Don't miss this Saturday's programs at the Apalachicola Maritime Museum

Religion Above and Below Deck in World War II, by Dr. Kurt Piehler, Director of the Institute on World War II and the Human Experience

January 26, 2013 at 7 p.m.

On a cold winter night in February 1943 an American troopship would be torpedoed in the North Atlantic.  Panic gripped the men as the ship quickly listed to its side and started sinking. Four chaplains-two Protestant ministers, a rabbi, and a Roman Catholic priest-worked to calm the scores of green soldiers and helped them escape the doomed ship.  The four chaplains gave up their own life preservers to those GIs without them and stayed aboard the doomed ship.  In the distance, survivors reported seeing these four chaplains united in prayer as they disappeared into the frigid sea. 

The Four Chaplains became a major symbol of ecumenicalism and sacrifice for the nation.   Their story is emblematic of a larger story about the role religion played in the life of World War II GIs, especially for those in the Navy.   In this talk, Professor Piehler will examine the religious life of American sailors and officers in World War II.  In contrast to earlier wars, the United States went to great lengths to ensure the American GI had access to chaplains and could freely exercise their right to worship according to the dictates of their conscience.   During the war 2,934 chaplains strived to meet the needs of sailors and Marines ashore and afloat.  $5 includes low country boil reception on the docks following the talk.

Build a Rowing Shell

January 28, 2013

Under the guidance of our boat builder, construct this vessel from plans and materials obtained from Chesapeake Light Craft.  Construction time is six to eight days.  At the end of session you have functional boat ready for finishing, which takes two to four weeks.  This Wherry design offers thoroughbred performance on the water combined with breathtaking grace.

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