SSHSA Virtual Museum

Welcome to the Steamship Historical Society of America (SSHSA) Virtual Museum. From here you can choose which gallery and exhibition you would care to browse. The works on display in the galleries represent just a portion of SSHSA's substantial collections. Exhibits are changed on a regular basis and we invite you to visit our Virtual Museum often to enjoy the latest galleries.

The SSHSA Virtual Museum is made possible by the annual support from The Family of Helen and Henry Posner, Jr. The museum presents special exhibits including maritime artwork, photographs, as well as highly collectible ocean liner posters focused on the maritime aspect of transportation.

When entering each gallery, you can view the individual images and read a brief description of the artwork. Click on an image to see an enlarged screen view and a description of the object's condition where available.

Enjoy your visit to the Steamship Historical Society of America Virtual Museum.

The Posner Maritime Art Collection This growing collection of paintings, half-models, and maritime artwork by noteworthy artists from the 19th and 20th centuries is generously shared by the family of Helen and Henry Posner, Jr. and stewarded by SSHSA.

The Braun Bros. Photographic Collection Rare color images of ships, from iconic liners to classic excursion boats, as shot by Joseph F. and Richard T. Braun of Valley Stream, New York, SSHSA members for over 40 years.  Richard was a regional editor of Steamboat Bill during the 1970s.  As ship enthusiasts, frequent travelers and maritime collectors, the Braun brothers spent almost 50 years from 1950 to 1997 traveling and visiting ports around the world.  Over time Richard and Joseph acquired an impressive and unique color slide collection of their own photography as well as other maritime ephemera.  Joseph Braun passed away in 1998.  Urged by William Ray (SSHSA Librarian at the time), Richard began donating items from their personal collection which was received by SSHSA on March 2, 2001.

The Stephen Barrett Chase Collection of Ocean Liner Posters Stunning graphic imagery from the classic era of 20th century ocean travel.