Author David Smith’s new book, A New Force at Sea, tells the story of one of the most important officers in the U.S. Navy between the Civil War and World War II—George Dewey. Born in Montpelier, Vermont, Dewey graduated from the newly established U.S. Naval Academy in 1858. His distinguished military career overlapped the American Civil War, the Battle of Manilla Bay, and the Philippine Insurrection, and was even being touted as a U.S. presidential candidate in 1900. Dewey embodied Theodore Roosevelt‘s “big stick” policy and was the national symbol for American naval power. Later in his career, Dewey was promoted by Congress to the newly created rank of Admiral of the Navy. Enjoy author David Smith’s overview of this larger-than-life military personality—the only naval officer interred in the U.S. National Cathedral.
About the Author: David A. Smith is a senior lecturer of American history at Baylor University. He received his undergraduate degree in U.S. history from Texas State University and his PhD from the University of Missouri. He has written books primarily focused on American military, cultural, and political history. He is an avid public speaker and hosts a weekly show on art, culture, and history on KWBU-FM in Waco. He lives with his family in Woodway, Texas.
If you need to contact the museum on the day of the program, call our front desk at 202.685.0589 to speak to a museum employee.
Note: Due to security requirements at the Washington Navy Yard, you will need to be escorted onto the base. If taking metro, get on the Green Line and exit the Navy Yard/Ballpark stop, then walk to the entrance at 11th and O Street SE (about 15 minutes). Plan to arrive at the entrance gate by 11am. A museum educator will be at the entrance gate to bring you onto the base and to the museum (Bldg. 76). The last gate pickup will occur at 11:20 PM. If you need to contact the museum on the day of the program, call our front desk at 202.685.0589.
Parking Option: Harris Teeter’s underground parking garage (401 M Street SE) has free parking for 90 minutes. Once parked, you will need to go into the store and validate your ticket. After validating your ticket, exit the store and walk to the Navy Yard entrance at 11th and O Street SE. Keep your ticket - you will need it to exit the garage.
Register for this program through Eventbrite or email Paul Perry at paul.h.perry4,civ@us.navy.mil
Images courtesy U.S. Naval Institute Press
