Navigation. There are some indexes to class and academic years, however majority of the volume consists of bulleted entries listing either the lesson topic, textbook chapter to be read, practical work (P.W.), or type of examination slated for the day.
Subseries ArrangementArranged chronologically.
Subseries 2e: DEPARTMENT OF SEAMANSHIP INSTRUCTION AND EVENT JOURNAL, 1897-1899 Box 8
Subseries DescriptionThe volume in Subseries 2e: DEPARTMENT OF SEAMANSHIP INSTRUCTION AND EVENT JOURNAL was created by the Head of the Department of Seamanship Commander Charles M. Thomas in October 1897 to record important historical data, as well as the daily lessons, course of instruction and exercises, and other events of the Department. Included are copies of letters received by the Head of the Department of Seamanship from various Navy officers pertaining to the history of the Naval Academy, and the curriculum and organization of seamanship instruction in the Navy and at the Naval Academy specifically. Of note is a December 12, 1897 letter from RADM Stephen B. Luce describing his recollections of seamanship education from the 1840s. Interspersed throughout the volume are brigade orders, athletic schedules, brigade cadet (midshipman) leadership organization lists and charts, newspaper clippings, examination announcements, semi-annual efficiency reports, lists of Spanish prisoners of war, and some photographs and drawings of ships.
Subseries ArrangementArranged chronologically.
Department of Seamanship Instruction and Event Journal, 1897 October-1899 February
The Long title is the Department of Seamanship Journal of Recitations and Practical Exercises, also Changes in the Course of Instruction and Exercises and Suggestions in Regard to the Same. Record of important Events pertaining to the Department commencing with the Academic Year 1897-1898.
Subseries 2f: WATCH, QUARTER, FIRE BOAT, BATTALION, STATION BILLS OF ACADEMY TRAINING SHIPS, 1887-1896 Box 9
Subseries DescriptionThe Subseries 2f: RECORDS OF SCHOOL TRAINING SHIPS consists of several bound volumes related to ships commissioned at the Naval Academy for practice and training. The Watch, Quarter, Fire Boat, Battalion, Station Bills, etc., books for the U.S.S. Constellation, commissioned at the Naval Academy as a practice ship on May 14, 1887, and another attachment to the Academy from May 15 to September 6, 1890; and the U.S.S. Monongahela, commissioned at the Naval Academy on May 14, 1896, were intended to provide men assigned to the vessel knowledge of the stations and duties relevant to her operation. The volumes contain such data as names, rates, division assignment, station, watch, and general quarters for the ships' officers, men, and Marine guard. Also included are the gun assignments and cleaning bills for the ships' armaments.
Subseries ArrangementArranged chronologically.
Series 3: DEPARTMENT OF NAVIGATION SUPPLY LEDGERS, 1863-1876 Box 10
Series DescriptionThe third series: SUPPLY LEDGERS consists of two volumes that document the department's inventory of navigation instruments, tools, and academic books and pamphlets. The first several pages of the second volume contain mathematical formula for determining distance, translating sidereal to mean time, and navigation methods such as the loxodromic curve.
Series ArrangementArranged chronologically.
Series 4: DEPARTMENT OF SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION SSIC SUBJECT FILES, 1971-1995 (Bulk 1987-1994) Boxes 11-13
Series DescriptionThe fourth series, SSIC SUBJECT FILES, consists of official correspondence, personal letters, memoranda, orders, schedules, charts, and reports. The records pertain to general subjects including administration of personnel and material, training, curricula, and educational organization, textbooks, yard patrol craft and other training ships, computers, boards, groups, conferences, and conventions, annual events at the Academy, and certain military exercises.
Series ArrangementArranged by SSIC Subject File number; thereunder chronologically.