Join us for the combined AHS / Athenaeum salute to the upcoming Sails on the Potomac when we host a panel of experts discussing an overview of the early days of the US Navy and its predecessor, the Continental Navy.

Our free, family-friendly Friday night prelude to Sails on the Potomac will include:

• Dr. Tom Sheppard, author of Commanding Petty Despots who will discuss the creation of the Continental Navy, its officer corps, and the accomplishments & struggles of the American Revolutionary war at sea. 

• Mr. Chris Martin from the Ships, Stations and Squadrons Histories Branch of the Naval History & Heritage Command, who will describe what some of the early Navy ships were like.

• Information on Alexandria's own Tall Ship Providence, a reproduction of the first Continental Navy ship, and the following week's Sails on the Potomac, part of Sail 250.

We will conclude with an informal Q&A session…