Lecture: Suited for Sea - US Navy Enlisted Uniforms During the War of 1812

The Newport Historical Society will host historian Matthew Brenckle to discuss "Suited for Sea: US Navy Enlisted Uniforms During the War of 1812" for an evening lecture about early American naval uniforms on Thursday November 4, 2010 at 6 p.m. at the Colony House on Washington Square.

For years, novelists, film directors, reenactors and a fair number of historians have argued that the seamen who served in the early American navy were free to clothe themselves as they chose, with little regard for uniformity. Unfortunately, this is just another myth of the early navy.

Senior officers, determined to shape public perception of the fledgling fleet, imposed strict uniform requirements on the men under their command. New research reveals that the Navy had a sophisticated procurement system to provide sailors with affordable, wellmade clothing, even at the height of the war. Listen as historian Matthew Brenckle presents the myth shattering results of ten years of research into Federalera sailor clothing.

Matthew Brenckle is the coauthor of the forthcoming book Sailor Clothing in Britain and America, 1750-1820 (Scurlock Publishing). For more than twelve years he has examined the clothing of the laboring classes during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a study enhanced by his careful reproduction of original hats and garments. Matthew holds degrees in archaeology and maritime history from Brown University and East Carolina University. He currently works as the research coordinator at the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown.

Admission costs $5 per person, $1 for Newport Historical Society members. Reservations requested. Persons with mobility issues should call in advance. 401-841-8770.

For additional information and/or to obtain media photos please contact: Elizabeth Sulock, Public Affairs Associate, 401-846-0813 x104, esulock@newporthistorical.org.