I first got into ocean liners upon learning a distant relative's mother-in-law was a Titanic survivor. This was elementary school; 4th or 5th grade. Never met her, as she had passed before I was born; family said she never talked about it. (But I have come across a press photo taken at the premier of A Night to Remember of her sitting next to the producer.) 

 

So, after reading whatever I could get my hands on regarding Titanic, I started over with the broader topic of ocean liners, gaining an extensive library in the process. Eventually, my focus turned to American ships.

 

Several years ago, while packing up for a move, I started to notice, in my collection of steamship ads, artwork in the photos of the public areas. After an exhaustive search, which begat a list of dozens of artists, I realized I had not come across a one-stop source for this material: American art on American ships.

 

Yadda, yadda,  yadda, and here we are.

 

I welcome your feedback. If you feel I've erred in something presented, show me your notes, and I'll show you mine.