With a mission of preserving, educating, and commemorating naval history, the Naval Historical Foundation frequently interacts with scholars and has performed a commendable job as a "network enabler" to connect those with common interests to collaborate on projects, panels, and research as well as setting up mentors for up and coming scholars. Included among the many initiatives that the NHF has taken to foster scholarship is support for the International Journal of Naval History www.ijnhonline.org, the publication of the e-letters WE-Pull Together and Naval History Book Reviews; and the maintenance of a cadre of subject matter experts available for public speaking opportunities.

The naval historian network has been rather informal. If a request comes in about thesis research support, a lecturer, or best book on a subject, an e-mail goes out to a select few asking "who is most knowledgeable on this topic."

What has become apparent is the talent pool to draw from is actually quite extensive. First, there are many individuals who focused their academic scholarship on the study of naval history, but the job market has forced them to work in other historical fields. Then there are individuals who have become students of naval history through non-traditional routes, but have published widely respected tomes and articles on the subject.

Given the scope of knowledgeable individuals in the field, the Naval Historical Foundation seeks to assemble a useable database that can be shared on an "as-needed" basis. We intend to maintain it as an internal "living" document that is continuously updated.   For members interested in acquiring the database for historical research support or for identifying potential moderators/panelists at conferences, we can arrange to make hard copies available for a nominal fee to cover printing and mailing.

As you may know, we're currently deep into the planning stages for a new exhibit at the Cold War Gallery based on Operation Lion's Den. If you'd like to learn more about the exhibit, or make a donation to support its construction, we invite you to read our earlier announcement. Completion of the exhibit is planned by summer 2012 at the Cold War Gallery, part of the National Navy Museum at the Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC. Alternately, you can make a donation on our Fundly page using the green Donate button below.

In a letter to Foundation President VADM Robert F. Dunn, USN (Ret), dated 21 March 2012, Undersecretary of the Navy Robert O. Work formally accepted the Covert Submarine Operations exhibit in the Cold War Gallery on behalf of the Department of the Navy. Construction of this exhibit was completed in 2011 by Design and Production, Inc., with funds raised by the Naval Historical Foundation. The completed exhibit was then gifted to the Navy by the Foundation. In his letter, Undersecretary Work asked the Foundation to "convey my personal appreciation and gratitude to the members of the Foundation for their support of this worthy project commemorating the Navy's contribution to the Cold War."

We echo Undersecretary Work's thanks and praise of our members. Our members continue to be the backbone of our efforts to build the Cold War Gallery. We ask that you consider supporting our 2012 exhibit construction project, "Into the Lion's Den," with donations accepted on our Fundly page. And if you haven't already seen the high resolution images, videos, and 360 degree panoramas of the sub exhibit, be sure to check them out at www.usnavymuseum.org. 

The Naval War College Press released the 19th book in the Historical Monograph series, entitled Talking about Naval History: A Collection of Essays, by Dr. John B. Hattendorf, on Feb. 2.