This collection will guide you through the pre-independent colonial world. And the means of transportation will be ships!  Ships were involved in shaping the economy, the social structure, the culture, as well as the behavioral patterns of the people in the Americas.

A lot changed from the time of Christopher Columbus' arrival in 1492 to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Wars were fought, slaves were brought into the continent,and goods were imported and exported. In the midst of all these changes, ships were one of the key things which remained constant. From bringing Europeans, slaves, and various imported goods into the Americas, to taking out goods like sugar and spices, ships were fundamental in preventing the eradication of the colonial world.

As we sail through the collection, we will see the ships which were central to bringing the Europeans to the 'New World', the creation of slavery, trade and smuggling, and of course, the Revolution.