The library recently acquired an almost complete set of Merchant Vessels of the United States. Our collection has 74 volumes, dating from 1868 to 1959. The books contain detailed information about almost everything afloat in US waters. "Merchant" is interpreted very broadly, and includes yachts as well as working vessels. Information on dimensions, port of registry, where built, name changes, and losses are all available.

The archives are currently working on accessioning photographs and other materials from the Edward Bosley Collection left to us by Mr. Bosley. He had acquired large numbers of photographs from the estate of the late Ben Pine of Gloucester. In addition Bosley had taken many, many, photographs of the Gloucester vessels showing details of the intricacies of fishing schooners not immediately obvious from overall pictures. Processing the collection, and integrating the information into our holdings is going to be an ongoing project. Among the pictures is this one of Columbia and Bluenose in their second race in 1923. Columbia is closest to the camera.