Though known principally for his wooden commercial fishing boat designs, Hanson was also vitally involved during both World Wars in military vessel design and construction. Regardless of its intended use, a Hanson-designed vessel was characteristically both seakindly and seaworthy, yet visually graceful. With approximately 18,000 such boats and ships to his credit, it is not surprising that many are still esteemed and in such active service around the globe. Audiotape contents have not been transcribed, but each tape is accompanied by a written description of contents supplement, which is purposefully detailed and correlated to the tape counter of an audiocassette player available to visiting researchers. Staff have also compiled a new Finding Guide to the Hanson Collection's 4,800 photograph prints and negatives.
Access is provided by subject category, with indexing at the folder level.
Duplication services are available through the Museum's Photo Archives department. The Hanson Naval Architecture Collection , along with its new Oral History Supplement , is a multifaceted resource with many potential applications. Owners of Hanson-designed vessels, practicing naval architects, model boatbuilders, and marine artists alike will find its line drawings and photographs both informative and inspiring. Prior appointments are required for access to the Collection line drawings and blueprints.