Captain Thomas Tingey, who once served in the Royal Navy, was tasked with building an American shipyard. The Washington Navy Yard became the principal facility of the nation’s navy. Author Gordon S. Brown discusses Tingey’s development of the Navy Yard, his civic role in the city of Washington, and the tragic events of 1814 when he was forced to burn the ships and yard to keep them from falling into British hands. A book signing will follow the program.

Please visit the National Archives website for more information.