Vanishing History: Author Chronicles the Disappearance of America's Museum Ships
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SEATTLE - Washingtoner -- Maritime historian and author J.G. Follansbee has sounded the alarm on a quiet crisis unfolding along America's waterfronts: the loss of historic museum ships that once preserved the nation's naval and maritime legacy. In his latest blog post, Lost Museum Ships: 16 Historic Vessels Lost in the 21st Century, Follansbee documents the heartbreaking demise of iconic vessels. They range from World War II submarines to storied schooners that have vanished due to neglect, funding shortfalls, and public indifference.

"These ships weren't just floating museums," says Follansbee. "They were living classrooms, memorials, and time machines. Their loss is a national tragedy."

Among the vessels profiled are the USS Clamagore, scrapped after severe hull deterioration; the HMS Bounty, sunk during Hurricane Sandy; and the SS United States, now awaiting its final fate as an artificial reef. Each story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of maritime preservation and the urgent need for public support.

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Follansbee's post is also a call to action. He offers practical advice for donors, museum supporters, and policymakers to help save the remaining fleet before it's too late.

The blog post is at https://jgfollansbee.com/2025/07/27/lost-museum-ships/

Journalists covering heritage preservation, maritime history, or cultural loss are encouraged to contact Mr. Follansbee for interviews, commentary, or collaboration. His compelling storytelling and deep expertise make him a vital voice in the fight to preserve America's nautical past.

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J.G. Follansbee is the author of multiple books on maritime history and cultural preservation, including "Shipbuilders, Sea Captains: The Story of the Schooner Wawona", and "The Fyddeye Guide to America's Veteran Warships".