The Washington Ship Model Society...

...was founded in 1929 and is the oldest continuously active ship model club in the United States.  The organization is composed of active ship model enthusiasts from the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area.  Its purpose is to provide a socially enjoyable means for serious ship modelers to meet, share, and expand upon their common avocation through the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

The Society draws its membership from all walks of life and many different occupations.  The modelers' skills range from absolute beginners to professionals who have constructed models for maritime exhibits in the Smithsonian Institution and other museums throughout the United States and in Europe.  Over the years, members have written numerous articles for nautical research and ship model publications.  Society membership has included such notables as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Major (and later General) George Patton, Howard I. Chappelle and Paul E. Garber.

The interests of the modelers are as varied as their occupations, ranging from 17th century sailing vessels to radio-controlled models of modern powered craft.  All types of ship models have been constructed, in static display and operating versions, and in wood, brass, plastic and paper (card) media.

The Society conducts monthly meetings, alternating between Virginia and Maryland locations. The meeting format consists of brief society business, informal discussions of members' model projects and a program or presentation relating to a nautical or ship modeling topic.  Society members also form subgroups to focus on common modeling interests, such as steel (modern) ship modeling or plank-on-frame modeling.  Subgroups are open to all members and meet on a periodic basis, generally in members' homes. The club's newsletter, the Lynx, is published monthly.

Modelers interested in becoming members are required to attend three meetings before formally joining.  A one-time initiation fee of $10.00 is due upon acceptance into the Society, which covers the cost of a membership certificate and membership handbook.  The annual dues are currently $20.00.  These funds are used primarily to pay for the preparation and mailing of the monthly newsletter.

Contact Information

Postal address

Washington Ship Model Society

c/o Vince McCullough

13899 Ferrara Court, Chantilly VA 20151

Electronic mail

General Information: wsms@cox.net

Send mail to wsms@cox.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: December 05, 2004