Museum blog

In 1909, naval seaman Thomas Bouttell risked his own life to save a passenger who was fleeing a ship that was ablaze off the coast of Malta. For his bravery, he was awarded with the Royal Humane Society's Stanhope Gold medal, which was donated to the National Maritime Museum some 60 years later. The accompanying certificate is part of the Caird Library's manuscript collection.

Sophie Warburton explores the story behind a portrait in Royal Museums Greenwich's collection and their connection with the sitter.

The Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition received over 3800 entries from around 80 countries in 2017. Astronomer and judge Marek Kukula draws out the scientific and personal stories from five of his favourites.

My dad is a diehard Union man and in his working life, was heavily involved in negotiations for better contracts for civic employees. Our family heard a lot about the discussions and the delicate balance of arguing for fair recompense and the importance of the union for the working man. In the case of the Mercantile Marine, the journal collection at the National Maritime Museum holds numerous copies of 'The Seaman' although the early copies have distinct titles. This publication records the activities and decisions surrounding the Merchant Navy and its workforce.

Curator Kristian Martin looks at the notorious sex life of the famous diarist Samuel Pepys.

Learn how explorer Robert Falcon Scott's ski overshoes were prepared for display in the new Polar Worlds gallery

Naval volunteer Howard Ormerod shares his memories of 25 May 1982, when a container ship requisitioned by the British government was hit and sunk by Argentinian forces.