Boeing B-1 Seaplane Museum of History and Industry

7/8/2014 ~ Boeing B-1 Seaplane at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) South Lake Union Neighborhood, Seattle, WA

The MOHAI museum in Seattle, Washington has a very rare piece of aviation history hanging from its ceiling. The wooden Boeing B-1 seaplane on display (built in Seattle in 1919) was the only one ever built, yet it had a very successful and long career.

At the MOHAI this evening to listen to local historian Scott Grimm as he discussed the discovery and case claiming that an anchor discovered by chance 6 years ago and recently salvaged is indeed the 222-year-old HMS Chatham anchor. Scott explored the challenges of authentication and preservation of the historic artifacts.

The HMS Chatham was a vessel that escorted the HMS Discovery which was the lead ship in George Vancouver's exploration of the west coast of North America in his famous 1791-1795 expedition. The HMS Vancouver lost it anchor while off the west coast of Whidbey Island during this expedition. A chance discovery six years ago by diver Doug Monk has turned into an underwater forensic mystery to identify the history behind a 1,400 pound iron anchor discovered in the depths of Puget Sound.

Interesting lecture with lots of historical facts and scientific facts to present the case that this is the anchor from the HMS Chatham. The anchor will rest in MOHAI for 4 days and then be transported to Texas A&M University where it will reside for a couple of years where 'Anchor' scholars will help authenticate the anchor and aid in its preservation.

A wonderful evening, I love history, and the story and the presentation of the circumstances regarding the recorded loss and subsequent find of the anchor was very interesting.

Hope everyone has had a wonderful day and look forward to another tomorrow!

Life is Grand!