A History of the Navy in 100 Objects: episode 1 - The Crypt of John Paul Jones.
Often when telling a story, it's best to start at the beginning. In our case, although the United States Navy didn't begin with John Paul Jones, he is nevertheless considered the Father of the American Navy. Born in England, he cut his teeth as a sailor in merchant fleets, before coming to the United States. When war broke out, he joined the fight on the side of the upstart colonies, and won fame for his daring raid on English soil and his victories over British ships. After the war, he accepted a position as an admiral in the Russian navy. After a short time, he returned to Paris in poor health, and died shortly after in 1792.
In the tumultuous days of the French Revolution, Jones' grave was lost and it wasn't until 1905 that it was rediscovered. After discovery, and with great ceremony, his remains were transported across the Atlantic. After several years they were finally interred in the crypt underneath the iconic Naval Academy Chapel, where they remain today. This is the story of Jones in life, and in death.
Visit the "A History of the Navy in 100 objects" 
website: http://usna.edu/100Objects

Produced by A History of the Navy in 100 objects team at the US Naval Academy Museum.
Published to soundcloud by Rod Doty, 
Social Media & Fan Engagement.


Object #1 - The Crypt of John Paul Jones

Object #46 - WWII Japanese Radio Headset
From the 1890s until World War II, the Navy witnessed tremendous technological development. Wooden ships ceased to exist. The airplane was invented and became mainstream, and submarines entered broad use world-wide. During this same period and with the same rapidity, the Navy (and the rest of the world's navies like Japan) adopted wireless communication, completely changing the way navies fought battles and coordinated movements. Wireless technology directly impacted the course of all future conflicts, particularly WWII, with interceptions of German and Japanese communications leading to key Allied victories. To this day, wireless communication technology continues to develop and change at incredible speed.
Visit the "A History of the Navy in 100 objects" 
website: usna.edu/100Objects

Produced by A History of the Navy in 100 objects team at the US Naval Academy Museum.
Published to soundcloud by Rod Doty, 
Social Media & Fan Engagement.

Object #46 - WWII Japanese Radio Headset

Artifacts like those found in the U.S. Naval Academy Museum are tangible links to our past - holding and studying them evokes emotions and makes connections in our memories. The U.S. Navy has a long and storied history - only beginning to understand it would take a lifetime of study. By bringing notable objects and places to life, this podcast series highlights key moments and themes in the Navy's complex history. Citizens and sailors alike can use this series to connect with their past, understand their present, and prepare for their future. The U.S. Naval Academy Museum, the Nimitz Library Special Collections and Archives Department and their partners proudly present "A History of the Navy in 100 Objects," a weekly podcast and video series exploring the navy's storied history using objects. 

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