On this episode, we profile a Vietnam POW mentioned in the Naval Academy Museum.

It was during the Barbary Wars that this desk gained its importance. It belonged to Commodore Edward Preble, who penned important orders to his lieutenants during the conflict. Known as Prebles Boys, these men would become influential leaders in the US Navy. Listen in to learn about their entry onto the US Navy stage.

The Naval Academy was founded in 1845, but do you know why? Tune in to hear about the reasons for founding a naval school.

Every class at the Naval Academy has that legendary member - the one who made memorable stories from Plebe Summer, that every member of the class can recite with a laugh, and often, the one who went on to a unique career trajectory. For the Naval Academy Class of 1884, that was Philo McGiffin.

Typically, we dont get to hear the personal thoughts of our Navy leaders. They are professionals in demanding leadership positions. But today on A History of the Navy in 100 Objects, we get to hear the thoughts of a prior Naval Academy commandant...who really didnt want to come back to Annapolis.

The battle for Iwo Jima was some of the fierciest and deadliest fighting in the Pacific theater of World War II. The Iwo Jima monument in Washington DC commemorates these men's sacrifice. The Naval Academy Museum is proud to hold the design model for the monument. Tune in to learn more about the battle, the model, and the process of constructing the monument.

Ever feel yourself rushing last minute to get everything done when you have guests coming over? This happened to the crew of the battleship USS Missouri too, when Japanese and American leadership delegations were coming aboard to sign the World War II surrender documents. The Naval Academy Museum recreates the scene onboard with the original table, tablecloth, and a signed version of the surrender document. Tune in to hear what it was like in the minutes leading up to the arrival of the official parties.

We have heard about the naval legends that earned their name from this battle (Admiral Worden from episodes 55 and 56), but here we take an in-depth look at the battle itself. It was the first meeting of two ironclad ships and was the first step towards the metal alloy and steel ships of today. Join us as we go back to a time of technological innovation that changed the course of Navy history.

Medals are an important was to recognize superior service, valor and performance in the US Navy. This collection of Admiral Crowes medals speak to the significance of such awards to forge ties both within the Navy and with our partners abroad. Tune in to learn about the origin of such awards and to learn about Admiral Crowes impression collection of international decorations.

Did you know that much of the Smithsonians original collection was made up of objects that were brought back from a US Navy exploring expedition? Through the Wilkes Expedition, the US Navy led the way for much of the scientific development in the 19th century. Tune in to learn how an officers bicorn is representative of such broad scientific growth.