Presentations
The Volunteers of USS SLATER will travel to Libraries, Schools, American Legion Posts, VFW’s, and other group meetings and speak about the history of USS SLATER and other Destroyer Escorts. Most presentations are around an hour in length, but all of them can be customized to fit your needs. There is a suggested donation to the museum for each presentation.
Contact Shanna to book a presentation! Listed below are the presentations we are currently offering:
Saving Slater
This presentation shares the history of USS SLATER and why she was chosen to become the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum. Stories will be shared about the history of Destroyer Escorts, SLATER’S involvement in WWII, her service in the Greek Navy, and her restoration transforming her into a world class museum. Presented by a SLATER volunteer you will get a first-hand look at the hard work that goes into keeping the “Old Girl” afloat.
Taffy 3 at Leyte Gulf
In this presentation we will take an in depth look at the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Destroyer Escorts within Taffy 3. The USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS, “the DE that fought like a battleship” famously sunk at this battle.
Heroes All Around US
This program explores the fascinating history of destroyer escorts, the USS SLATER and the lives of three men who served in the United States Navy during World War II and who are tied in some way to these trim but deadly warships. The first is Frank Slater, killed in action at Guadalcanal and for whom the USS SLATER is named. The second, Leonard Roy Harmon, coming from different circumstances but finding himself serving alongside Frank Slater aboard the USS SAN FRANCISCO, also lost his life and would receive the posthumous distinction of being the first African American to have a ship named in his honor. Finally, the remarkable story of a destroyer escort, the USS SAMUEL B ROBERTS will be examined, highlighting the actions of Paul Henry Carr.
Dazzle Camouflage
In this children’s lesson we learn about the role of the US Navy and Destroyer Escorts. We’ll study SLATER’s funny paint job and what purpose it served, as well as color our own ship and give it a hero’s name.
Battle of the Atlantic
The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest running battle of World War II. The stakes could not have been higher. With a fleet of U-boats at their disposal Nazi Germany menaced the lifeline of convoys to the United Kingdom. Though the U-boat threat was ultimately defeated, it was not a foregone conclusion. Through a combination of strategy, technology and dogged determination the Royal, United States and Royal Canadian Navies worked together and emerged victorious. The history of this fascinating conflict will be explored in a presentation to be delivered by USS SLATER volunteer and British expatriate William Trevor. The role destroyer escorts played in the defeat of the kriegsmarine will also be highlighted.
MS / HS Lesson Plan
SLATER’s Program Manager is always willing to come into your classroom and teach a lesson to your students. Contact us to learn more or suggest a topic.