Fashioned in Steel (The Steel Navy)

Commemorate the centennial of the Congressional bill authorizing the Navy Dept. to begin construction of steel ships, and trace their early development through some 7 models and several pictures, as well as the comfort (and discomfort) of people who manned the early ships. Also focus on the growing complexity of their operation, and the increase in specialization of crew, illustrated by rating badges.

The models, on loan from the Navy Dept., are official models and were built in the late 19th C. at the Washington, D.C., Navy Yard.