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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Lightning
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Lightning

Artifact IDMO 1941.7.70
Object Type Model
Maker
Gifter
Mediumpaint on wood, metal
Dimensionsobject (ship) H 24 in x W 35 in x D 10 1/2 in (61 cm x 88.9 cm x 26.7 cm )
 overall (ship on base) H 27 1/4 in x W 39 in x D 13 1/2 in (69.2 cm x 99.1 cm x 34.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionA wooden model of the three-masted, square-rigged clipper ship, LIGHTNING. The model has a black and green painted hull with gilt trim. The name is painted on the side. There are no sails. An American flag hangs at the back. Several additional very small flags - two American flags, one nautical flag, and a piece of another American flag - are in poor condition and are stored separately. The ship sits unfixed on a wooden cradle and base.



Historical NoteThis model was presented to President Roosevelt by Boston Mayor James M. Curley in February 1935. There are a number of clipper ships in Roosevelt’s collection. His Delano ancestors had been involved in the clipper ship trade with China and his mother traveled with her family to China aboard a clipper ship as a young girl.
Additional Details
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesShip Models (National Archives Identifier 782457)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view