Events
Bowditch Bicentennial

The Salem Evening News, July 15, 2002

The year 2002 marked the 200th anniversary of the publication of Salem son Nathaniel Bowditch's The New American Practical Navigator, still considered the "Bible" of navigation to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and boaters everywhere. To celebrate, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site agreed to devote their annual Maritime Festival to Bowditch, and the Navy sent two ships to Salem Harbor (the USS Gunston Hall and the USNS Mary Sears) staffed by 2,000 officers and enlisted personnel. A "Waterfront Committee" comprised of representatives of every affiliated organization (Historic Salem, Inc., Peabody Essex Museum, House of the Seven Gables, Destination Salem, Marine Society, the City of Salem, Salem State College, U.S. Navy and Coast Guard) was created to ensure community support and smooth management. The weekend of July 13 and 14, 2002 was a triumph for everyone involved.

HurdSmith Communications was hired by Historic Salem, Inc. to manage the public program part of the weekend which took place on Saturday.

Events included:

• U.S. Navy Color Guard
• "Welcome" by great, great, great grandson of Nathaniel Bowditch, of the same name
• Greeting from the City of Salem
• "Appreciation" by Peabody Essex Museum curator of Maritime History Dan Finamore
• Remarks by Congressman John F. Tierney, Rear Admiral Richard D. West (U.S. Navy) and Rear Admiral Vivien S. Crea (U.S. Coast Guard)
• Readings by 8th-grade Bowditch Essay Contest Winners
• Presentation of Bicentennial issue of The New American Practical Navigator to dignitaries
• Closing remarks by Nathaniel Bowditch
• Search and Air Rescue Demonstration
• Sea Chantey Concert

Tasks:

• attended Waterfront Committee meetings
• worked with speakers, dignitaries and legislators
• assisted with local media arrangements
• wrote information sheets or media advisories
• managed site logistics and set-up
• wrote and designed the program book and information flier
• assisted with invitation distribution and fulfillment
• handled administrative details