Family Program: Sea Shanties 101

Have you ever wanted to belt out a chorus like a weary sailor on the high seas? Grab your crew and head down to the Sea Shanties 101 Workshop at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, downtown Washington, DC.  Join museum education specialist Amy Heath, and museum exhibits/fabrication specialist, Tom Potthast as they deliver a live guitar and vocal performance inviting the audience to sing along while exploring the social and functional importance of the traditional navy shanty. This is your chance to master the songs that kept the Great Ships moving. No experience required—just a pair of lungs and a thirst for fun! 

Amy Heath is a museum education specialist with two decades of classroom teaching experience specializing in creating inclusive, high-impact learning environments that resonate with diverse audiences.  She is also an accomplished singer and guitarist who understands the power of performance as a tool for connection.  She joined the staff of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy in December 2025. 

Tom Potthast is an exhibit specialist at the National Museum of the United States Navy. Previously he worked as an Interpretation Ranger for the National Park Service, Washington, DC, Women’s Equality Monument, Fort Hunt, Arlington House, and President’s Park writing and performing family-oriented music.  Other musical experience includes touring with Texas based bands and recording in major studios in Austin and New York.  He has performed in a range of genres including alternative rock, Jazz, western swing, blues, and Afro-Cuban. He holds degrees in History and Music.  

This free program takes place at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library in downtown Washington, DC, Room 401-F

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Host or Publisher National Museum of the United States Navy