Steve Manuel, executive director of New London County Historical Society, loves maritime history. His 30-year love affair with history began while serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Constitution. He has B.S. in wildlife biology and B.A. in history from UMass along with a M.A. in world history and a certificate in public history from Northeastern University. Steve’s academic research explored the expedition and the impact of the maritime community on the professionalization of science. His professional work during this period included the Special Collections and Archives Department at the W.E.B Dubois Library and the archives at Saint Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, MA. In addition, Steve curated the Seward Natural History Collection at Connecticut’s Old State House and created digital programing for three outdoor trails at Old Sturbridge Village. Under Steve’s leadership at the New London County Historical Society, the organization pioneered a new summer education program for the low-income families of New London County, organized its collection of historical artifacts, and initiated an internship program which attracts students from across the country. A sought-after speaker and author, Steve has presented numerous lectures and written articles on topics such as Benedict Arnold, the HMS Resolute, Henry Burbeck, the Privateer General Israel Putnam. | 
