Female Worker at Electric Boat Company
As men went to serve in World War II, women quickly filled their roles, becoming some of the finest mechanics, engineers, and technicians. The Electric Boat Company was a major employer of female workers. Thus, New London played an important role not only in military history, but perhaps more importantly, in feminist history.
(Unknown)
1943
Jennifer Wilson
Photograph
Postcard of the USS Nautilus
This postcard displays the announcement of The Electric Boat Company’s new name: "General Dynamics." Part of a 1955 United States propaganda art series "Atoms for Peace," this postcard communicates American power in the context of Cold War fear and aggression.
Erik Nitsche
<a href="">Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives</a>
1955
Jennifer Wilson
Postcard
Launching Program: U.S.S. Nautilus
As the nuclear submarine emerges from the Nautilus shell on the cover of this program celebrating the U.S.S. Nautilus launch, human dominion over the atom becomes a reality. General Dynamics and New London were proud to claim this accomplishment, as the brochure states: "when the Nautilus moves down the Thames under her own power for the first time, the hopes and dreams of thousands will move with her."
General Dynamics/Electric Boat Company
<a>Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives</a>
1954
Jenni Wilson
Program
Aerial Photograph of the Fort Trumbull Area
Dating to the American Revolution, Fort Trumbull has served as the hub of military action for centuries. Today, it is a Connecticut State Park, where the historic structure of the fort is preserved, and a visitor center displays the defense history of the site.
Historic American Engineering Record
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Washington D.C.
1945
Jennifer Wilson
Survey Photograph
Fort Trumbull Heritage Center
In the 1970s, the city of New London proposed a restoration of the historic Fort Trumbull. This architects’ survey report includes a historical background, development and organization proposals, and design recommendations. In the 1990s, the Fort Trumbull District would become embroiled in controversy over another redevelopment plan that led to the historic Kelo v. New London U.S. Supreme Court decision (2005).
Interdesign/Hartung Architects
Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives
1977
Jennifer Wilson
Brochure
Fort Trumbull Coast Guard Base, New London, Conn.
In 1910, U.S. Coast Guard Academy Cadets sailed the Itasca (a tall ship similar to the ones seen in this postcard) to Fort Trumbull, claiming it for the Academy. When the school moved in 1932, Fort Trumbull became the official U.S. Coast Guard Station. Today, the base remains in the same location—a reminder of New London’s key role in the national security and maritime safety of our nation.
J. Solomon
<a href="">Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives</a>
n.d.
Jennifer Wilson
Technicolor Postcard
United States Coast Guard Cutter "Eagle" Wood Engraving
The Eagle, a U.S. Coast Guard ship built in 1790, still serves as a training ship for US Coast Guard cadets today. Established on August 4, 1790 by Alexander Hamilton, the Coast Guard was the first militarized seagoing force in the country and it continues to influence the present-day landscape of New London.
John De Pol
<a href="">Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives</a>
1976
Jennifer Wilson
Woodcut engraving
Naval Submarine Base Badge
Naval Submarine Base New London
Private Collection
2019
Jennifer Wilson
Collectible patch
The Future National Coast Guard Museum
Payette Architects
National Coast Guard Museum Association, Inc.
2018
Jennifer Wilson
Architectural renderings
The USS Nautilus Slipping into the Thames River
Built by General Dynamics, the USS Nautilus was the first nuclear submarine ever created. The Nautilus is still celebrated and appreciated today, as it is preserved and on view as part of the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, CT.
The U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy Photo Gallery, Washington Collection
1954
Jennifer Wilson
Photograph