The Friends of the American Merchant Marine Museum Award
On 18 June 2026, at an Awards Convocation honoring members of the graduating class of 2026 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, The Friends of the American Merchant Marine thanked Midshipman Alexander M. Virostek of Silver Lake, Ohio, for his dedication to and support of the American Merchant Marine Museum. On behalf of the Friends, Richard Kaye, President of its Board of Directors, presented MIDN Virostek with a gift card to thank him for his service to the Museum and with best wishes upon his beginning his career as a U.S. Merchant Mariner.
Donations Are Welcome
Donations to the Friends of the American Merchant Marine Museum support continued and expanded access to the museum by the public, to place displays and artifacts concerning the American Merchant Marine, and United States Merchant Marine Academy, and other areas as deemed appropriate by the Museum and the Friends. Selected acquisitions and preservation activities are funded only by your donations.
Friends
The Friends of the American Merchant Marine Museum is an organization governed by a Board of Directors consisting of persons with a deep interest in preserving the history of our Merchant Marine. This Board shall have all of the… Read More
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Activities
Over the years, the Friends have supported the educational mission of the Museum. A gallery of Museum materials, exhibits, and objects the Friends have acquired or subsidized for the Museum is forthcoming.
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Resources
The Friends have assembled a collection of essential reading materials and digital resources for those seeking to deepen their understanding of America’s merchant marine heritage. These carefully selected books, archives, and websites offer valuable perspectives on the men… Read More
Learn MoreOur Mission
The purpose of Friends of the American Merchant Marine Museum is to provide the American Merchant Marine Museum with financial and volunteer assistance as may be needed and requested to fulfill its mission to foster, promote, and perpetuate public interest in and knowledge of the American Merchant Marine, and to instill in the Midshipmen at the United States Merchant Academy as well as the general public an understanding and appreciation for America’s great maritime heritage.