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The History of the Society of SponsorsThe Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy was founded in 1908 by Miss (Annie) Keith Frazier (Somerville), Sponsor of USS Tennessee and Miss Mary Campbell (Underwood), Sponsor of USS Birmingham with the support of the Secretary of the Navy and President Theodore Roosevelt. The fourteen original members met at the Willard Hotel in Washington DC for their first business meeting, and were guests that evening of the President for the Army-Navy Reception. For many years the Annual Meeting of the Society was held at the Willard Hotel; frequently, a White House Reception or Tea was part of the annual activities. In 1958, Mrs. Somerville penned a booklet, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Society; she died in 1978. In 2008 the Society celebrated its Centennial Year. Financial HighlightsThe Society's purpose is to strengthen appreciation of the U.S. Navy through the provision of scholarships and other related programs. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All funds needed to develop and manage programs that advance our mission comes from contributions by the society members & supporters. |
USS Tracy, named for Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Franklin Tracy, was christened August 12, 1919, by Mrs. Frank Brodhead Tracy. |
Leaders of Our Society
Officers
| Trustees
| Executive Committee Chair
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Society Past Presidents
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