 | Remember, So They Don't Forget USS SLATER The Destroyer Escort Historical Museum Membership Program |
The Destroyer Escort Historical Museum
The Museum is an educational and charitable Organization, organized under the laws of the State of New York, whose goal is to increase the general public's knowledge of our naval history and heritage focusing on the specially designed Destroyer Escorts and the men who sailed them through World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
The not-for-profit Museum does this by disseminating educational materials on historic sites, city, state and/or federal government facilities and by restoring the USS Slater which will serve as a naval museum. A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Museum is funded entirely by contributions from members, corporations, and private Museums. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. A list of the Board of Directors and Key Staff is available here. |
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Aims and Goals
The Destroyer-Escort Historical Museum was created to preserve the history of the ships and the crews who manned them could be perpetuated after the lone survivor of the Destroyer-Escort Sailors Association drinks from the "Last Man" bottle.
The main purpose of the Museum is to keep alive the history created by the DEs and their crews during their time of service to our nation. Through means of educational and cultural programs, the Museum will preserve and pass on the proud history of these "Trim But Deadly" warships to the families of those who served aboard them and to the generations of the future.
The acquisition, restoration and exhibition of USS SLATER (DE-766) is of historical significance to the goal of the Museum. The goal is to have visitors see firsthand a true Destroyer-Escort fitted with the equipment and armament of the day, to see and feel how the crew lived in the limited space aboard a small ship and to learn how the Destroyer-Escort carried out its role as a warship that fought under circumstances not even dreamed of when the ships were designed.
The time of the Destroyer-Escort, 1942-1973, saw the United States engaged in three conflicts-World War II, Korea and Vietnam. It also was the uncharted time of the Cold War. During this entire period, the Destroyer-Escort and the Navy and Coast Guard sailors, who manned them, did their jobs in such a way as to earn a "Well Done" from a grateful nation.
-- Samuel L Saylor, President |
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Operation Restoration
A crowd of more than 2,000 well-wishers, including City, County and State officials, welcomed the USS SLATER to her Albany base. Doubters and non-believers were struck by the reality of it all. They had described the chances of this project succeeding similar to that of a snowball surviving in the heat of hell. The Slater not only survived, but thrived in the challenging waters of W.W.II and its aftermath, 40 years with the Greek Navy and her final trip home with a stopover at the Intrepid Sea-Air- Space Museum in New York City.
We could not foresee the explosive impact and interest that the ship would generate. For example: (1) Slater has been the subject of articles in national media; (2) the ship has been covered on network and cable television; (3) a number of naval historians, architects Navy/Coast Guard personnel have examined her; (4) the Government of Greece and the large Greek-American population regard the ship as a tribute to Hellenic-American friendship; (5) as one of the few, true illustrations of a World War II warship, Slater is being used as the site for training (US Navy, USNR and Sea Scouts haved trained on the ship) and patriotic events (Annual DE Day, State Military Award ceremonies, re-enlistments and retirements).
Most of all, the effect on DE sailors has been nothing less than astounding. Emotions rush to the surface when an old salt visualizes his ship at the pier ... and then steps aboard! The effect is in greater evidence when you see volunteers refurbishing this relic become young again.
Slater is enrolled in the Historical Naval Ships Association, and has been designated as a national historical Landmark.
-- DR. MARTIN DAVIS, Naval Historian |
On the morning of October 26, 1997, the USS SLATER eased out of the main channel of the Hudson River and into her slip at the Port of Albany (N.Y) completing a six-year odyssey that began half way around the world in Crete, Greece. The miracle of saving this historic fighting ship from the scrap heap and getting her to Homeport had taken place.
 USS Slater |  Ship Supt | Webmaster |
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Your Part in the Museum You can make the DE Historical Museum a part of your legacy by becoming a member and supporter of the Museum. A planned gift can ensure the restoration and preservation of the SLATER as a centerpiece for the display of treasures and records of DE heritage and lore. Her decks and compartments provide an ideal environment for cadet training, study, roundtable discussions, reliving and demonstrating mid-century maritime warfare for armchair admirals ... by anyone interested in the meaningful role played by the DE ship and sailor. Membership Becoming a member of the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum is the most basic way you can support the restoration and educational programs on the USS SLATER. Members receive a subscription to our quarterly newsletter "Trim but Deadly Quarterly", and free admission to visit the SLATER. __ I want to become a member of the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum.
Restoration Contributions Many of our friends support us by making direct contributions to the restoration fund to support the ongoing restoration of the USS SLATER. These contributions may be made in any amount at any time and are always gratefully appreciated and used wisely. __Yes, I want to contribute to the USS SLATER Restoration fund. Please acknowledge my contribution in the amount of $_____________________ The Endowment Fund To insure the long-term preservation of the USS SLATER after all the original DE sailors are gone, the Museum has created an Endowment Fund. In this fund, your donation is not spent, but invested. Our goal is to raise three million dollars. In the future, the principal will not be spent. The interest earned will be used to support the long-term preservation of the SLATER. To create this endowment we are asking each DE veteran to contribute a minimum of $50.00 a year for four years. __ Enclosed is my contribution to the SLATER ENDOWMENT FUND in the amount of $_______________________. Bequests Bequests to the Museum can be made in several ways. They can take the form of Insurance Policies, Stocks, or Cash Donations. Bequests can be designated either for the Endowment Fund or the Restoration and Education Fund to be used for activities in keeping with the aims and goals of the Museum. Please review and indicate your choice of planned giving: __ I have remembered the DE Historical Museum in my will. __ The DE Historical Museum is a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. __ My family will express a preference for a memorial contribution to the DE Historical Museum in lieu of flowers. __ Please contact me about gifts and bequests. Memorial Contributions Any Endowment or Restoration contribution can be made in memory of a third party individual that you wish to honor. These memorial donations are listed separately in our "Trim But Deadly Quarterly." To honor a shipmate or loved one, simple fill out the appropriate information above and name the individual below. __Yes, I want to make the above contribution in memory of _______________________________(name) ________________(ship or relationship) Donor's Information Name:...................................................................................... PHONE:.......................... Spouse's Name: ................................................................ E-Mail: ................................... Address:.......................................................................................................................... City: .....................................................................State: .................... Zip: ....................... Military Service Branch, if applicable: ............................................. Period: ...................... If DE/APD sailor, Ship's Name/number: ............................................................................ Make Check Payable to DEHM and mail to Destroyer Escort Historical Museum, USS Slater DE-766, PO Box 1926, Albany, NY 12201-1926 Donations to DEHM are tax deductible, IRS 501 (c) (3). |
last modified: 20 November 2002 (ec)
URL:http://www.ussslater.org/dehf.html
Victory at Sea