Welcome to the Foundation of Coast Guard History
Our Purpose
The Foundation for Coast Guard History is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote the recognition and prestige of the United States Coast Guard by emphasizing its illustrious past and contributions to the nation.
You can participate by becoming a member. By doing so, you will be showing your special interest in our nation’s oldest continuous naval service, or maritime service. All membership fees are tax deductible.
What We Do
- Create educational opportunities for studies in U.S. Coast Guard history
- Assist the Coast Guard Historian with accessioning of archival material
- Advance public knowledge of the U.S. Coast Guard through contests, grants, and scholarships
- Promote publication and artwork of Coast Guard history
- Support programs of the U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office and the Coast Guard Museum
- Provide internships for records-management projects of U.S. Coast Guard historical documents
- Publish manuscripts and artwork created from Coast Guard resources
- Restore and present historic properties and artifacts in association with The National Trust for Historic Preservation
INTO THE ICE FILM PROJECT: UPDATE
Each year the Coast Guard gives out its highest award for inspirational leadership, The Jarvis Award. Gary Thomas, director of The Foundation for Coast Guard History. approached George Abbott Clark, a filmmaker and anthropologist, to develop the story involving the intense reindeer rescue of 1897 led by David. H. Jarvis. George calls the true action-adventure film project, Into the Ice.
It could become a documentary, a limited series and/or a feature film.
STORY IN A NUTSHELL
Into the teeth of the wild Alaskan winter for 1,500 miles, First Lieutenant David H. Jarvis in the Bering Sea Patrol struggles to lead an overland rescue mission. He’s aided by Inuit and missionary friends herding their 448 reindeer in an attempt to save 275 starving sailors on ice-bound ships. The mission is so unlikely to succeed, it’s called a suicide mission and “death march.”
It’s also the surprisingly untold origin story of the United States Coast Guard.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
Heroes are not born, they are made through sacrifice. More than ever, we need true universal inspirational stories of Heroism, Teamwork, and Sacrifice.
PROJECT STATUS
Several notable retired Coast Guard members, as well as award-winning filmmakers, are now part of the project, including actor-producers Beau and Jeff Bridges. They and their actor father, Lloyd Bridges, served in the Coast Guard.
Beau and Jeff Bridges will help Executive Produce and help Narrate if it’s a documentary. It’s envisioned as a three-part documentary.
As the project continues to evolve, we will give the Coast Guard community updates.
External Links