Public Programs Archive

The Mendenhall Flying Lions, the City Museum and the Friends host an unveiling reception for the U.S.S. Juneau Presentation Silver Set, on loan to the Museum from the U.S. Navy, on Sunday, February 14th, from 12 to 4 pm.

Presented to the U.S.S. Juneau CL-52 by Mayor and Mrs. Harry Lucas on October 25, 1941, at the ship's launching and christening ceremony in New York, the silver was purchased with milk money from school children, donations from firefighters, and the effort of our local citizens.

Excerpts from a document shared with the Museum by the U.S. Navy:

Presentation silver has its beginnings with the gift of a silver tea service to Edmund Hartt by the citizens of Boston for the construction of the frigate Boston in 1799. But not until the late 1880?s, when ships were being named after cities and states around the country, did a ship receive presentation silver. Funding for these presentations often came from the general public. These older sets are highly regarded for their historical value. Many have been loaned back to their donating localities while others are on display in museums.

Silver services on board ships are widely used for a variety of functions and ceremonies. Ships overseas host receptions for foreign leaders. Those closer to home play host to local dignitaries. No matter what purpose they are used for, it proves that presentation silver still carries on a significant and important tradition in today?s Navy as they shine from sea to shining seas.