Changing Course with author Peter J. Emanuel Jr.

Looking for something to break up the dreary winter nights? Come join us for a fascinating talk with local author and historian, Peter J. Emanuel Jr. Some of you might recognize him as a former music and history teacher at the Williams School. Emanuel’s book, “Course Change” explores the role of the New London whaleship, Stonington, as it unwittingly becomes embroiled in an international conflict.

The Stonington, a whaleship from New London, Connecticut, is sailing a course for home after being at sea for more than three years. When it pulls into San Diego, California in September 1846 for food and supplies, the crew learns that war has broken out between the United States and Mexico. The town is under siege by Mexican forces, leaving the US inhabitants no escape route but the sea. In response to their desperate situation, the Stonington’s captain allows them to take refuge aboard his ship. Thus begins the first step in what would become the Stonington’s months-long tour of duty as a member of the US Navy’s Pacific Squadron.

Using the logbook of the whaleship Stonington together with other primary and secondary sources, historian Peter J. Emanuel, Jr. tells the story of a whaleship unlike any other in the annals of whaling. Sail along with the Stonington as it assists in the retaking of San Diego, then serves as a supply ship, a troop ship, and even a gun ship for the US Navy.

This program is free and open to the public. It takes place Thursday, January 22nd at 6pm at the Captain N.B. Palmer House.