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  • 1.  Recommendation for a ship modeler?

    Posted 05-19-2025 04:56 PM

    Hello AAM colleagues,

    For an upcoming exhibition project, our team is looking for a ship modeler to make a scale model of a historic ship. 

    Does anyone have recent experience working with a company or individual with this expertise who can build/modify to order and can accommodate a particular timeframe?

    For context, we are looking for something about 3 feet (not a miniature) that would be presented in a display case (not as a tactile model).

    For example, we have heard of Model Ship Master, a company that seems to work with museums regularly.

    Our team would appreciate any guidance you could provide.

    Thank you!
    Claire



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    Claire Champ
    Creative Development Specialist
    Canadian Museum of History
    Gatineau, QC
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  • 2.  RE: Recommendation for a ship modeler?

    Posted 05-20-2025 08:16 AM

    Hi Claire,

    One place to get solid recommendations might be the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum in Savannah, Georgia. Their website says they commissioned most of their ship models, so I'd bet they know the model building community. Their ship models look spectacular.

    Best,
    Doug



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    Doug Lantry, PhD
    Curator and Historian, Research Division
    National Museum of the United States Air Force
    Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
    douglas.lantry.1@us.af.mil
    nationalmuseum.af.mil
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  • 3.  RE: Recommendation for a ship modeler?

    Posted 05-20-2025 01:45 PM

    Hi Claire, 

    I have both personal and professional experience with Mark Sutherland, https://www.sutherlandshipmodels.com/, and would recommend him wholeheartedly. The Nantucket Historical Association commissioned him to create a model of the Whaleship Essex when I worked there more than a decade ago. If he's not the man for the job, I'm sure he would know who is.  

    Best wishes,

    Claire White



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    Claire White
    Educational Programs Manager
    The Mob Museum- National Museum of Organized Crime & Law Enforcement
    Las Vegas NV
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  • 4.  RE: Recommendation for a ship modeler?

    Posted 05-20-2025 11:35 PM

    HI Claire

    I worked with Lucian Ploias when I worked at the Vancouver Maritime Museum. He worked on commissions and restored the museum's models as needed. His work is impecable and he was easy to work with. I've put it his contact info below. I'd be happy to chat if you have questions. 

    Lucian Ploias
    Transylvanian Ship Models Ltd.
    RR1 V72 Bowen Island, B.C. V0N 1G0
    Canada
    Tel:1 604 817 2375, Fax:1 604 737 2621
    E-mail: information@transylvanian.com

    Cheers,

    Lisa

    Lisa McIntosh, PhD
    Master of Museum Education Program
    University of British Columbia l  xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Territory


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    Lisa McIntosh PhD
    Vancouver BC
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  • 5.  RE: Recommendation for a ship modeler?

    Posted 05-21-2025 08:28 AM

    Hi Claire,

    All the suggestions you receive are great, but I would also add you could reach out to the Council of American Maritime Museums (CAMM) which is a sub-group of AAM. Many CAMM members have vast collections of ship models, and they might already have what you need in case you are interested in a loan; or they could suggest more places and venues based on your region.

    Best,

    Martina

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    Martina Caruso

    Director of Collections and Exhibitions

    South Street Seaport Museum

    New York, NY

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    Collections Department
    New York NY
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