Naval Sword from USS Constitution's Most Famous Captain Returns to Boston

GreatAmerican
Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:50:03 +0000

Naval Sword from USS Constitution’s Most Famous Captain Returns to Boston after Nearly 200 Years; Captain Isaac Hull’s Service Sword From War of 1812 Becomes Part of USS Constitution Museum’s Collection

The USS Constitution Museum today announced the homecoming of a sword owned by Captain Isaac Hull, who commanded USSConstitutionto victory over the British frigateHMSGuerriereduring the War of 1812.

Hull’s sword, accompanied by its scabbard, was unveiled at a ceremony today at the USS Constitution Museum to kick off the Museum’s activities leading up to its August 18 Victory Day celebratory events which commemorate the historicUSS-Constitutionvictory overHMSGuerriereon August l9, l812.

The sword (circa 1806) arrives at the USS Constitution Museum thanks to 70 donors led by a generous challenge grant from Ronald M. Egalka, a Brookline resident, president and CEO of Boston-based Rampart Investment Management Com-pany, historical armament expert, and nine-year member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. Egalka, along with other generous Museum trustees and donors, raised the money to acquire the sword, which until now has been out of public view.

Egalka, together withUSS ConstitutionCommanding Officer Commander William A. Bullard III, who will be dressed in his navy regulation 1812 period uniform, will participate in the ceremony. Burt Logan, president of the USS Constitution Museum, and Hull Fulweiler, a descendent of Isaac Hull, will also provide background history about the sword, the battle withHMSGuerriereand Captain Isaac Hull.

“This sword is a very special weapon that belonged to Isaac Hull during the time whenUSSConstitutionbecame a national icon,” said Logan. “It’s an important acquisition and helps augment our collection of artifacts from the War of 1812. We are grateful to Ron Egalka and the other donors whose efforts have enabled future generations to see the personal sword of the ship’s most famous captain.”

Based on the sword’s style, navy regulations and family legend, the brass ea-gle pommel service sword was worn by Isaac Hull while in uniform during the War of 1812, with its scabbard bearing the engraving “Captn I. Hull/U.S.N.”

“It’s a true honor to have joined with the other donors to secure this important artifact for the Museum,” said Egalka. “This piece of American history will now be displayed for all to see. We all look forward to welcoming history lovers from Boston and around the world to the Museum to learn more abou-tUSSConstitutionand Captain Isaac Hull.”

About Isaac Hull’s Sword

Isaac Hull gave the sword to Commodore David Porter in 1822 in gratitude for Porter’s role in clearing him of false charges of misappropriation of funds brought against him when he served as Commandant of the Charlestown Navy Yard after the War of 1812. Hull, grateful to Porter for restoring his reputation and for saving his career and pension, gave him his sword.

The sword then descended through the Commodore David Porter and Admiral David Dixon Porter families until 1962, when Mary Porter Couden presented it to her godson when he became a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy. After owning the sword for more than 20 years, he sold it through Sotheby’s prior to its purchase by John F. Rinaldi of Nautical Antiques in Maine.

Event Schedule forUSS Constitution Museum’s Victory Day Celebration

On Saturday, August 18,from11:00am-3:00pmat the Charlestown Navy Yard, help us honorUSSConstitution’sWar of 1812 victory overHMSGuerriereby participating in a day of family activities! Learn how to write with a quill pen, make a captain’s hat, try on period clothing, and watch an authentic gun drill and a live theatrical performance of “Sailors’ Lives and Sailors’ Wives.” Admission isfree.

OnAugust 18 at 6:05 pm., USS CONSTITUTION will host a 30-minute ceremony, “USS CONSTITUTION Versus HMS GUERRIERE Battle Commemoration.” This inaugural event, honoring “Old Ironsides’” most famous engagement, will feature live gun-fire and music performed by the 1812 Marines.

About the USS Constitution Museum

The USS Constitution Museum serves as the non-profit memory and educational voice of “Old Ironsides.” Family-friendly, hands-on exhibits share the stories ofUSSConstitutionand those who shaped her history. The Museum, located adjacent toUSSConstitutionin the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, is open seven days a week, 9:00am-6:00pm. There is no charge for admission, but donations are wel-come.www.ussconstitutionmusuem.org.

CONTACT: For USS Constitution Museum
Brian Willinsky, 617-646-3329
Cell: 781-856-1327
bwillinsky@schneiderpr.com

Business Wire
August 14, 2007 Tuesday 5:40 PM GMT
Copyright 2007 Business Wire, Inc.

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