Please respond to
Jaclyn Stewart jstewart@phillyseaport.org
We here at ISM are really excited about the reunion in October! I know I cannot wait to meet and talk with everyone! I have a favor to ask you both- well, two actually.
First, would it be possible to get the word out to those who will be attending that I am greatly interested in interviewing them for the museum? Dick, I know I had sent you info earlier about what we'd like to do, but I can give you more if you need it. Basically, I'd like to continue what our previous Ships' Programs Coordinator, Doug Buchanan, started in 2000- during that reunion he interviewed I believe sixteen former crewmembers of BECUNA. It went so well, and the information we received was so helpful to the museum, that I'd like to conduct more interview sessions in October. I don't really know how that would work in terms of your schedule of events; perhaps we can interview at times when there is nothing else going on, or if the men have sessions they don't plan on attending I can speak with them at those times. Please let me know what you think would work best!
Also- I know you are collecting info from those who plan to attend. Would it be possible for you to pass that info along to me? It would help me in conducting my research, to know who will be there, when they served on BECUNA, and what their job was on board. If it is easier for you and if you don't mind you can just pass along their contact info and I can contact them directly.
Another thing is, museum staff would like to speak with the veterans on behalf of the museum- is there a time during those three days when you will all be on BECUNA?
Just so you know, the day before the reunion begins, Saturday October 2, is our annual "Submarine Saturday" event on board the sub. Members of the Delaware Valley Chapter, US SubVets WWII will be there to speak with visitors, we will have areas not normally opened to the public opened (like the conning tower, sonar room, etc) for visitors to see, and there will be crafts and activities for families and children. The event will run from 12-5, with a lunch in the mess from 11-12. Please pass this info along to reunion attendees; we would love to have them join us if they can!
Thanks so much for your help with all this. If there is anything I can do to make your reunion weekend run smoother, please do not hesitate to tell me- I will do all that I can to help! : )
Sincerely,
Jaclyn Stewart