This 134.6×17.4m (441ft6inx57ft) Liberty ship was built in 1942 by Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard in Sparrows Point here in Baltimore. She made 8 voyages during WWII being converted to a troop ship after the first voyage.

Having served as a NYC high school after WWII she now lives here in Baltimore. Unfortunately her lease at her current pier expires at the end of the year. There is a petition to show support for this ship and hopefully help to find someone willing to host space for the ship, even on a temporary basis. Please click here to sign it – thank you!

My history with this ship goes back to the first year I started photography on a regular basis. On May 7, 2006 I saw her from the Bay Bridge during on of their (very) occasional events during which the Eastbound span is closed to road traffic so that people can walk it. This must have coincided with one of the Liberty ship’s excursions as I saw her to the South of the bridge among the competitors in the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean race as well as other local boat and ship traffic.

Over the years I saw her periodically, usually from Fort McHenry from where she is visible at her current home.

In 2011 I happened to be exploring a local park when she was returning from another Living History Cruise.

In September of 2015 my relationship with this ship changed as I, along with other photographers, were invited aboard this ship as she was moved to another berth in preparation for another Living History Cruise. I spent most of the trip on the stern as she was being moved by tugs.

I had the opportunity to do several model shoots aboard this ship which provides a beautiful backdrop. I have explored most areas of this amazing ship and every step seems to tell a story if one listens carefully.

This photo is my favorite with model Stephany Estelle in the Brown’s engine room.

In the latter part of 2018 I began doing videos of ships around Baltimore. The below video of the John W. Brown returning from the September 2018 Living History Cruise was one of my earlier catches! Click here to check out another video taken by drone pilot Pat Gavin.

I am now a member of this ship and plan to do my first Living History Cruise aboard her in 2020. I am hoping she will find a new home here. If you also hope she will find a home here, please sign this petition to help her find a new home in the place of her birth, Baltimore, Maryland!

Check out this blog posting by the Liberty Ship with a lot more info on the ship and what the situation is. Also check out this excellent video from CBS which includes an interview with her Captain. Check out the ship’s website which includes information on upcoming cruises and also check out their steam school! Also see their Facebook page. There’s also a Wikipedia article. Also check out more photos I have taken on, of, and around this ship over the years (including model shoots) by clicking my flickr album here.