RESEARCH Our curatorial staff fielded over 115 historical and artifact questions in 2014! Like our mission, the inquiries covered a wide range of subject areas. We were pleased to share our knowledge and resources with everyone who contacted us for help, including: • The Australian Navy, requesting information about the Mark 15 torpedo • The Washington State History Museum, seeking provenance and context for artifacts we loaned them for an exhibit • DESCO (Diving Equipment & Supply Company), looking for help in determining the “official” introduction date for the Mark V helmet • Washington State University engineering students, asking for the measurements of the Mark 13 torpedo’s steering rudder for a research project NUM staff also conducts and supports ongoing research into the history, significance, and technology of our artifact collection. In 2014 we took on some particularly interesting projects, such as: • Discovering and documenting the provenance and function of two torpedo dynamo-electric machines in the collection. In the 1880s, these hand-cranked boxes were used to fire torpedoes! • Studying and researching our collection of diving masks to better document their history, significance, design, and use by the Navy. • Assisting a researcher in creating a sophisticated 3D model of the Howell torpedo, the first American torpedo. The model will be used in the future to demonstrate the innovative design features that characterize the Howell. NAVAL UNDERSEA MUSEUM 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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